Seeking Serenity in Paintings & Murals
Carol Moreno
December 21, 2021
Dear Carol,
Tell us a bit more about your artistic journey as a self-taught painter whose works are featured and exhibited in some amazing venues.
I’ve been always a painter ever since I was a little girl. I remember an anecdote from my primary school years. The teacher asked us to write some words about the typical theme, "What will you do for a living when you grow up?" At that time, I used to take ballet classes and the teacher said to me, “Maybe you’ll become a professional dancer. You could write about that." "Absolutely not!" I replied, "I’ll become an artistic painter." I was so sure about it even then.
It was a tough path. I had to jump into my own fears: How can I reach my goals with my artwork? How can I pay my bills? The eternal weight of my own thoughts was hard at times with all the bits of, "I’m not good enough. I have no support: social, economic, family based... Although, don't get me wrong, that initial phase was delightful, too. I had andI still have a really deep love for the art itself. Maybe because of the illusions and my eagerness to get going with my paintings, I focused on what is riveting work. I really enjoyed all the process discovering techniques on my own. At early stages, I was trying to imitate textures that I saw in nature, such as tree barks. I kept learning about other artists, art exhibitions... But you know, you have to take some risks, at some point. If you measure your steps, you will never find the best moment to jump into the thick of it. You’ll always come up with a bunch of important excuses for not doing what you need to do. I thought that I had to give to myself one year trying my luck in the art world to see where that took me. Some enterprises, hotels, Art Exhibitions, liked my paintings. But of course some of them did not. I was fine with that. You can’t please everyone. I was on my way.
Was there a particular event or person who helped you decide to become a painter? Who are your most valuable collaborators nowadays?
When I was six years old, I had a teacher. She taught mathematics, but she painted quite well. She opened up my horizon with her choices. She also explained to me some tricks of her own in painting. I remember when I saw some Disney films, too. I paid attention to the story lines, of course, but, I also wanted to know how could they get those effects, shadows, depth, mostly. My eyes were wide open in an analytical way.
Quite a few years later I had my former job in a sales department. I left it because I really wanted to give to myself a chance to make it as an artist. As I said, I decided to give myself one year. My husband encouraged me. I am very grateful to him. An old friend of mine did the same. They had faith in my talent more than I did myself, at times. They are my best collaborators and I appreciate my representative, Gloria.
What are the hardest decisions you had to make to advance your artistic practice? How about the most pleasant part of your work?
Sometimes, I have to say "no" to certain projects. I have a gut feeling that pushes me to say "no" and I follow my intuition. But you are never sure 100 per cent if you’re making the right decision.
As far as the most pleasant part, there are several. I reaaaaally enjoy the creative process: my initial ideas, sketches, at the beginning of each project. Another part is when I’m finishing a painting. Sometimes I am so deeply focused that I`m kind of in a trance. It feels as if I am not myself. And I’ve to say I truly enjoy when clients are thrilled and explain to me their feelings about my artworks.
Tell us a bit more about your artistic journey as a self-taught painter whose works are featured and exhibited in some amazing venues.
I’ve been always a painter ever since I was a little girl. I remember an anecdote from my primary school years. The teacher asked us to write some words about the typical theme, "What will you do for a living when you grow up?" At that time, I used to take ballet classes and the teacher said to me, “Maybe you’ll become a professional dancer. You could write about that." "Absolutely not!" I replied, "I’ll become an artistic painter." I was so sure about it even then.
It was a tough path. I had to jump into my own fears: How can I reach my goals with my artwork? How can I pay my bills? The eternal weight of my own thoughts was hard at times with all the bits of, "I’m not good enough. I have no support: social, economic, family based... Although, don't get me wrong, that initial phase was delightful, too. I had andI still have a really deep love for the art itself. Maybe because of the illusions and my eagerness to get going with my paintings, I focused on what is riveting work. I really enjoyed all the process discovering techniques on my own. At early stages, I was trying to imitate textures that I saw in nature, such as tree barks. I kept learning about other artists, art exhibitions... But you know, you have to take some risks, at some point. If you measure your steps, you will never find the best moment to jump into the thick of it. You’ll always come up with a bunch of important excuses for not doing what you need to do. I thought that I had to give to myself one year trying my luck in the art world to see where that took me. Some enterprises, hotels, Art Exhibitions, liked my paintings. But of course some of them did not. I was fine with that. You can’t please everyone. I was on my way.
Was there a particular event or person who helped you decide to become a painter? Who are your most valuable collaborators nowadays?
When I was six years old, I had a teacher. She taught mathematics, but she painted quite well. She opened up my horizon with her choices. She also explained to me some tricks of her own in painting. I remember when I saw some Disney films, too. I paid attention to the story lines, of course, but, I also wanted to know how could they get those effects, shadows, depth, mostly. My eyes were wide open in an analytical way.
Quite a few years later I had my former job in a sales department. I left it because I really wanted to give to myself a chance to make it as an artist. As I said, I decided to give myself one year. My husband encouraged me. I am very grateful to him. An old friend of mine did the same. They had faith in my talent more than I did myself, at times. They are my best collaborators and I appreciate my representative, Gloria.
What are the hardest decisions you had to make to advance your artistic practice? How about the most pleasant part of your work?
Sometimes, I have to say "no" to certain projects. I have a gut feeling that pushes me to say "no" and I follow my intuition. But you are never sure 100 per cent if you’re making the right decision.
As far as the most pleasant part, there are several. I reaaaaally enjoy the creative process: my initial ideas, sketches, at the beginning of each project. Another part is when I’m finishing a painting. Sometimes I am so deeply focused that I`m kind of in a trance. It feels as if I am not myself. And I’ve to say I truly enjoy when clients are thrilled and explain to me their feelings about my artworks.
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Your quotes and your paintings are poetic and soothing. Where do you find this level of serenity that is reflected in everything you express in words and works?
In Nature and within myself.
Have you learned anything new and refreshing during this global pandemic that may have helped you during these extraordinary times?
I learned how fortunate I am. I knew it, but not to this extent. I have more appreciation for the simple things. All simple moments... All the small things that we take for granted.
What does Carol Moreno listen to, watch, read for inspiration? Who are some of your favorite musicians, movie makers, actors, writers, and artists?
I listen a lot of different kind of music. I love to discover new artists. Among my favorites are: Maria Callas, Metallica, Bach, Queen, Camaron, etc.. It depends on the moment.
I try to pay attention to everything maybe a TV series, a film, a walk. You never know when the inspiration is going to get you.
As for writers, my heart broke when Almudena Grandes died. I love her books. I really enjoy historical novels such as Santiago Posteguillo's.
I love a lot of painters: Velazquez, Fortuny, Sorolla, Alma Tadema, or contemporary ones: Brad Kunkle, Antonio López, Yago Hortal... for example.
Barcelona is a beloved city for many around the world. What makes Barcelona so unique and fantastic? Share the top three places that are mostly known to locals.
For me you have a lot of different things to do or see in Barcelona. You have the sea on one side, the mountains, on the other side. There are some beautiful and amazing neighborhoods where you can relish the history, cultural offerings, Gaudi’s architecture, Catalan Modernism, and an amazing cuisine...
Some of my favorite places in Barcelona are: Carretera de les Aigues - it is a beautiful path with an incredible view of the city and the sea. Another beautiful place to go is in Born neighborhood. I know that it is a well known place. But you have to take a walk on those narrow streets, discover Santa María del Mar. There are a lot of different kinds of restaurants and alternative shopping options with creations by young designers. I also have to mention that if you are in Born buy a croissant or something sweet in the Hoffmam pastry shop. I’m not a sweet tooth kind of person, but I love theirs croissant, I recommend the mascarpones. I enjoy hiking, so I’m going to recommend hiking around Collserola, Tibidabo. But if you are a beach person, I definitely encourage you to get to Sitges.
We have an ongoing campaign titled #BeatTheBlues on ways to prioritize mental health. What does Carol Moreno do to #BeatTheBlues?
Meditation. Yoga. At the same time, painting helps me and gives me a well balanced mindset. No matter what life brings - different or tricky situations, I rely on my painting.
Share with us any of the cultural events that you are looking forward to and the reason behind the excitement.
Well, we have Banksy’s exhibition at Disseny Hub. There are more than 100 artworks by this artist. And the reason to visit Disseny Hub again, you know, is Banksy!
And I really want to go to Aran Malikian’s concert. Is in August even though I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make it. I love classical music. I enjoy the way he plays and his approach to classical music could be enticing for every one.
A good thought to hold on today is...
Trying to be a better person.
In Nature and within myself.
Have you learned anything new and refreshing during this global pandemic that may have helped you during these extraordinary times?
I learned how fortunate I am. I knew it, but not to this extent. I have more appreciation for the simple things. All simple moments... All the small things that we take for granted.
What does Carol Moreno listen to, watch, read for inspiration? Who are some of your favorite musicians, movie makers, actors, writers, and artists?
I listen a lot of different kind of music. I love to discover new artists. Among my favorites are: Maria Callas, Metallica, Bach, Queen, Camaron, etc.. It depends on the moment.
I try to pay attention to everything maybe a TV series, a film, a walk. You never know when the inspiration is going to get you.
As for writers, my heart broke when Almudena Grandes died. I love her books. I really enjoy historical novels such as Santiago Posteguillo's.
I love a lot of painters: Velazquez, Fortuny, Sorolla, Alma Tadema, or contemporary ones: Brad Kunkle, Antonio López, Yago Hortal... for example.
Barcelona is a beloved city for many around the world. What makes Barcelona so unique and fantastic? Share the top three places that are mostly known to locals.
For me you have a lot of different things to do or see in Barcelona. You have the sea on one side, the mountains, on the other side. There are some beautiful and amazing neighborhoods where you can relish the history, cultural offerings, Gaudi’s architecture, Catalan Modernism, and an amazing cuisine...
Some of my favorite places in Barcelona are: Carretera de les Aigues - it is a beautiful path with an incredible view of the city and the sea. Another beautiful place to go is in Born neighborhood. I know that it is a well known place. But you have to take a walk on those narrow streets, discover Santa María del Mar. There are a lot of different kinds of restaurants and alternative shopping options with creations by young designers. I also have to mention that if you are in Born buy a croissant or something sweet in the Hoffmam pastry shop. I’m not a sweet tooth kind of person, but I love theirs croissant, I recommend the mascarpones. I enjoy hiking, so I’m going to recommend hiking around Collserola, Tibidabo. But if you are a beach person, I definitely encourage you to get to Sitges.
We have an ongoing campaign titled #BeatTheBlues on ways to prioritize mental health. What does Carol Moreno do to #BeatTheBlues?
Meditation. Yoga. At the same time, painting helps me and gives me a well balanced mindset. No matter what life brings - different or tricky situations, I rely on my painting.
Share with us any of the cultural events that you are looking forward to and the reason behind the excitement.
Well, we have Banksy’s exhibition at Disseny Hub. There are more than 100 artworks by this artist. And the reason to visit Disseny Hub again, you know, is Banksy!
And I really want to go to Aran Malikian’s concert. Is in August even though I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make it. I love classical music. I enjoy the way he plays and his approach to classical music could be enticing for every one.
A good thought to hold on today is...
Trying to be a better person.
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