Art Beginnings
My name is Arcilia and I have been an artist all my life. First with an interest in drawing realistic pieces, then experimenting with many different art forms. I have always been more interested in drawing than painting because I believed it was easier to make mistakes and it was less messy. When I began college, I had little interest in experimenting with charcoal because of the mess. But after one charcoal landscape assignment - I was hooked. (see image titled “Number One”). Growing up in a big Texas city, I didn’t have the chance to appreciate the nature around me. Most of my time outdoors was on a soccer field so I was usually preoccupied. Moving to a small Kansas town for college was a huge culture shock, but it was perhaps one of the best experiences of my life. I got to appreciate the trees changing colors with the seasons and the weather showcasing its beauty, especially during thunderstorms. Growing up thunderstorms meant soccer games were canceled, but in Kansas, thunderstorms meant I saw a beautiful show. Fall became my favorite season because I could get a good look at the detail within and around the trees after their leaves fell. My college campus also had an abundance of trees so there was inspiration everywhere.
“Number One” - charcoal on illustration board, 16x20” 2014
That was essentially the beginning of my interest in black-and-white landscapes. After that, my college studies introduced me to India ink and of course painting, as well as ceramics, printmaking, digital art, and many other art forms. My favorite medium has remained charcoal because I love the range I can achieve with just soft and compressed charcoal sticks. My style has changed several times over the years since my college art classes. Every now and then I try look to back and see if I can revert to an older style of mine and experiment.
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When I graduated and moved back to Texas, I chose to go further down south and live in Austin, TX. It was a fun and exciting experience, which allowed me to meet people and travel! Through my road trips, I collected a lot of inspiration for new artwork. I also experimented with painting, which was perhaps my least favorite medium, since I don’t have an eye for color. Eventually, I called Fort Worth home again and participated in several pop-ups in and around the DFW area. When COVID-19 caused lockdowns, I worked to improve my framing skills which to me, is a lot of fun. I also took the opportunity to work on commissions that don’t fall under my usual style but were a great way to get out of my comfort zone. Before moving out of Texas to North Carolina, I held a “clean out sale” to let go of several old pieces and give myself a fresh start, which I am looking forward to doing here as well! :)
Artist Arcilia Gonzalez in front of a source of inspiration located on her college campus. Circa 2014.
“The Brick Road” - charcoal on illustration board, 16x20” 2014
