Texas artist, Elias San Miguel, is self-taught. As far back as he can remember he always wanted to be an artist. The sixth of eight children, he was born and raised in the west side of San Antonio. He finds inspiration in the natural beauty of the people and landscapes of Texas, the Southwest and Mexico. His authentic, colorful account of the flora and fauna of the Southwest, cowboy life, the U. S. Army, historical scenes of the Mexican Revolution ignite on canvas and other textures. Elias works with watercolor, gouache, acrylics, pen & ink, pastels, charcoal and pencil, but is drawn to oil as his medium of choice.
"When I was a child, I loved to draw, and the encouragement and support from my family was invigorating. Art was a good way to share my thoughts, explore new surfaces, and communicate ideas and emotions. The love and inspiration of my culture, the colors of Mexico, cowboy life of the American West and the armed forces continue to motivate me to create art and capture moments in time. Believe in yourself and your abilities, set positive goals and with determination, you can achieve your dreams."
Julie Garcia writes in her interesting article "Breaking Down The Barriers" of Elias, "Upon viewing his art the spectator is drawn in by the vibrant colors and lively images, but it is the introspective expression, which the subject holds, that keeps the viewer there and wondering what the subject is contemplating. In a time when art is viewed so critically and subjects are so controversial, Elias San Miguel chooses to pursue his passion of painting life as he sees it. His sense of pride and honor for his heritage has made him a pioneer in the field of contemporary art. "
In San Antonio, his artwork can be found at Gallista Gallery Art Complex, Art & Frame Studio of the Southwest, in Austin at Antonio’s Tex-Mex Café & Cantina and also in private collections locally and throughout the country.
