Inspired by the drama of light and shadow, artist Juan Carlos Camacho specializes in watercolors which show contrast, detail and sometimes depicts ambiguity. Born in Heredia, Costa Rica, Camacho studied drawing and painting from his high school years at Conservartorio Castella through his tenure at the University of Costa Rica, where he obtained a degrees in drawing, painting, and architecture.

With participation in over 70 exhibitions throughout Costa Rica, Spain, Italy, Austria, Hong Kong, Mexico, Columbia, and the U.S., Camacho has received more than 20 awards, including: 2012 Premio “Aquileo J. Echeverría,” in fine arts Ministerio de Cultura y Juventud Asociación, (Costa Rican watercolorists), San José; 2006 Premio VII Bienal Internacional in watercolors, Museo Alfredo Guati-Rojo D.F. México; and as far back as 1980 Primer Lugar en Acuarela, Certamen efectuado en el Colegio Técnico Profesional Don Bosco San José, Costa Rica.

“I have no specific preference for any kind of art or style,” says Camacho, “and I like having artistic authenticity, expression and impact. I am inspired by the simple act of painting for painting’s sake, and have the feeling to be free with the simple stroke of a brush.” When asked about his favorite artist, Camacho recognizes the talents of many artists, but in particular American-born Andrew Wyeth for his great skill in the use of space, the peculiarities of his compositions, his mastery of various techniques, and the boldness of his brush strokes.

Having an intense background in architecture, Camacho stresses that the two disciplines of art and architecture are mixed, always present, and compliments the other. “Most of my paintings have been done in watercolor technique, which I consider a technique of great dignity, allowing unlimited spontaneity, but involving risk and no room for error. For me, that is the big challenge,” he tells us.

Over time Camacho has adapted an ability to identify, read, and feel the reason or subject for painting, whether it is the intense play of light and shadow, the drama of a landscape, or perhaps the unnoticed detail. In the end, he shows us the possibilities are endless, and he finds it of upmost importance to organize and study every goal in a subject, one at a time, to create a series.

Join us for the opening of “Tiempos,” on Saturday, May 4th, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Hidden Garden Art Gallery, located 5 kms west of the Daniel Oduber Airport.

For more information, contact 2667-0592, 8386-6872, or [email protected].