Cuban born, my family fled Cuba in 1965 in search of freedom and opportunities here in these United States of America. My early childhood was spent in the South Bronx and somewhere around 3rd or 4th grade, we moved to the infamous Union City known as both the “Embroidery Capital of the United States” and “Havana on the Hudson”.
An inquisitive and creative child, I spent a good deal of my time building things, painting, drawing, etc. And although I was incredibly talented; the folks at the Draw the Pirate correspondence school said so, I decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering instead and eventually a partial Masters in Computational Fluid Mechanics. This of course, explains my affinity for sailing and watercolors!
Fast forward through many years and careers in Aerospace, Telecommunications, Software Development, CIO, COO, etc. and we arrive at today – Carlos A. Mendoza, Watercolorist!
Even though I grew up in the city, or perhaps because of it, I’ve always been drawn to nature. It doesn’t really matter; the mountains, the woods or the sea; they all offer a chance to stop and think; to connect with something much bigger than ourselves. A chance to explore; to veer off the well marked trail and follow the overgrown, boulder strewn path to see where it leads.
As an artist, I explore these intersections of sea and shore, water and sky, night and day. I explore the natural rhythms and fluid beauty that exists most vividly where these converge and if ... view more »
Cuban born, my family fled Cuba in 1965 in search of freedom and opportunities here in these United States of America. My early childhood was spent in the South Bronx and somewhere around 3rd or 4th grade, we moved to the infamous Union City known as both the “Embroidery Capital of the United States” and “Havana on the Hudson”.
An inquisitive and creative child, I spent a good deal of my time building things, painting, drawing, etc. And although I was incredibly talented; the folks at the Draw the Pirate correspondence school said so, I decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering instead and eventually a partial Masters in Computational Fluid Mechanics. This of course, explains my affinity for sailing and watercolors!
Fast forward through many years and careers in Aerospace, Telecommunications, Software Development, CIO, COO, etc. and we arrive at today – Carlos A. Mendoza, Watercolorist!
Even though I grew up in the city, or perhaps because of it, I’ve always been drawn to nature. It doesn’t really matter; the mountains, the woods or the sea; they all offer a chance to stop and think; to connect with something much bigger than ourselves. A chance to explore; to veer off the well marked trail and follow the overgrown, boulder strewn path to see where it leads.
As an artist, I explore these intersections of sea and shore, water and sky, night and day. I explore the natural rhythms and fluid beauty that exists most vividly where these converge and if I’m very lucky, I capture a distinct moment in space and time.
Why Watercolors?
I chose Watercolors as my medium for the same reason I chose sailing; I’ve always found that it’s less about controlling your environment and more about understanding it. Watercolors allow me to capture light, mood and emotion unlike any other medium and at the same time ensure that every attempt to do so is as different as the previous day’s sunset.
My Paintings
My paintings are a natural extension of my love of exploration – no two pieces are the same and each is a means of sharing a special moment with you; the regal purples of first light while anchored in the middle of a cypress swamp, the grouping of stones glimmering in the surf while exploring Jekyll Island during a serendipitous layover, the absolutely amazing light just moments before a summer thunderstorm – A moment in time captured and shared!
My wife and I spend our time sailing along the East coast of the United States from the Florida Keys north to the bays of Maine, so naturally, the majority of my paintings are centered around seascapes, coastal landscapes and cityscapes.
I hope one of my pieces touches you; sparks a memory or rekindles a dream!
Carlos A. Mendoza
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