Michael Sacramento
Basic Information
_Date of Birth: August 11, 1971
Place of Birth: Quezon City, Philippines
Occupation: Painter
Contact number/email address: 510 384 6360
art@michaelsacramento
Motto: "I can do this"
Place of Birth: Quezon City, Philippines
Occupation: Painter
Contact number/email address: 510 384 6360
art@michaelsacramento
Motto: "I can do this"
Interview
1. When did you start painting?
When I was 17 yrs old
2. What made you want to paint, was it a childhood passion?
As far as art is concerned, I was probably influenced by my dad from the time I was born. He designed shoes for a living and he was always drawing. One of the fondest childhood memories that I have of my dad was when I was around 5 yrs old and we used to sit and draw together. Then when I was in high school, my art teacher influenced me to paint. That's when I fell in-love with painting. Even though drawing was my first love, painting encouraged me to appreciate color as well as lines and shapes. Ever since then I used painting as my main tool for creativity and self-expression.
3. Did you attend art school? If not, where and how did you learn to paint?
Yes, I studied painting and drawing in California State University, Northridge and San Francisco State University.
4. How long does it usually take you to complete a piece of art?
It normally takes me 3-4 weeks to finish a 3 foot by 4 foot painting. Smaller and/or less detailed paintings would take me less time. Bigger and/or bigger paintings would take longer.
5. Do you paint certain hours each day or only when you are inspired?
I normally go to my art studio during Wednesday and Thursday nights.
6. What does painting mean to you?
Painting to me is like brushing my teeth or exercising. I need to paint in order to feel good about myself. There are times when I don't want to do it, because I'm lazy or there are other more fun things to do, but I know that I'll feel horrible if I do not do it consistently.
7. Who/what inspires you to paint?
I'm inspired by my immediate surroundings - architectural surfaces, landscapes, people's bodies and faces, fashion and design. The artists that currently inspire me are Wayne Thiebaud, Edward Hopper, Raymond Stapranz and Mel Ramos.
8. What's the best thing about painting?
The act of painting provides me with one of the most fulfilling meditative experiences. It's a transcending, visceral experience when I apply paint on a surface and I am creating something. My thoughts flow fluidly, my breathing gets better and my emotion is high but constant.
9. What painting technique do you like the most (charcoal, pastel, etc.?
I like Oil paint, brush and canvas the best.
Why?
I'm most comfortable with this combination because I trained in it the most. It's now the most natural for me.
10. Which of your artwork pieces is your favorite?
It changes over time, but right now this is my favorite: http://www.michaelsacramento.com/unfulfilled.html
Why?
It's one of my most recent paintings. It's my favorite because it's a combination of the different styles that I like - abstract color, graffiti, portraiture.
11. What message do you have for aspiring painters?
Hello aspiring painters. Welcome to this area of self-expression and creativity. If you are the type of person who has to paint in order to feel alive, then I encourage you to embrace that passion. Try to be a better painter everyday and try to learn as much about it as you can. The greatest thing you can do for your passion is to study and practice. By studying and practicing, you can become the best painter that you can be and give yourself the best chance for success. Lastly, remember to share your best work with others. Being a painter is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that helps you and others around you appreciate our world.
When I was 17 yrs old
2. What made you want to paint, was it a childhood passion?
As far as art is concerned, I was probably influenced by my dad from the time I was born. He designed shoes for a living and he was always drawing. One of the fondest childhood memories that I have of my dad was when I was around 5 yrs old and we used to sit and draw together. Then when I was in high school, my art teacher influenced me to paint. That's when I fell in-love with painting. Even though drawing was my first love, painting encouraged me to appreciate color as well as lines and shapes. Ever since then I used painting as my main tool for creativity and self-expression.
3. Did you attend art school? If not, where and how did you learn to paint?
Yes, I studied painting and drawing in California State University, Northridge and San Francisco State University.
4. How long does it usually take you to complete a piece of art?
It normally takes me 3-4 weeks to finish a 3 foot by 4 foot painting. Smaller and/or less detailed paintings would take me less time. Bigger and/or bigger paintings would take longer.
5. Do you paint certain hours each day or only when you are inspired?
I normally go to my art studio during Wednesday and Thursday nights.
6. What does painting mean to you?
Painting to me is like brushing my teeth or exercising. I need to paint in order to feel good about myself. There are times when I don't want to do it, because I'm lazy or there are other more fun things to do, but I know that I'll feel horrible if I do not do it consistently.
7. Who/what inspires you to paint?
I'm inspired by my immediate surroundings - architectural surfaces, landscapes, people's bodies and faces, fashion and design. The artists that currently inspire me are Wayne Thiebaud, Edward Hopper, Raymond Stapranz and Mel Ramos.
8. What's the best thing about painting?
The act of painting provides me with one of the most fulfilling meditative experiences. It's a transcending, visceral experience when I apply paint on a surface and I am creating something. My thoughts flow fluidly, my breathing gets better and my emotion is high but constant.
9. What painting technique do you like the most (charcoal, pastel, etc.?
I like Oil paint, brush and canvas the best.
Why?
I'm most comfortable with this combination because I trained in it the most. It's now the most natural for me.
10. Which of your artwork pieces is your favorite?
It changes over time, but right now this is my favorite: http://www.michaelsacramento.com/unfulfilled.html
Why?
It's one of my most recent paintings. It's my favorite because it's a combination of the different styles that I like - abstract color, graffiti, portraiture.
11. What message do you have for aspiring painters?
Hello aspiring painters. Welcome to this area of self-expression and creativity. If you are the type of person who has to paint in order to feel alive, then I encourage you to embrace that passion. Try to be a better painter everyday and try to learn as much about it as you can. The greatest thing you can do for your passion is to study and practice. By studying and practicing, you can become the best painter that you can be and give yourself the best chance for success. Lastly, remember to share your best work with others. Being a painter is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that helps you and others around you appreciate our world.