"Through art, I can manifest my passion for beauty, express my emotions and the mysteries of nature. Hopefully, it will awaken your senses, to experience a lifetime moment; one would like to forever cherish, and say ... thank you Father for Paradise".
Edgar Hernández Medina was born in 1958, in Passaic, New Jersey and raised in his parent's homeland Puerto Rico. He lived on the island of enchantment until his early twenties. Throughout this time he enjoyed traveling the Caribbean Islands. The islands exposed him to exceptionally beautiful seascapes and landscapes full of warmth, vibrant colors, dancing palm trees and the fire filled sunsets. Now, these themes are instantly recognizable as a signature of his art.
His paintings capture the essence of nature's beauty. The moods and hues express nostalgia for the island, which is the heart of his inspiration. His first painting was created at the age of twelve, as a class assignment.
His teacher acknowledged in surprise there is an artist in the classroom. The motivation to paint and love for art now had its beginnings.
He moved to the U.S. to pursue a new career which left him little time to paint. However, his career exposed him to art appreciation all over the world. When travel permitted, he would take art classes at Community Colleges to keep the passion for art alive.
During his constant travels to Santiago, Chile, he met Master Artist Carmen Verdaguer. She privately tutored him for six years, emphasizing on oil techniques in figurative and impressionistic art. An inspirational moment for the artist was having the privilege of his paintings privately critiqued by Master Artist Carlos Contreras Tornero.
His career continuously directs him to South America and he realizes that he has spare time to dedicate to his art and possibly learn a different medium. Fortunately, he meets his next instructor, Master Artist Miguel Angel Villafaña from Santiago, Chile. Master Villafaña desired to focus on Edgar's knowledge in oils and realism, until he observed Edgar's extroardinay talent to work with pastels. After two more years of lessons, both the master and student agreed that the passion for the subject, pure pigment, and his effortless ability to work with the pastel medium was the perfect marriage for Edgar to continue creating his own masterpieces.
Edgar's portfolio portrays a realistic style conveying a nostalgic reflection of his roots and travels that captivate and inspire the observer.
The artist participates in local and international art expositions and has been honored with awards and recognitions. His most recent by Museum of the Americas (Museo de las Americas), Miami, Florida.
Edgar Hernández Medina's art has been acquired by collectors throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and South America and he maintains a private clientele.
