Part 4

Q: Could you talk about your latest series of paintings and what you are trying to achieve with them?

A: With my latest paintings I am confessing personal mistakes, sins, and regrets. I want to hear my paintings scream, as if I was telling you the story personally. I want to be free of all my guilt and depression, through my canvas. I want my messages to be universal, and real for everyone to understand, while I confront my demons.

Part 3

Q: The public is always curious about the process of creation of artworks - can you tell us how you do it?

A: There are two parts to creating my art. The image part, and the technical part. The technical part is like anything else. You learn the craft, how to use the tools, the media etc. Then you practice a lot until you're good. The image part is a bit harder to explain. With me it usually starts with a past experience, then I try to visualize how that image might be turned into a visual symbol for me. I do a lot of sketches and historical research in order to get the image I want. I almost never hit the canvas without a solid blueprint of what I am doing.

Q: Jose, you seem to be a very prolific painter, and your works seem to be filled with intense emotion. Is painting like this a release for you or is it emotionally draining?

A: Emotionally draining I can honestly say it isn't, painting is a real release for me, I have so much energy I need to get out. It helps me work through my thoughts, and I know for a fact that if I stop painting, I lose control of my mind and life. I try not to live inside my head but I usually fail and have to let it out, this is when I accidentally find my focus.

Part 2

Q : Jose how do you feel your painting style has evolved?
A: Well at first my art never has been about being confessional but it has slowly become that. As I began to experiment with Surrealism, the paint and my style began evolved, and so did the controlled selective imagery, it embraces my energy. As an artist using myself as the visual vehicle to tell my stories, I feel that my experiences somehow intertwine with all viewers on many different levels. My suffering is just a reflection of humanity and as long as I live I will share my experiences good or bad, its my quest for clarity.

Part 1

Mark: Jose your paintings have rich, strong meaning behind the imagery and you make the simplest thing look hyper intellectualized, powerful, and mysterious.

Q: How do you select an image to paint and what are your feelings when you paint?

A: Thank you Mark. Most of the time its a past experience, and I tend to make the image more complex be adding multiple meanings to that image. To be honest I haven't really painted in a while, and that has haunted me. My life has been very chaotic, I was and still going through a period of depression. This condition has left me with with new imagery and subject matter. You might even call my absences, field research. All I can say is that each of my next paintings are going to be a unique form of personal pain.

Mark: Well, all I can say is that we can't wait to see what you create next. We'll talk tomorrow.

Q: Jose, when did you start to paint in a professional way, who were your influences and what was your inspiration?

A: I have been creating art since I can remember. I began to oil paint in college at Michigan University in East Lansing, Mi. My inspirations have always come in response to my life, emotions, and people in my life. My early influences were Jose Orozco, Lola Bravo and Rivera. After I began painting and going to Museums, my influences became more eclectic. I began to be influenced by Van Gogh with his thick use of paint, and John Singer Sargent for his sensually graceful brushwork and beautifully executed paintings, as well as Rembrandt and others.

Interview with Jose Romero Jr Emerging Painter

I recently met artist Jose Romero while he was installing a show in New Jersey and I was very impressed with his paintings. I independently write and blog about current artist, and exhibitions on the NYC scene. I will be following Jose, via email, phone, and studio visits conducting multiple interviews and then posting our interactions. Jose Romero Jr. is one of the new up and coming artist with a powerful brush. He pours himself into his work, and uses controversial images that challenge the viewer in understanding Jose's state of mind. Mr. Romero's connection with the great story telling abilities of 14th & 15th century Masters is amazing. Definitely an Artist to watch and collect!