ABOUT
I’ve never been very good at fitting into boxes.
Maybe that’s why I became an artist.
I’ve always had a complicated relationship with authority. Not because I don’t respect people or tradition, but because I struggle with being told what I should paint, how I should paint it, or what kind of artist I’m supposed to be. The moment someone tries to put me into a category, something in me wants to push back. I don’t fit into a mold. I never have.
My work is a reflection of that.
I was born in Venezuela, raised in America, and somehow I feel like I belong to both worlds while also feeling like I don’t fully belong to either. I am Venezuelan, and I am American—but I am also something in between. I carry pieces of both cultures, both histories, and both ways of seeing the world.
You can hear it in my music.
One day my playlist might be filled with Noah Kahan, Tim McGraw, and Ryan Bingham. The next it’s Willie Colón, Bad Bunny, Elvis Crespo, Celia Cruz, or anything from my Venezuelan roots. Then somehow Pavarotti and Taylor Swift end up mixed in there too. My taste has never followed a straight line, and neither has my art.
I’ve always been drawn to the American West. Not just because of the landscapes, but because of what they represent. There is something raw about the West—the freedom, the independence, the history, and even the lawlessness of it. It was a place where people carved out their own paths, where rules were tested, and where survival depended on grit and determination.
That spirit speaks to me.
When I paint the towering rock formations, endless skies, wildlife, and places that define the West, I’m not simply trying to recreate what I see. I’m not interested in making a photograph with paint.
I’m trying to capture what those places feel like.
The silence of standing beneath a massive canyon wall. The warmth of sunlight hitting red rock. The loneliness and freedom of an open landscape. The stories hidden in the dust, the mountains, and the people who have passed through those places.
My paintings are about emotion, memory, and connection.
Through expressive brushwork, bold color, and a focus on light and atmosphere, I strive to capture more than a location. I want people to feel like they were there—to experience a moment, a place, or a story.
I’m an artist who refuses to stay in one lane. I paint landscapes, wildlife, people, and places that move me. I follow curiosity. I follow feeling. I follow the story behind the subject.
Because at the end of the day, I’m not interested in painting what I’m told to paint.
I’m interested in painting what I can’t ignore.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I paint because I’m fascinated by the way light, color, and atmosphere can completely change the way we experience a place.
Working primarily in acrylic, I’ve developed a style that blends impressionism with urban sketching. I love exploring bold, loose brushwork while letting expressive linework remain part of the finished painting instead of hiding it. Those sketch lines become part of the story, guiding your eye through the composition and adding another layer of movement and energy.
Color is one of my favorite tools. I use a vibrant palette and playful color relationships to capture the feeling of a landscape rather than simply documenting what I see. Every brushstroke is intentional, but I also leave room for spontaneity, allowing the painting to evolve naturally. That balance between expressive brushwork and confident sketching is what makes my work feel alive.
From the people and wildlife to the landscapes of the American West, I’m always chasing what made me stop and take notice in the first place. It’s the way the light falls across the land, the atmosphere, and the feeling of being there. My goal isn’t just to paint what I saw—it’s to create something that makes you feel like you could step right into the scene.
Every painting I create is driven by a simple goal: to invite people to slow down and truly experience it. I want expressive brushwork to guide the eye, thoughtful composition to spark curiosity, and bold, vibrant color to evoke a sense of wonder that lingers long after they’ve walked away.
“An artist must never be a prisoner. Prisoner? An artist should never be a prisoner of himself, prisoner of style, prisoner of reputation, prisoner of success, etc.”
— Henri Matisse
FAQs
How long have you been painting?
I’ve been an artist my entire life. As a kid, I was the one asking for art supplies instead of toys or new clothes, and honestly, not much has changed. In 2019, I decided to pursue art full time, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Today I teach, mentor aspiring artists, create paintings for collectors, exhibit my work, and compete in plein air events. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m grateful I get to do what I’ve loved since I was a child.How do you price your paintings?
Why Gallery Prices Are Higher (And What I’ve Learned About Pricing My Art)Do you do commissions?
Yes. I prefer to do work that fits into the rest of my themes and styles.
Do you offer workshops?
Yes I offer a 12 week online landscape painting course PAINT WITH FREEDOMDo you paint on site or from photos?
A little of both! I paint outdoors (plein air) whenever I can because there’s nothing quite like experiencing the light, color, and atmosphere in person. I also take reference photos while I’m on location so I can use them later in the studio for larger paintings.Do you sell your artwork framed?
I don’t frame my artworks. They do come ready to hang. I leave the choosing of the frame to you because you know what decor fits best in your home.Publications
Voyage Utah Magazine
August 3, 2022
https://voyageutah.com/interview/check-out-manny-a-maldonados-story/
Voyage Utah Magazine
February 12, 2025
https://voyageutah.com/interview/meet-manny-a-maldonado-of-iron-station-nc
LKN Magazine
April 1, 2025
https://lkn-magazine.com/art-speak-manny-a-maldonado/
Bold Journey
July 29, 2025
https://boldjourney.com/meet-manny-a/
Canvas Rebel
March 9, 2026
https://canvasrebel.com/meet-manny-a/#google_vignette
Honors & Awards
2nd Place Plein-Air event at Valdese Lakeside Park, NC 2022.People’s Choice Selection at Foothills Plein-Air Festival, Elkin NC 2022.Southport Plein Air Festival 2024, Award Winning Artist.Honorable Mention & People’s Choice Award at The Valdese, NC Plein Air Festival 2024.Southport Plein Air Festival 2025, Latana's Gallery and Fine Gifts, Plein Air Award Winning Artist.People’s Choice Award at The Valdese, NC Plein Air Festival 2025.People’s Choice Award at The UP YOUR ARTS Southport, NC Plein Air Festival 2026. Collections
Private Collections in the United States- Kentucky, Chicago, Houston, California, Washington State, Utah and North CarolinaExhibitions
2026 Group Exhibition, Rock School Arts Foundation Galleries Old Rock School, Valdese, NC, March 6-April 3, 2026Memberships
Guild of Charlotte ArtistsAmerican Impressionist Society IncNorth Carolina Plein Air PaintersHigh Country Plein Air PaintersCharlotte Urban SketchersGaston County Art guildAU Painting Challenge CommunityProfessional Experiences
Plein Air Painting Instructor, Self Employed, NC, 2024-PresentAfter School Art Instructor for NCMA ( North Carolina Museum of Art) AIM Program & Residency 2026After School Art Instructor for Iron Station Elementary, NC 2025Founding Member, Newton Plein Air Festival, Newton, NC 2026Plein Air Instructor in Collaboration with HMA (Hickory Museum of Art) 2026You can also see my work at:
Carolina Steak & Rib
1430 East Main StLincolnton, NC 28092Cafe Koa & Market
302 North Howe StSouthport, NC 28461NoCo Arts Gallery
118 N. College Ave,Newton, NC 28658Old Hickory Tannery
970 Locust StNewton, NC 28658Represented by:
Latana’s Gallery
113 South Howe StreetSouthport, NC 28641Mirthos
618 N. Howe StreetSouthport, NC 28461