Artists

American artist Nestor Toro (b. 1976) is a professional, independent abstract painter. His internationally collected abstract art can be found in private collections across five continents and over 30 countries. The value of Nestor’s art has doubled in the past year, making him one of the most sought-after contemporary abstract expressionist artists.

His love of nature fuels his unique, expressive, gestural painting style, often compared to Pollock’s technique of painting with the canvas on the studio floor. Nestor’s bold color palette, featuring unexpected choices that organically combine, creates an emotional connection with viewers, often evoking memories.

Nestor’s desire to experience the world has been the most significant influence on both his life and art. Always drawn to travel, he wanted to explore the vastness of the world and experience the adventures he knew existed beyond the small tropical island he called home. At 18, he left the island to attend college on the mainland, pursuing his love of travel. His education and work in the travel industry allowed him to visit over 20 countries, exposing him to diverse cultures and granting him a global perspective that most people do not have.

He has lived in Miami and Los Angeles and has spent extended periods living outside of the United States. This includes a year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and most recently, six years (2006–2012) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was during his time in Buenos Aires that his creative inspiration was fully ignited. He was fueled by the vibrant and rich culture juxtaposed with the extremes of wealth, manic chaos, and abject poverty, which coexist side by side. In this unique environment, his first paintings were created and evolved.

Viviana’s journey into the world of art is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and perseverance. Born and raised in Los Angeles, amidst the chaos of a bustling household, work, and family life, she discovered her passion for artistic expression later in life.

Though always drawn to creativity, it wasn’t until adulthood that Viviana truly uncovered her love for art and painting. What began as a solution to a financial dilemma – replicating expensive wallpaper on her kitchen walls – quickly blossomed into a full-fledged passion. Fueled by a desire to beautify her surroundings and a knack for imitation, Viviana delved into the realms of faux finishing and trompe l’oeil painting just as they gained popularity.

Living in proximity to the esteemed Art Center College of Design in Pasadena provided Viviana with a serendipitous opportunity to hone her craft. Over seven years, she eagerly immersed herself in every night class available, relishing the guidance of accomplished artists and the camaraderie of fellow creatives.

Despite her unwavering dedication, the demands of work, responsibilities, and family commitments often relegated Viviana’s artistic aspirations to the sidelines. Yet, after three decades of refining her skills amidst life’s whirlwind, she has finally seized the opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of painting full-time.

Viviana’s art is a vibrant reflection of her spirit – pulsating with bold colors, dynamic contrasts, and a timeless mid-century aesthetic. While she delights in experimenting with various mediums, her heart belongs to the rich textures and expressive possibilities of oils. Through her art, Viviana not only explores the depths of her imagination but also invites viewers on a journey of joy, wonder, and selfdiscovery. Each stroke of her brush is imbued with passion and purpose, weaving a tapestry of emotions that speaks to the soul. For Viviana, art is more than just a form of expression; it is a profound manifestation of her innermost self, a lifelong pursuit that continues to inspire and uplift all who encounter it.

Steven just wants to make people smile when they see his work. He focuses on using happy bright colors in a medium that conveys emotion and light. Steven’s work has been shown at the Janssen Artspace and has been a part of the California Desert Arts Council. Steven has been accepted into the “The Other Art Fair” in Los Angeles, a distinct honor.

Ron Braveman has been a Los Angeles-based artist for about 25 years.

After studying fine art at the University of Hartford’s Art School, he lived in New York City and Los Angeles, continuing to hone his skills by taking classes at Pratt Institute, the School of Visual Arts, Otis College of Art and Design, Art Center College of Design, and other schools.

He primarily works with watercolor, acrylics, pens, pencils, and gouache on paper and canvas. After being commissioned multiple times in 2018 to create original maps of specific places, he discovered that streets, architecture, and various repeating patterns provide endless inspiration.

Once a work begins, it is an intuitive process for him. He pursues a theme until it resembles his mood, most often painting in a peaceful and calm, meditative state. There is no recipe that is replicated from one work to the next; every piece is unique. He manipulates each work until it seems to breathe on its own.

Chris is a California-based fine artist and printmaker with murals, paintings on canvas, and relief prints displayed publicly and in galleries. His desert upbringing has inspired him to build a body of work based on the use of bold palettes of brilliant colors to give his pieces deep contrasts, movement, and depth.

Through the use of these colors and contrasts, he aims to interrogate assumptions of dualities. Juxtaposing the built and natural worlds, overlapping the past with the present, and inverting the role of shadows and light aim to invoke reflection on one’s relationship to nature and to folkloric mythologies.
A Californian artist of Mexican descent, Chris draws great inspiration from Mexican folkloric traditions depicting hummingbirds, native plants, and cultural traditions as a means to link modern day imagery to the past.

Ziva Barrett strives to explore the enigmatic and mysterious realms of the subconscious mind . As a surrealist artist, she is fascinated by the uncanny, the dreamlike, and the inexplicable aspects of human existence. Drawing inspiration from a wide array of sources, including literature, mythology, psychology, and personal experiences, she constructs visual narratives that evoke a sense of intrigue, inviting viewers to interpret and engage with their own subconscious landscapes.

While her work is deeply rooted in the tradition of surrealism, she also draw inspiration from contemporary issues and social dynamics. By addressing themes of identity, power dynamics, and the complexities of the human condition, she aims to provoke a dialogue that transcends the confines of the visual realm. Through her art, she seeks to engage viewers in a thought-provoking journey, encouraging them to reflect upon their own experiences and beliefs.

Michael Hartstein is inspired by the movement of nature into our everyday lives. His paintings reflect some aspects of nature. Michael paints in an impressionistic style, using bold colors and textures to bring excitement and passion to my paintings. His goal while painting is to stimulate awareness of how nature enriches our lives.

Simone’s paintings are an invitation to step into a world where spontaneity, intuition, and daring exploration reign supreme. With each stroke, color, and revealed layer, she shares a unique glimpse into a kinetic artistic journey that captivates the viewer’s imagination.