Iowan Plein Air artist to be featured at IW

MT. PLEASANT — Friday, Nov. 11, Iowa Wesleyan will host Carlos Maldonado’s art for a fall art exhibition in the P.E.O Memorial Building art gallery 5-7 p.m.

Maldonado is an experienced artist born in Los Angeles, raised in West Liberty, and currently residing in Iowa City.

The exhibition will showcase works in his specialty with Plein Air Painting with acrylic and gouache among portraits and other art.

Maldonado would say that portraits are not his strong suite. His gallery of portraits, however, would indicate that traditional portraits may be a better definition.

The portraits he does complete are generally more abstract and impressionistic. With this style, he is able to portray more than just people, Maldonado captures emotions and moments.

While portraits can be commissioned, much of Maldonado’s commissioned work consists of pet portraits, but Plein Air Painting is his passion.

“I am inspired by the beauty in the mundane and am compelled to capture that in my art,” Maldonado said.

This passion for painting outdoors on location emerged in 2018 through a Facebook group named Iowa Plein Air Painters.

After meeting with these local artists, Maldonado discovered Plein Air competitions.

Throughout the year, he travels for competitions.

Maldonado received third place for his work with watercolors at the Augusta Plein Air Art Festival, last year.

Previously, he took home first place at the West Liberty Area Art Council’s Plein Air contest.

This past September Maldonado was on the other end of the awards at the West Liberty Paint Out.

He sponsored and chose the winner for the quick paint award for this contest.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com