Padilla's style is best described as the "farside of cubism," due to his influences of Picasso and Gary Larson along with Latin contemporary masters. A linear style defines his unique perspective of imagery with vibrant color that suggests whimsy. Unlike like other juxtaposed styles, his self-taught artistic expression pokes fun of fun. Whether it be a cartoon character or seductive feline, one feels the sense of a good time or bad one, whichever makes you smile.
Padilla's early artistic aspiration was to be a syndicated cartoonist. He began as a staff cartoonist for the Saddleback College weekly newspaper. His drawings highlighted heavy commentary on the opinion page and illustrated features in the student magazine.
In 1983, the JACC, California Journalism Association of Community Colleges, awarded Padilla for his artwork as editorial cartoons and magazine illustrations. At the time, Rough Beat was his cartoon masterpiece about the life and jokes of a garage rock band, which Padilla developed with three writers he found through a student newspaper ad.
In 1987, after many "thanks, but no thanks" letters from cartoon editors, he landed a gig at OP, Ocean Pacific Sunwear, as a graphic designer on the corporate design team. He created and developed imagery for clothing and accessories with several of his designs becoming best sellers internationally for the company. He left after a few successful seasons to pursue his own artistic endeavors.
In 1991, he introduced a line of limited-edition screen prints on canvas, paper and T-shirts. Unfortunately, this project was a business tragedy, which rerouted Padilla briefly into the telecom industry.
In 1997, he cashed in his 401k and headed to Ensenada, B.C. Mexico to rediscover his artistic passion. The small village region of La Bufadora became his home and muse. Ms. Nature and her sisters inspired his imagination to seek beauty while maintaining an offbeat sense of humor. As a result, large scale cartoon imagery with bold brush strokes of line and color became his new art direction. This transition from cartoonist to painter occurred just nine months prior to his first solo exhibition in Laguna Beach, CA.
It's been nearly a decade since his La Bufadora crossroads. Padilla continues to paint his artistic serenade to God with his self discovery of imagination and exploration of color. Recent work are portraits of women in grand transformation from beauty object to a sort of heavenly environment, a place where true magic begins for the soul.
Padilla's live painting performances are a demonstration of his artistic confidence and versatility. These work-in-progress projects expose and highlight his talent as a form of entertainment to enhance an event of any scale.
Padilla also shares the experience of creativity and humanity through a public interactive painting activity he calls a Paint-a-long. He designs and facilitates each Paint-a-long with original imagery that ignites creative energy of all ages. A sense of harmony is felt as Padilla shares his artistic passion with people and places during a Paint-a-long. A unique diversity of individual artistic expression are always reflected in these site specific murals.
Padilla's work has been exhibited throughout Southern California with collectors locally and worldwide. His career is emerging into an exciting mid point as he establishes himself for upcoming painting exhibitions and licensing projects in 2006!
Exhibitions
2005-06 - Ongoing group exhibition featuring works of Ann Krasner (painting), De La Nuez (mixed media) with others and whimsical paintings by Padilla. Raw Style, Santa Monica, CA.
2002-06 - Ongoing group exhibition featuring works by Dean Triolo (painting), Ray Masters (mixed media), Gia Chikvaidze (painting) with others and paintings by Padilla. Medea Gallery, San Pedro, CA.
2005 - "Blossoms, bosoms and bargains," a solo exhibition of paintings. Artistic Edge Gallery, Long Beach, CA.
2004 - Hispanic Month group exhibition featuring Maria (mixed media), Steven Amado (painting), Paul Dominguez (3D painting) and Padilla (painting). Long Beach Public Library, Main Branch, Long Beach, CA.
2002 - "Illumination, focus, marker, tinderbox and whimsy" a curated creative work space and exhibition by Padilla. Featuring works of five Long Beach Artists: Hagata (3D mixed media), Franco (painting), Dominguez (3D painting), J.L.Hudson (music/performance project) and Padilla (painting). Broadlind Public Art Project Space, Long Beach, CA. Project sponsored by the PCA, City of Long Beach Public Arts. Article: www.OCWeekly.com "BoHo Reality."
2001 - A painting performance on stage to live music by Rocco de Luca. Two solo exhibitions of paintings at this LBC underground lounge and music venue. Studio 354, Long Beach, CA.
1998-99 - "Twisted, on the rocks & all mixed up" Two solo exhibitions of paintings at this LBC neighborhood coffeehouse/gallery. Portfolio Cafe & Gallery, Long Beach, CA.
1997-98 - Group exhibition featuring works of emerging contemporary Mexican artists such as Cora (painting) with others and paintings by local La Bufadora artiste Padilla. Berta Armas Galeria, Ensenada, B.C. Mexico.
1996 - Group exhibition featuring works of Bedard (painting), Reinhard (paper sculpture), Gourley (3D mixed media), Ramos (drawing) with others and hand colored screenprints by Padilla. Sherwood Gallery, Santa Monica, CA.
Public Projects
2006 - "Flyin' high over Los Angeles" 8' x 15' mural on canvas (6 panels). A painting performance during the four day international trade show, South Hall lobby. California Gift Show, Los Angeles Convention Center, Commissioned by GLM.
2005 - Logo design for E.L.L.A.S, Embracing Latina Leadership Alliances. A nonprofit nonpartisan mentorship and leadership organization for the advancement of Latina high school youth in educational, professional and political achievements.
2005 - "Off the lip with a bite" 20' x 40' mural on building. A surfer holding a taco while shreddin' off the lip. Taco Mesa Restaurants, Costa Mesa, CA.
2005 - "Where the World Shows off!" 8' x 15' mural on canvas (6 panels). A painting performance during the four day international trade show. California Gift Show, Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA. Commissioned by George Little Management, LLC.
2004 - "Support Clean Air" design with environmental message via airborne skateboarder image. A Community project sponsored by Oceanside Arts Commission. Arts Alive! Street Banner Project, Oceanside, CA.
2003 - Holiday "Joy" greeting card commissioned by Mayor Beverly O'Neill, City of Long Beach, CA.
2002 - Painted utility box 5' x 3' x four sides. A neighborhood project commissioned by East Village Arts District and PCA, City of Long Beach Public Arts Street box location at 5th and Alamitos, Long Beach, CA.
2002 - Padilla wallpaper, 6' x 25 yards on canvas permanently adhered to the entrance walls of the World-famous Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA.
1991 - "Study Your Imagination" 20' x 40' mural featuring artistic talents of Franklin Middle School students. Building located at 7th and Cerritos Ave, Long Beach, CA Article: Press-Telegram, Local News, "OPaint, pledge give area a new look," 4/26/91.
Paint-a-long
Padilla shares the experience of creativity and humanity through a public interactive painting activity he calls a Paint-a-long. The Paint-a-long is designed to encourage and motivate individuals to collaborate on a large scale creative project.
Padilla facilitates each Paint-a-long with original imagery that ignites creative energy of painters of all ages. A Paint-a-long also has educational and marketing benefits for team building, fundraising events and community festivals. A unique diversity of individual artistic expression are always reflected in these exciting site specific murals.
2000-02 - L A Open House Paint-a-long, a public interactive mural, 6' x 30' on canvas during festival. MoLAA, Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach, CA.
2002 - OBaja Splash' Paint-a-long, a public interactive mural, 6' x 60' on canvas. Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA.
2002 - Community Open House Paint-a-long, a public interactive mural, 20' x40' on building. The Center, Long Beach, CA.
2002 - The Beacon House Paint-a-long, a public interactive mural, 8' x 30' on wood panels during two day fundraising event. San Pedro, CA.
2002 - Manhattan Beach Arts Festival Paint-a-long, a public interactive mural, 6' x 30' on wood panels. Manhattan Beach, CA.
2001 - OLong Beach Live! Paint-a-long, a public interactive mural, 6' x 30' on canvas during a two-day music event in the streets of Downtown Long Beach, CA. Project commissioned by PCA, City of Long Beach Public Arts.
