 |
|
|
 |
|
| Conchita Firgau |
Conchita's life as an artist began at a very young age. A native Venezuelan of German ancestors, she began painting as a young child, showing remarkable skills and creativity. Conchita was very passionate about art. She realized at an early age that it was her life. From that moment on, no other school activity consumed her time more than painting. It was a total obsession. Her art teachers realized she needed to formalize her studies. There was no one in the country that was able to teach her what she needed to be able to advance in her artistic life. They suggested she expand her studies in Europe where she could be taught different techniques and learn in an in-depth manner. There were two important art schools in Europe, one in Paris and the other in Madrid. The French at that time were teaching more avant-garde art but Conchita wanted to continue with the traditional realistic style of painting. The prestigious Escuela Superior de Bellas Artes San Fernando in Madrid was selected. The whole family uprooted itself to Madrid so that she could attend the school at the young age of 14. Many famous artists have attended this school including Salvador Dali and Picasso. This was a very exciting time for Conchita being that she was in the company of amazing artists. She found the realist style to be the nucleus of what would emerge redefined as her distinct style.
During her school years, she practiced her painting skills after school every day. Her paintings were so amazing that friends started purchasing them. She soon started receiving orders from different people for her paintings which gave her a tremendous boost of self-confidence. The most important Gallery in Spain, Cano & Cia. gave her the opportunity to show her artwork and many clients of the Gallery started purchasing them as well. She had her paintings in the same Gallery where Camille Pissarro, Pablo Picasso, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and many other Masters paintings were selling.
At such a young age of 18, 19, she was selling everything she created. Her paintings were beautiful and very affordable. Conchita felt very privileged to be able to display her paintings at a gallery where the King and Queen of Spain purchased works of art. As a side note, the Cano family for the last 200 years have been the official curators, restorers and appraisers of art for the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Prado Museum in Madrid and many others. Their frame collections are one of the most important in Europe. They emerged from the Cano artisan workshop and consist of over 800 pieces. Their frames were chosen to display famous works of art throughout Museums in Europe.
It was then that the public would start to see what an outstanding young artist Conchita had bloomed into. Throughout a period of 10 years in Spain, she created and recreated her art work. While painting in a realistic style, Conchita places a strong emphasis on color and lighting while objects protrude, easily understood (with lucidity). They assume evocative poses and reveal moods through color and energetic brushwork. Her happy attitude and personality are reflected pervading and tonifying everyone who comes in contact with her paintings.
She returned to her native land accompanied by a husband and two children. It was there that her first important solo exhibit was held at Fundación Mendoza displaying 35 oil paintings, all of which were sold on the first day. Many successful solo exhibits would follow and she began to be represented by the best gallery in Caracas, “Acquavella Gallery.” Her paintings entranced avid art collectors, artists and viewers. It has developed followers of her style.
During her time in Venezuela, Conchita created wonderful works of art and raised a family of 7 very talented children and 12 grandchildren. She taught over 200 students of which many became artists and teachers and or have their own art school. In 1990, she started to travel more to the United States where she had several exhibits in ART MIAMI, ART EXPO in New York and ART EXPO in Los Angeles, CA.
Conchita founded an art gallery in Coral Gables, Florida under the name of C. Firgau Art Gallery. It represented artists from Venezuela and herself. She also created a series of works for Coca Cola "A Museum Limited Edition" which is now being sold at galleries throughout the United States. Seven paintings in all with the theme and romance of Coca-Cola memorabilia. Her personality is reflected in each of the paintings. They are a celebration of Coca-Cola's history, reflected in advertising images.
However, the love for teaching and developing young artists was still on her mind a great deal which led her to the founding of The Art Institute of Weston. Conchita understands how important it is for students to utilize art to discover themselves and others.
The Art Institute of Weston has become a very important institute in South Florida. In fact, it is the only art institution in Florida that teaches the traditional European Realistic style of painting. It has grown from Conchita to 18 teachers of which she trained to continue her tradition. They teach children and adults to understand the contributions other artists have made and help them see the transformative power of art. The relaxed environment contributes to a host of skills developed. Students see the fruit of their labor by starting and finishing projects. Children’s motor skills are enhanced by learning how to hold paintbrushes, pencils and clay. Exploring and creating is what students do at the The Art Institute of Weston. One of her first students at the Art Institute of Weston has already opened his own art studio in Boca Raton, Florida – Jonatas Chimen.
Conchita’s works are primarily still life; musical instruments, vessels, household objects, toys, and flowers. Her passion has always been to paint fruits, especially apples, in a very large format. Also simple objects that include copper pots, jars and human bodies eloquently reflect the happiness and joy she feels; evoking emotion in those who view it.
Conchita Firgau is today’s most important living woman artist from Venezuela. Her international appeal has created such demand that her work is represented by many art galleries throughout the world. Her work has been exhibited and featured in museums, galleries and private collections.
The aura that surrounds Conchita’s work is extremely palpable. The magic of Conchita’s paintings is in her ability to visualize and tell a story of enjoyment and mostly the simplicity of life -- using lush, vibrant color.
Conchita Firgau
Conchita's life as an artist began at a very young age. A native Venezuelan of German ancestors, she began painting as a young child, showing remarkable skills and creativity. Conchita was very passionate about art. She realized at an early age that it was her life. From that moment on, no other school activity consumed her time more than painting. It was a total obsession. Her art teachers realized she needed to formalize her studies. There was no one in the country that was able to teach her what she needed to be able to advance in her artistic life. They suggested she expand her studies in Europe where she could be taught different techniques and learn in an in-depth manner. There were two important art schools in Europe, one in Paris and the other in Madrid. The French at that time were teaching more avant-garde art but Conchita wanted to continue with the traditional realistic style of painting. The prestigious Escuela Superior de Bellas Artes San Fernando in Madrid was selected. The whole family uprooted itself to Madrid so that she could attend the school at the young age of 14. Many famous artists have attended this school including Salvador Dali and Picasso. This was a very exciting time for Conchita being that she was in the company of amazing artists. She found the realist style to be the nucleus of what would emerge redefined as her distinct style.
During her school years, she practiced her painting skills after school every day. Her paintings were so amazing that friends started purchasing them. She soon started receiving orders from different people for her paintings which gave her a tremendous boost of self-confidence. The most important Gallery in Spain, Cano & Cia. gave her the opportunity to show her artwork and many clients of the Gallery started purchasing them as well. She had her paintings in the same Gallery where Camille Pissarro, Pablo Picasso, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and many other Masters paintings were selling.
At such a young age of 18, 19, she was selling everything she created. Her paintings were beautiful and very affordable. Conchita felt very privileged to be able to display her paintings at a gallery where the King and Queen of Spain purchased works of art. As a side note, the Cano family for the last 200 years have been the official curators, restorers and appraisers of art for the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Prado Museum in Madrid and many others. Their frame collections are one of the most important in Europe. They emerged from the Cano artisan workshop and consist of over 800 pieces. Their frames were chosen to display famous works of art throughout Museums in Europe.
It was then that the public would start to see what an outstanding young artist Conchita had bloomed into. Throughout a period of 10 years in Spain, she created and recreated her art work. While painting in a realistic style, Conchita places a strong emphasis on color and lighting while objects protrude, easily understood (with lucidity). They assume evocative poses and reveal moods through color and energetic brushwork. Her happy attitude and personality are reflected pervading and tonifying everyone who comes in contact with her paintings.
She returned to her native land accompanied by a husband and two children. It was there that her first important solo exhibit was held at Fundación Mendoza displaying 35 oil paintings, all of which were sold on the first day. Many successful solo exhibits would follow and she began to be represented by the best gallery in Caracas, “Acquavella Gallery.” Her paintings entranced avid art collectors, artists and viewers. It has developed followers of her style.
During her time in Venezuela, Conchita created wonderful works of art and raised a family of 7 very talented children and 12 grandchildren. She taught over 200 students of which many became artists and teachers and or have their own art school. In 1990, she started to travel more to the United States where she had several exhibits in ART MIAMI, ART EXPO in New York and ART EXPO in Los Angeles, CA.
Conchita founded an art gallery in Coral Gables, Florida under the name of C. Firgau Art Gallery. It represented artists from Venezuela and herself. She also created a series of works for Coca Cola "A Museum Limited Edition" which is now being sold at galleries throughout the United States. Seven paintings in all with the theme and romance of Coca-Cola memorabilia. Her personality is reflected in each of the paintings. They are a celebration of Coca-Cola's history, reflected in advertising images.
However, the love for teaching and developing young artists was still on her mind a great deal which led her to the founding of The Art Institute of Weston. Conchita understands how important it is for students to utilize art to discover themselves and others.
The Art Institute of Weston has become a very important institute in South Florida. In fact, it is the only art institution in Florida that teaches the traditional European Realistic style of painting. It has grown from Conchita to 18 teachers of which she trained to continue her tradition. They teach children and adults to understand the contributions other artists have made and help them see the transformative power of art. The relaxed environment contributes to a host of skills developed. Students see the fruit of their labor by starting and finishing projects. Children’s motor skills are enhanced by learning how to hold paintbrushes, pencils and clay. Exploring and creating is what students do at the The Art Institute of Weston. One of her first students at the Art Institute of Weston has already opened his own art studio in Boca Raton, Florida – Jonatas Chimen.
Conchita’s works are primarily still life; musical instruments, vessels, household objects, toys, and flowers. Her passion has always been to paint fruits, especially apples, in a very large format. Also simple objects that include copper pots, jars and human bodies eloquently reflect the happiness and joy she feels; evoking emotion in those who view it.
Conchita Firgau is today’s most important living woman artist from Venezuela. Her international appeal has created such demand that her work is represented by many art galleries throughout the world. Her work has been exhibited and featured in museums, galleries and private collections.
The aura that surrounds Conchita’s work is extremely palpable. The magic of Conchita’s paintings is in her ability to visualize and tell a story of enjoyment and mostly the simplicity of life -- using lush, vibrant color.
Conchita Firgau
Weston Commercial Center
Suite 1600
2900 Glades Circle
Weston, FL 33327
(954) 659-9050
conchitafirgau.com
|
|
|
|
|
HOME
LEARN MORE
ABOUT US
