Introduction to an Artist.

Luis Alberto Navarro, born in El Salvador, Central America and raised in Valencia, California. He has a beautiful child whom he hopes to teach his art skills. He moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico in July of 1999 in hopes of expanding his artistic ideals as well as sharing his art with the Southwest. He has been doing art since he was a child, however for 10 years now it has been a profession. It has always been a part of his life. Luis started off with sketching and expanded from there. After asking Luis how he felt about his skills, he said, “Art is the essence of my blood, the light in my soul, and the skill of my body. I have much to offer this world, with my wisdom and creativity and I welcome all that comes my way.”

Luis attended two schools; College of the Canyons, located in Valencia, California and Los Angeles Academy of Art, located in Sherman Oaks, California. There he studied traditional art and illustrative styles under the direction of a few famous artist including, Mark Westermoe, Gregory Weir-Quiton, Sean Zents, and Michael Butkus. From his predecessors he learned to appreciate and specialize in photo-realism and contemporary art. The artist works with all types of mediums, but enjoys acrylics, gouache, and working with an airbrush. The greatest accomplishment of his art is that it is so diverse. He has the ability to airbrush a name and then create a fine art piece both with the same ease. This did not come without hard work and devotion. Luis sacrificed many occasions to pursue his goal of becoming an artist.

He has done work for Warner Brothers and has had gallery exposure. However, while in New Mexico, his work has been displayed in a few galleries in both Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. In Las Cruces his work can be enjoyed at “Nash Gallery” in Old Mesilla, “Café Rush” off of the New Mexico State University campus, and “The Adobe Patio Gallery”. He has displayed his work at such establishments as “Que Milagro” in Old Mesilla, “Red Mountain Café”, “Carretas Imports” in Mesilla Valley Mall, and “Corbett Center Gallery” at Corbett Center. Luis recently completed a self-portrait of Bishop Ricardo Ramirez as a gift, and has gained recognition within the Christian community for his charitable contributions to numerous churches in New Mexico. He has donated several pieces of work for auction to help with their fundraising. He also completed a mural at the “Museum of Natural History” in the Mesilla Valley Mall and continues to work with them on new and upcoming projects.

Luis has also worked with the Las Cruces Public Schools to promote student learning and emulate the work of Howard Gardner on his theory of “multiple intelligence”. He utilizes his talent to teach children what it takes to learn how to paint. He also dedicates his time to create many projects for the school community. He aspires to come up with new techniques for art integration in the classroom, to give students alternative in study. He has worked on projects with children that use techniques from well known constructivists, and enforces special studies in Kinesthetic. He has worked with such schools as Lynn Middle School, Vista Middle School, Mesilla Park Elementary, Booker T. Elementary, Sierra Middle School, San Andres High School, Hatch Middle School and Dona Ana Elementary. He has also given to the political community by giving artistic donations for campaigns. Included in his charitable contributions are a few non-profit organizations including Jardin De Los Ninos, and La Casa. Luis has painted Saints, famous faces, animals, Native American, and Southwest styles, portraits, as well as many of his own original designs.

Luis also uses his skill to create automotive murals, which he airbrushes on cars that are entered in car club contests and shows. He has completed numerous auto murals, motorcycles including Harley Davidson’s, helmets, and trucks. His artwork on automobiles has won trophies and recognition with the car club community.

What once started as a hobby has led to a prospering future that has inspired and touched many lives. Luis continues to give of his time, talent, and knowledge. His future aspirations are to become well known around the world and inspire the Latin community as well as children, to know that; “Hard work and determination will lead you to your dreams and goals.” He values doing art and is appreciative of the interest the community has in his work and life.

“Work is done then forgotten, thus it last forever.” ~Luis A. Navarro~

Written by Tara Lucero.