~JoseRafaelCruzpagan
Jose Rafael Cruzpagan
Artist | Professional | Varied
Panama
José Rafael Cruzpagan is an Award Winning Artist that has studied internationally at cultural and art institutions of different countrys. Taking the opportunity of being influenced by the works of the Renaissance masters/artists and modern teachers of today.
José Rafael is a graduate of the prestigious, Washburn University, at Wichita, Kansas, U.S.A. Were it holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentrations in Graphics Design Arts and Art History. His vast knowledge of the arts also include, 30 years of experience as a graduated professional Combat Photographer, Illustrator, Digital Video Documentation and Editing, Graphics Designer and as a Visual Information Chief for the United States Air Force and the United States ARMY.(U.S.A.)
José Rafael art works are exhibited internationally in public and private collections. His latest project is an exhibition entitled, "FLOR de LE LO LAI" or "Song of the Country's Flowers". Dedicated to the ladies of Panama. This project contains the themes of the flora, fauna, culture and honor the beauty and spirit of the Panamanian women.
José Rafael compositions are very figurative, Neo Expressionist style . They are characterized by vibrant colors, strong brush strokes, great movement and sound, stylish harmony, romantic themes, and the psychological drama and emotions of his characters.
''The purpose of my art is not to instruct, but to entertain and to bring a few moments of peace and tranquility to the observer, in the midst of their busy and stressful lives. My interest is not to criticize our society, but to look at it, in a responsible and positive manner, while in turn I leave a message of a lasting emotional impact response, towards the future.
I do not try to illustrate rather I express my thought provoking ideas and feelings. My compositions are designed for all members of the society and for art lovers. Regardless of their age, social or intellectual levels, everyone can find an emotional connection in my art works.
AWARDS AND EXCIBICIONES
Art Competition 1996, McConnell AFB, Wichita Kansas USA 1st Prize
Craftsmen of America 1996, McConnell AFB, Wichita Ks USA 3rd Prize
1997 Art and Photography Exhibition, 50th Anniversary of the Air Force
McConnell AFB, Wichita Kansas USA 1st Prize
Art Contest 1997, Air Command Mobilization
Nationwide, Wichita Kansas USA 1st Prize
Art and Photography Competition 1997,
Worldwide Level, Wichita Kansas USA 1st Prize
1998 Art Competition, McConnell AFB,
Wichita Kansas USA 1st Prize
1998 Military Craftsmen Contest, Nationwide, 1st Prize
1998 Contest Art / Crafts Contest, Wichita Kansas USA Won two categories two 1st Prizes
1999 Exhibition of the Great Plains Woodcarvers, Wichita, Kansas. USA
Carved plaques in Mahogany Wood, 2nd Prize and
Carved Rifles Stocks, 1st Prize
1999 Fine Arts Exhibition, at The Century Two Expo, Wichita Kansas USA
1999 Fine Arts Exhibitions at Hotel Marriot
Wichita Kansas USA
1999 Excibicion Art of the Illustrated Book,
"The Spirit of the Prairie" Wichita Kansas USA
2000 Fine Arts Exhibition at Emerald City Salon,
McConnell AFB, Wichita Kansas USA
Mural Exhibition, Hispanic Heritage Month 2000,
Emerald City Salon, McConnell AFB, Wichita Kansas USA
Ostrich Egg Carvings Exhibition,
Emerald City Salon, McConnell AFB, Wichita Kansas USA
Lithography 2001 "Song of the Medowlark", "The Iguaca's Prayer" and "Dreams"
Lithography 2002 "My Little Universe" and "Lucero Taino" San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA
2003Fine Arts Exhibition, PR National Guard,
San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA
2004 Panama Centennial Exhibition,
Tropimar Club, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA
2005 Flor de Le Lo Lai Fine Arts Exhibition,
no. I, II, III and IV
San Juan, Puerto Rico USA
2006 Fine Arts Exhibition at
Bocalatun Education Center,
Boqueron, Chiriqui, Rep. of Panama
2008 Fine Arts Exhibition at
The Macano Education Center,
Boqueron, Chiriqui, Rep. of Panama
2009 Exhibition Flor de LE LO LAI, No. I, II,
at The Art House Gallery,
Boqueron, Chiriqui, Rep. of Panama
December 2009 TVN, TV Show Exhibition / Interview
"Al Descubierto" (EXPOSED) Rep. of Panama
Chanels 2 and 10
2010 Exhibitión Flor de LE LO LAI, No. II, IV
at The Art House Gallery,
Boqueron, Chiriqui, Rep. of Panama
Current Residence: Rep. of Panama
deviantWEAR sizing preference: Medium
Print preference: 18" x 24" canvas & Paper Fine Arts Print Matte
Favourite genre of music: Classical, Hip Hop to Trans and everything in between...
Favourite photographer: A. Adams, and many others...
Favourite style of art: Neo expresionism and Digital
Operating System: Adobe Photo Shop and I are lovers...
MP3 player of choice: SONY Walkman
Favourite cartoon character: All Walt Disney,Ghibli and Phineas & Ferb
Personal Quote: If life gives you lemons...pass the Tequila
Interests
Favorite visual artist
To many, Spectrum, Franzzeta, Boris, Frank Cho, Norman Rockwell, Michel Whelan, Hildebrandt, Luis Rollo, the Renaissance Masters...
Favorite movies
Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings, Apocalipto, The Fifth Element & many others...
Favorite TV shows
Silly fun shows like, 3rd Rock from the Sun and older comedy shows like Taxi...
Favorite bands / musical artists
Il Divo, Celine Dion, Elvis Presley, Queen, Bob Marley, Classical Music, Folk music from places like England, Scotland and Ireland.
Favorite books
The Bible, Treasure Island, Martin Fierro, Dr. Zeus...
Favorite writers
Too many to name...
Favorite games
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, Batman for Play Station...
Favorite gaming platform
Play Station 2/3 and Nintendo wii
Tools of the Trade
My Brain, my eyes, my hands and my hearth...
Other Interests
Martial Arts, Archery, Ancient weapons, Fire Arms, All wild life, Sculpture, Calligraphy, Puppets, Fantasy, Legends...