Glowing classics – The art of Jorge Pinto

Artist Jorge Pinto is exhibiting at the Artsenal Inoxis in Alhaurín el Grande as part of the steam-punkish arts centre’s newly inaugurated Spring exhibition.

Jorge, a Puerto Rican, spent most of his life in Sevilla and has lived and worked in Marbella for the past few years. His oils on canvases are infused with the Costa del Sol light, which bathes realist paintings in the warmth of the southern coast. The subjects of this show are classic cars. He is also a professional illustrator, art teacher and has a passion for colours, curves and tones, angles, and joins.

EWN: Why classic vehicles, Jorge?
Jorge: ‘The organic shapes are my favorite. I love the curves and the way that shiny paint radiates. I have a few classic American cars in my collection. The Mini and the Seat 600 are symbols of Spain. Vespas are also included. My life in Sevilla was described. Vespas can be seen everywhere.

Both the material and subject represented are celebrated by the representation of the shine in the paint.

EWN: You don’t seem to use much black in your work. I see bright colours combined to create dark tones.
Jorge: ‘This is because it’s how things really are. That’s what I think.

At a distance, the reds and the blues that surround the Seat 600 image merge into a sharp outline. Up close, the glow is more halo like.

EWN: Do your students paint like you? They paint the same as you?
Jorge: ‘No. They are all different. I have one student who is also a realist artist, an Irishman. He’s a very good painter, but we both have different styles.

Jorge Pinto’s paintings can be seen at the Artsenal Inoxis spring exhibition until June 8, Camino de la Reina 3, Alhaurín el Grande.