My Painting in Fine Art Connoisseur

The work Learning His Brother’s Trade began with a chance encounter along the shores of Infanta, Quezon, Philippines. I was there on a trip with colleagues from the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Fine Arts, where I serve as a faculty member. Like many trips with fellow artists and educators, it was both a welcome break and an opportunity to observe new surroundings.

One quiet morning during our stay at the resort, I went out with my Sony mirrorless camera to photograph the area. Whenever I find myself in unfamiliar places, I tend to wander and take snapshots of everyday scenes that catch my attention. That morning, fishermen began appearing along the shoreline, casually walking with their nets. From a distance it seemed like an ordinary stroll, but I later learned they were preparing to catch fish in the early morning hours, around seven or eight.

Learning His Brother's Trade, pastel on sanded paper, 16 x 26 inches, 2023

I took several photographs of the moment. Back in the studio, these images became the starting point for my usual process of searching for a strong composition. I experimented with different formats, crops, and combinations of related images, merging them into a single visual narrative. One particular arrangement—built from slightly opposing viewpoints—stood out and sparked my curiosity.

The piece entered into the IAPS 43rd Open Division 2023 Juries Fall Webshow.

The final work was executed in soft pastel on UART 600. The piece required careful planning and patience throughout the process. The composition contains several sections filled with detail and varying color relationships, while still demanding that the focal point retain clarity and texture. Balancing these elements made the painting both challenging and engaging to complete.

Awarded Finalist in the Figurative Category of the 18th International ARC Salon Competition, the work was selected from over 3,500 entries submitted from 75 countries.

I was pleased with how the piece ultimately came together. The work was later accepted as a juried entry in the 43rd Open IAPS Fall Juried Exhibition in 2023, which was a delight. I also submitted it to the 18th International ARC Salon Competition, where it received a Finalist distinction in the Figurative Category. Receiving recognition from the jurors of such a prestigious competition was truly an honor and a blessing.

The Collector's Issue, March-April 2026 edition of Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine.

It is an honor to be part of this prestigious publication, sharing its pages with many remarkable artists from the 18th International ARC Salon Competition.

More recently, the work was also featured in Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine, which I consider another meaningful milestone for the piece for 2026. It is always gratifying to see a work travel beyond the studio and reach a wider audience through exhibitions and publications.