Meet Aida Arias | Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aida Arias and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aida, how do you think about risk?
I believe that risk is an inherent part of life, necessary to evolve and create. For me, as an artist, every time I start painting on new white canvas, using a new medium or technique, I know there is no guaranteed outcome. I have learned to see the process as creative play, where I push the boundaries of what I’ve been doing as an artist to keep developing and growing. Whether the result is a painting that I love or one that gets painted over, I know that day at the easel puts me closer to a result I’ll be happy with.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an artist you are very much influenced by your surroundings and where you come from. Coming from the Caribbean, I am drawn to bright and contrasting colors which differ from the palettes I’ve seen at local shows. In wanting to paint the local Georgia landscapes, I’ve had to reconcile that my artistic influences are mostly Latin American and European, so for my paintings to be true to me, they need to be colorful.

I did some shows with mixed results, until I answered a call for art that requested a palette that was right up my alley. Four of my paintings were selected for large scale reproduction and acquired by a regional bank. They were all in different styles and motifs, and I was happy because although I am more drawn to landscapes and botanicals, I do not want to limit myself to a type or style of painting. This project gave me the confidence to start applying to other seasonal and gallery shows. I have continued to risk changing technique, subjects, and size, but my bodywork is tied together by my brushwork. In art it takes time to find your confidence, your groove, your support system and you must stick to it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When friends come to town, Atlanta never comes short of things to do and places to eat and I love the variety. Depending on who is visiting, the morning might start with some hot yoga at Yonder Yoga, or breakfast at Buttermilk Kitchen or The Chastain

Next up, Atlanta Botanical Gardens or The High Museum, they always have something spectacular in season and/or display, which can lead to a walk on the Beltline and lunch at Ponce City Market, or lunch at Grindhouse Killer Burgers on Piedmont.

Afternoon, shopping or some sight-seeing downtown, followed by happy hour drinks at Mr. B.’s at The Burgess Hotel or a quick snack, most likely “coxinhas” at the Brazilian Bakery in Marietta.
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Dinner depends on the mood, but great choices are Peruvian at Pisco Latin Kitchen in Sandy Springs, sushi at Tomo in Buckhead, Persian at Rumi’s in Sandy Springs.

For extended visits, road trips to the wineries in Dahlonega and Blue Ridge Mountain, hiking at Cloudland Canyon and Tallulah Falls are all excellent choices.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I moved from Puerto Rico to Atlanta in 2015, I knew I wanted to experience what Atlanta had to offer in the Arts and make friends with other artists. I started by taking art classes at Spruill Center for the Arts, in Dunwoody, and Abernathy Art Center in Sandy Springs. I was lucky enough to land a spot in an Abstract Acrylics class with a wonderful teacher, Lauren Adams, and a lovely group of ladies, who are now my studio partners.
Lauren is an excellent teacher who will cover everything from color theory to art history. She will give you great exercises and very considerate critiques. I think of that class often when I am at the easel and all that I learned from her.

With my studio partners, Beverly, Peggy, Patty and Cindy, there is a wonderful camaraderie where there is encouragement, birthday celebrations, painting trips and show of support at gallery openings. They keep me coming back to the easel and learning.

Website: https://aidaariasart.com

Instagram: aidaj

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aidaariasart/

Image Credits
Andrea Barreras-Arias