About Pedro de la Cruz
The art of Pedro de la Cruz reflects a deep cultural mosaic which began with his parents who were born in two very different parts of Mexico -- Sonora and Jalisco. Born in Baja California, Pedro remembers selling popsicles in the streets to get by. Still, Pedro remembers being the best at drawing in his class throughout his early school years -- and that art was a sanctuary especially during tough times. In the 1980s, the de la Cruz’s moved to the United States and settled in Santa Barbara.
As he became fluent in English, even as an introvert, Pedro found that art was the best way for him to communicate, be accepted by others and open doors to opportunity. Mentored and encouraged by several art teachers at Santa Barbara High School, Pedro continued to excel at learning color and design; as well as architectural drafting, at Santa Barbara City College. His uncle commissioned his first piece while still in high school and this belief and support in him kept Pedro painting and drawing through college and beyond.
As he became fluent in English, even as an introvert, Pedro found that art was the best way for him to communicate, be accepted by others and open doors to opportunity. Mentored and encouraged by several art teachers at Santa Barbara High School, Pedro continued to excel at learning color and design; as well as architectural drafting, at Santa Barbara City College. His uncle commissioned his first piece while still in high school and this belief and support in him kept Pedro painting and drawing through college and beyond.
Influences |
Pedro de la Cruz’s influences have been both local and traditional. The recently deceased artist Ernesto Seco from Ventura, California was a tremendous influence and a strong motivation to Pedro for continuing his craft. Primarily a strong colorist with post-modernist and cubist tendencies, he admires Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Amadeo Modigliani, Frida Khalo, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
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Galleries, Venues & Press |
Galleries: Contemporary Art Forum, (MCA) Santa Barbara California Accolades Gallery. Ventura California Artist's Union Gallery. Ventura California California & Main Gallery. Ventura California The BuenaVentura Gallery. Ventura California - Solo Show Gallery 1880. Ventura, California - Solo Show Santa Paula Art Museum. Santa Paula, California Padre Serra Parish, Camarillo. Street painting iMadonnari Santa Barbara. Italian street painting 2016, 2018, 2019 Divine Inspiration Gallery, Santa Barbara, California - Solo Show Distinctive Art Gallery, Santa Barbara, California - Group Show. SBCAST, Santa Barbara, California - Group Show. Kathryne Designs. Montecito - Solo Show 2018 Artists pop up at The Hotel Californian New Years Eve 2018. Solo Show Tool Room, Bell Arts Factory, Ventura 2019. Collaboration with Rodeo of the Arts Gallery/LOVEWORN funk zone, Santa Barbara 2019. Painting featured in Summer Solstice parade, opening float. Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club, Montecito 2019 Venues: Art at the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara Plum Goods. Santa Barbara, California Salon U Gallery. Santa Barbara, California Casa Magazine. Santa Barbara, California Seaside Makers Collective. Santa Barbara, California 2019 Tiki Girl. Ventura, California Ciao Bella. Ventura, California Crown Plaza Hotel. Ventura, California Jerold Thomas Salon. Ventura, California Press: Tinta Latina Magazine Casa Magazine feature: https://issuu.com/casamagazine/docs/12.25.15.casa?e=6215299/32169345 Art in America Magazine VC Reporter The Independent Santa Barbara Magazine on Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/BBwkVVzJW37/ Blog: www.littlewordstudio.com http://littlewordstudio.com/2016/02/18/his-muse/ Santa Barbara News Press. March 2018. 805Living. May 2018. |
Pedro De La Cruz is the designer of the original #Montecitostrong logo 2018.
Wanting to inspire his community after the horrible mudslides which occurred
in Montecito, California on January 9th, 2018, he created this drawing.
in Montecito, California on January 9th, 2018, he created this drawing.
please do not use without permission. thank you!
