“My dream is to begin an art movement” says artist Fernando Matamoros
By Deborah Brackman
Nosara- During the month of August Fernando Matamoros, a well-known professional artist, will teach a course in Tradicinal Costa Rican painting. The course will be held at the Fucan and will entail eight classes of two hour each of them. The price for the classes is $120 and all materials will be supplied.
A native of Garza, Fernando’s father was a cattle rancher who expected his son to follow in his footsteps. However, from an early age, Fernando dreamt of becoming a painter. Later his dream came true and he studied and then taught art at Casa del Artista in San Jose.
For thirty years Fernando has done paintings and murals in churches, schools and private homes all over Costa Rica. Among his masterpieces is a mosaic wall for Rodrigo Carazo, a former president of Costa Rica.
Fernando’s current dream is to start an art school with ongoing classes in painting and ceramics. This Nosara course will initiate his school to be continued at an undisclosed location.
An outlet will also sell paintings and ceramics of his own and those of talented students, to tourists and retail shops in the Nosara area and beyond.
To provide the individual attention required, Fernando’s maximum class size is ten students. There are already seven students enrolled in the course leaving only three places left.
Fernando’s teaching style is lively and engaging. In his easygoing way he inspires students with his love of painting. Diego, Fernando’s son will translate for English speaking students.
During the course you will learn the technique for painting typical Costa Rican scenes, and you will complete four paintings using acrylics. The subjects of the paintings will include a typical Costa Rican house and landscape, a beach scene with waves, and other landscapes. In future classes, Fernando wants to train students in murals, and ceramics (he has a kiln in his Garza house) and, commissioned works to augment their incomes through art.
“I want to give back to the community.” Fernando says, “to inspire an art movement here that all can take part in and enjoy.”
The First Class is on Sunday, August first. (Classes are Saturdays 4:00-6:00, Sundays 2:00-4:00.) For information phone: 2682-0209 or 2656-0240
