As one sits in Louis Maestas' studio, all around lurk intruders. These spirits, bidden as if by Kokopelli's own flute, are not only welcome, but glorious. They are the expansive spirits of the Native Americans Louis lives with, paints, and in the end, glorifies in his work. With the discipline of one self-taught, and the passion of one unable not to paint, Louis-as Old Master, combines honed personal technique with love.
As a child Louis thrived on the awe and simplicity of his young Indian friends in Seligman, Arizona. Today, his is a passion and a calling that has ripened into a succession of masterpieces. Among Louis' most recent works are the bas-relief paintings he has pioneered. They capture the mystery and mysticism of the ancient Native American dwellings such as Canyon de Chelly and the Betatakin.
Working with the Indian saying that "only the rocks live forever," Louis, himself draws inspiration from the massive sandstone cliffs and adobe construction. Louis' clients find that their purchases combine the grace and beauty of an oil-out painting, with the elements of fine sculpture, another of Louis' accomplishments.
As a master painter Louis Maestas has perfected the Oil Rub-out, a technique dating back to the time of Michelangelo, when art schools required its mastery before students were allowed to explore color. The whole process is subtractive, and teaches light and dark values by placing the dark first, rubbing out, and working towards the light. There is virtually no brush work; the piece is accomplished solely with the use of the fingers and a simple rag.
Currently, Louis is also lecturing and preparing a book, The Artistic Spirit. He resides in New Mexico, and travels the Southwestern United States extensively. With all of his subjects, he brings to the canvas not only their present selves or states, but all that lies possible within them. From this mystical process then, we as art lovers, are also enhanced and expanded.
As a child Louis thrived on the awe and simplicity of his young Indian friends in Seligman, Arizona. Today, his is a passion and a calling that has ripened into a succession of masterpieces. Among Louis' most recent works are the bas-relief paintings he has pioneered. They capture the mystery and mysticism of the ancient Native American dwellings such as Canyon de Chelly and the Betatakin.
Working with the Indian saying that "only the rocks live forever," Louis, himself draws inspiration from the massive sandstone cliffs and adobe construction. Louis' clients find that their purchases combine the grace and beauty of an oil-out painting, with the elements of fine sculpture, another of Louis' accomplishments.
As a master painter Louis Maestas has perfected the Oil Rub-out, a technique dating back to the time of Michelangelo, when art schools required its mastery before students were allowed to explore color. The whole process is subtractive, and teaches light and dark values by placing the dark first, rubbing out, and working towards the light. There is virtually no brush work; the piece is accomplished solely with the use of the fingers and a simple rag.
Currently, Louis is also lecturing and preparing a book, The Artistic Spirit. He resides in New Mexico, and travels the Southwestern United States extensively. With all of his subjects, he brings to the canvas not only their present selves or states, but all that lies possible within them. From this mystical process then, we as art lovers, are also enhanced and expanded.