Getting an early start at only 9 years old, Gerardo won an art contest in his school with his painting of a past Costa Rican President. He developed an early interest in the rich flora and fauna of his rainforest homeland. Having an eminent biologist grandfather helped Gerardo gain intimate knowledge of the many species of plants and animals in his country, Costa Rica, and the world at large. The artist completed his University degree with studies concentrating in painting, drawing and sculpture skills. As years progressed, he perfected these skills in what is known as the hyper-realistic shcool of painting.
What is hyperrealism - from Louis K. Meisel, published in New York in 1980 - from Photorealsim
The hyperrealist style focuses much more of its emphasis on details and the subjects. Hyperreal paintings and sculptures are not strict interpretations of photographs, nor are they literal illustrations of a particular scene or subject. Instead, they utilize additional, often subtle, pictorial elements to create the illusion of a reality which in fact either does not exist or cannot be seen by the human eye. Furthermore, they may incorporate emotional, social, cultural and political thematic elements as an extension of the painted visual illusion; a distinct departure from the older and considerably more literal school of Photorealism
With his expertise in both physiology and representation of light, Gerardo has become known as a modern pioneer in this style, bringing him acclaim both in his country and in the greater American hemisphere.
Gerardo's paintings permanently hang in the Presidential Palace, museums and public buildings of Costa Rica. He won the First Latin American Duck Stamp Competiton, with the commemorative issued in 1992. He was chosen to represent his homeland at the Ibero-American Embassy Art Exhibition at the State Street Gallery of Robert Morris College last fall in Chicago. He has had several one man art shows in Northern Illinois in the past year.
In February of 2008 Gerardo presented an exhibit at the National Gallery in Costa Rica. After which he was awarded an honorable mention at the Municipal Art League of Chicago, Bienniel Competition. This last summer brought
him more awards; the best of painting at the Catigny Art Festival, the best of painting at the Joliet Masters Art Festival, and the best of show at the Lincolnshire Art Show.
In addition to his teaching schedule, he continues to garner major commissions on a local and international scale.
