Every person under the sun has that one animal that speaks to them louder than others. For many, it’s cats. For so many, it’s cats. Me? Rabbits and deer. For the incredibly talented artist Frank Gonzales it’s birds. Yes, those creatures of the sky found all around the globe in an array of sizes, shapes, and colors. Those are what drives Frank Gonzales’ art and what’s made it sought after. We talked about where the inspiration came from, sketchbooks, and what’s to come from him in the near future.

Kendra: Every artist has their thing and yours just happens to be birds. What first drew you towards these creatures of the sky? Were they something you were interested as a kid or was it an interest that came with time?

Frank Gonzales: It was definitely an interest that came in time. It was a result of a lot of playing and experimenting. Trying to find my own voice in my work. It was really general at first and became much more specific as my interest grew. Lately, botanical elements have been at the forefront and I’m much more selective with birds.

Kendra: You’ve said that you often look at pictures and do your interpretation. Do you ever take a sketchbook to the park or the woods?

Frank Gonzales: Oh, I’m always taking a sketchbook with me. I don’t work in it as much as I would like these days. I try to make it habitual to carry around, but truthfully the sessions are a bit farther and few between. Life can be a bit demanding with full-time work, studio time and family life. It’s not an excuse, but now that you asked the question I appreciate the reminder to work in it more. Haha!

Kendra: How do you feel that your way of approaching your subjects varies from those who sit at like the zoo and sketch animals?

Frank Gonzales: I appreciate both approaches. There’s nothing better than drawing from observation. However, working in the studio from references allows you to take more time to build up the subject.

Kendra: Was there any other route you wanted to travel besides art, or did you always have your heart and mind set on art school and being an artist?

Frank Gonzales: I was pretty set on art. I’m a big music head so maybe something involving music for sure. I also sometimes think I should go back to school for horticulture. I would love to have my own desert natural habitat on my property. That would be dope!

Kendra: I was so happy to see your art is at the Children’s Hospital in Orange County. As someone who has spent a lot of time in a hospital (not for me, but my fiance), the art does really lift the spirits. How’d that come about, getting your pieces in there?

Frank Gonzales: Oh man! I was happy as well! It’s quite an honor to have work in a place of healing and in an institute that does so much good for children. It was purely luck on my part. The person who manages the hospital’s collection reached out to me which made the experience much more spectacular!

Kendra: What are your plans as far as the rest of 2019 is concerned? Will you be doing any shows, showing in any new galleries? Let the people know what you have going on.

Frank Gonzales: I’m going to be in an upcoming group show by Hashimoto Contemporary from San Francisco hosted in Portland by Antler Gallery. I will also be including some works with Visions West Gallery in Montana. It’s amazing how opportunities pop up. That’s all I have scheduled at the moment. We’ll see how 2019 progresses!