It's been a while since my last blog post, but not due to lack of motivation or inactivity. In fact, I took on my first major painting project, a collaboration with the BHOUT boxing club. This endeavor marked a significant milestone in my artistic journey, allowing me to combine my passion for art with a unique and meaningful concept.

The project started with a conversation with Mauro Lopes, the director of BHOUT boxing club, whom I've known for six years. Since the opening of the first BHOUT club, I have closely followed and supported its growth. This year, as the club planned to expand, Mauro asked me to come up with a creative idea for the new gyms. I proposed transforming the BHOUT boxing club into an "art gallery," reflecting the intimacy and camaraderie among its members. Unlike traditional boxing classes, BHOUT offers a unique experience where participants compete against themselves, using advanced technology to track every punch, its power, and accuracy. The dark room, dynamic music, and changing lights create an atmosphere that boosts motivation and focus.

In March, my proposal was accepted, and we agreed to create 15 oil paintings, each measuring 1.5m by 1m. Together with Mauro, we selected famous figures ranging from musicians and actors to cartoons, each depicted wearing boxing gloves. The backgrounds of the paintings were designed to reflect the vibrant experience of BHOUT classes, with colors symbolizing different emotions and energies.

The Portraits

• Einstein: Genius scientist with a blue background, symbolizing wisdom and intellectual depth.

• Yoda: Wise Jedi, with a blue background representing calmness and red lighting suggesting the tension between wisdom and battle.

• Darth Vader: Iconic antagonist with a dark red background representing power and aggression, and a yellow cape adding complexity.

• Mick Jagger: Rock legend with a green background symbolizing energy and life, and blue representing emotional depth.

• Mickey: Pop culture symbol with a blue and neutral background representing simplicity and universal appeal.

• Bart Simpson: Rebellion icon with a light blue and purple background symbolizing youth and creativity.

• Jack Sparrow: Charismatic captain with a yellow background suggesting adventure and optimism.

• Michael Jackson: King of Pop with a red background representing passion, pink for empathy, and touches of blue for emotional complexity.

• The Joker: Complex villain with purple and green colors representing madness and the duality of chaos and ingenuity.

• Wonder Woman: Powerful heroine with an orange background symbolizing energy and enthusiasm, and red for courage and determination.

• Daenerys Targaryen: Mother of Dragons with a red background symbolizing passion and power, and black for mystery and strength.

• Muhammad Ali (1 & 2): Boxing greatness with backgrounds varying between red for vigor and determination, blue for calmness under pressure, and other variations reflecting the balance of strength and strategy.

The Challenge

Taking on this project was an enormous challenge for many reasons. First and foremost, I am not a full-time artist. I work full-time managing social media and communications for public figures at Central Models. This meant dedicating all my personal time to painting, sacrificing evenings, weekends, and holidays. Initially, I didn't realize how this would affect my personal life, including time with my wife and family.

Finding a suitable place to work was another hurdle. Without a studio, I had to transform my childhood bedroom into a makeshift studio. I painted the room white to ensure clean light and moved all the furniture out. Despite the efforts, the room could only accommodate three paintings at a time. I bought several plywood panels to staple the canvases and moved them around the house as needed. This turned my parents' house into an impromptu gallery with giant paintings drying everywhere, along with the inevitable mess of paints and brushes. I am incredibly grateful to my parents for their support and patience.

The Artistic Growth

This project pushed me to maintain a consistent style across diverse subjects, from the wrinkles of Einstein and Yoda to the flawless face of Wonder Woman. I learned a lot about staying true to my artistic voice while adapting to different textures and materials, such as leather jackets and denim jeans.

Over three months, I faced numerous challenges but also experienced immense joy. I had to push myself and focus on each painting individually. I couldn't be happier with the results, which were showcased at my first exhibition in Lisbon on June 6, 2024. Completing this project has given me a profound sense of gratification and reinforced my passion for painting. I often compare painting to meditation or working out; once I start, I enter a state of flow where it's just me and the canvas, free from worries.

This project has also given me a glimpse into what it means to be a professional artist. It has provided visibility and allowed me to dream of a future intertwined with art.