We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexis Dominique Limpiado a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Alex thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
For the longest time I knew being an artist would be a path that I would naturally gravitate towards.
Growing up I always found joy in the arts, joining art clubs and summer art classes every chance I get. Being a professional painter has been a dream of mine. I use the word “dream” and not ambition as even back then I knew how far fetched it was. Living in a country where it’s a challenge to find work as a traditional artist, I’m compelled to focus on finding balance between what I love to do and finding a more practical career.
In college I took up Fine arts, instead of majoring in painting, I majored in advertising arts and this was the best compromise I could make back then. Half of the courses were about graphic design and the other half tackled the traditional side of art. I got to explore different media like charcoal, pencil, pen & Ink, pastel, watercolor, acrylic and oil. Being in a university where almost everyone was brilliant at what they do, I can’t help but feel that being a traditional artist isn’t really for me, my paintings weren’t realistic enough, or good enough. It was an eye opening time, I realized that I may not have the artistic ability to thrive as a painter. Ironically, the biggest take away I got after graduating art school is that I wasn’t naturally gifted and I should be a more pragmatic person.
Right after graduating I became a graphic artist and continued on that path for 10 years. My work involved creating print ads, marketing campaigns and branding. I also have experience in illustrating children’s books digitally. For ten years I made five attempts at drawing, mostly scribbling with pencils. I picked up a brush twice to help do a group mural and that’s it. I was most certain back then that I wasn’t gonna be an artist selling her art, that train had long left the station.
But life will surprise you when you let it.
In 2020 the pandemic hit and I was stuck alone in the city due to quarantine restrictions. It was also around that time when I got my first pet, a siamese cat I named “Harper”. His zoomies during late nights were intense and I soon discovered that when I’m up doing something, he would settle down a little. I rekindled my love for the arts during those late nights with Harper. I busted out some old watercolors and brushes from college and started dabbing water and colors on a sketch pad. I’ve noticed too that Harper wasn’t just settling down with me, he was quite interested in what I’m doing, looking back and forth at me and the paper. I made it a point to have these little late night painting sessions with Harper which led to my chosen title “Watercolors on Wee Hours”
I’ve been painting every night (and day) since then.
I started my Instagram page after a month of painting, I thought its cool to have my creative journey not only documented but shared as well.
In 2023, I came to the US to be with my fiancé, now husband. In my first year being in the country we visited galleries, art markets and art festivals. I’d walk around really amazed being in an environment where artists of different levels, media and style are given a chance to shine and thrive.
I was heavily inspired, and for the first time ever, that child in me that has always been artistic and dreamy came out to play.
I mentioned above that I painted everyday since 2021 and who would have thought that these paintings will be powering all my markets for 2024. I had the courage to join my first ever art market while exhibiting a few pieces on February of 2024 and it keeps getting better ever since.
Alex, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hi, I’m Alex and I’ve been in love with watercolors since 2021. I’m a full time watercolorist for four years now. I’m from the Philippines and moved to the US in 2023 and now based in Frederick, Maryland.
I was a graphic artist for ten years before I became a full time watercolorist. I got a cat during the long months of quarantine and I picked up the brush again because my late cat “Harper” calms down from his intense zoomies on late nights when I’m painting, that’s the reason behind my title “watercolors on wee hours”
I have been painting everyday, it started with loose florals until it grew into much more detailed pieces. Painting and messing around with watercolors everyday gave me a strong appreciation for the craft. I saw it before as a light and therapeutic hobby later on turned into a career that had become a lifestyle. I can’t believe I’m finally living and full timing this creative life!
Last year, I started selling my works through art markets and art festivals. I usually bring with my framed originals and prints. These events really helped me connect my works to art lovers and patrons ; the best part of it all is I get to talk about my art and share the inspirations or guiding thoughts behind each one of them.
The most treasured moment for me is when people relate to my art, when it draws a smile on their faces , when it makes them think of something good or reminisce a cherished memory.
Artists share their hearts to the world through their works and when these works are received with lots of love and admiration, it’s the most special feeling, the kind that’s fueling and moving.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
To be able to visually express and share the things, places and emotions that inspire and move me. When what was once a silent thought or idea living in my head, put into canvas, free to be enjoyed by those who see it , and when those who see it expresses their love and admirations for the piece, how they were able to relate or what wonderful emotions were evoked…that’s definitely one of the most rewarding things for me.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Having just full timed my art for four years, my main goal is to just simply keep on painting and learning as I go along-there’s still so much room for growth. As mentioned above, I have not painted for ten years and with that I’m eager to make up for those lost times.
The mission is to continue on pushing my works out there to be seen and enjoyed by many through gallery exhibitions, art markets/ festivals as well as having more social media presence.
Contact Info:
- Website:
- Instagram:
- Youtube:
- Other:
- Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/
watercolorsbyalex.bsky.social - TikTok:
