Today we’d like to introduce you to Fabio Marinho.
Hi Fabio, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey as an artist has deep roots, starting from my early childhood in Brazil. I’ve always been drawn to art, with my first memory being at just 3 or 4 years old, trying to copy characters from comic books. That fascination with shapes, colors, and creativity became a constant in my life, even though I only pursued it professionally years later.
In 2016, I began painting during a period of deep introspection and emotional challenges. Art became a way for me to process emotions and express myself. It was a pivotal moment when I discovered how much fulfillment I could find in creating. I started experimenting with portraits, focusing on music icons like David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and Janis Joplin—artists who had inspired me.
The first painting I sold was of David Bowie, in the same month of his passing. A fan from Norway saw my work and decided to purchase it, which gave me the confidence to continue pursuing art seriously. From that moment on, things started to take shape. People began requesting custom paintings, sharing family photos, portraits of pets, and landscapes they cherished.
Over time, a new opportunity emerged that added a unique dimension to my work—live painting at events. I’ve been invited to create paintings in real time at weddings and other celebrations, capturing unforgettable moments as they happen. This has become a meaningful vertical in my artistic journey, as it allows me to connect with people in a completely different way.
At the time, I was also working in educational technology, consulting for various companies. For eight years, I balanced my growing art career with my full-time job. I used the skills I gained in technology to build a strong online presence, creating profiles on various platforms to showcase my work and connect with a global audience.
In late 2023, I decided to dedicate myself entirely to art. My wife and I moved to North Dakota to explore new opportunities and to expand my presence in the United States. Since 2016, I’ve completed over 500 paintings, which now reside in homes across more than 10 countries.
Each step of this journey has been meaningful. My work started from a deeply personal place, but it has grown into a way for me to connect with others and bring their stories and emotions to life through art. Today, I focus on creating impactful custom pieces, live event paintings, and original works that resonate on a deeper level with those who see them.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but the challenges I’ve faced have mostly been internal, moments of doubt, questioning whether this was truly the right path, or wondering if I should leave my corporate career to fully dedicate myself to art. I’ve also faced self-criticism about the quality of my work, moments of insecurity where I questioned if it was good enough.
In the end, the real struggles were always with myself. I had to focus on overcoming my own fears and anxieties. One thing I’ve learned is that the answers often become clearer when you allow intuition to speak, rather than letting the noise of the world or other people’s opinions distract you. The corporate world, the challenges of life, and constant external influences can pull you in different directions, leaving little time for presence and silence. But when we practice being present and listening daily, the answers come naturally.
It’s a process, but I’ve learned to trust my intuition. It always leads me to the path that feels right, even when challenges arise. My advice? Follow what you believe is true for you, and let your inner voice guide you. It’s never easy, but it’s always worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create paintings that go beyond aesthetic beauty, they convey emotions and a deep sense of connection. I specialize in acrylic on canvas and have become known for capturing emotions in ways that exceed people’s expectations. Clients often tell me it feels as though there’s a soul within the artwork, a living essence that resonates with them.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to connect deeply with people through my art. My work isn’t just about creating a beautiful painting; it’s about translating feelings, energy, and moments into something tangible. Whether it’s a family portrait, a landscape, or a custom piece that captures a significant moment, my goal is always to create art that moves and touches people on a profound level.
What sets me apart? I believe it’s my approach to art and the intention behind every brushstroke. My process often involves introspection and a meditative state, where I let intuition guide me. I strive to see beyond the obvious, capturing the energy and emotion of a subject rather than just its physical form. My background and experience also allow me to explore different themes, from commissioned pieces that celebrate life’s special moments to personal works that explore abstract concepts like love, focus, or transcendence.
Through my art, I invite people to feel something deeper, to see beyond the surface, and to connect with their own emotions in unexpected ways.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I believe anyone with the desire to create something new that involves energy, emotion, and meaningful ideas, without restrictions, can reach out to work with me. Collaboration is always an opportunity for something extraordinary to emerge. For example, I once collaborated with another Brazilian artist – @mandalandoequilibrio – specializing in mandalas. The result was a beautiful piece that blended my strokes, colors, and textures with her intricate mandala design. The artwork was a stunning fusion of our styles and was quickly sold.
People can also work with me by commissioning custom paintings, whether it’s to gift someone special, to celebrate a personal milestone, or to bring unique energy into their spaces. I love transforming ideas, memories, and emotions into art that connects deeply with its viewer.
To support my work, you can follow my artistic journey on social media, share my creations with others, or explore and acquire the original paintings and high-quality prints I offer. I’m always excited to connect and create something meaningful for those who feel drawn to my art.
Pricing:
- Prices vary depending on the size and theme of the painting.
- Commissions start at $600 and can exceed $5,000 for larger, more complex pieces.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fabiomarinho.com
- Instagram: @fabiomarinhoart
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/fabiomarinhoart
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabio-marinho
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fabiomarinho45
Image Credits
Fabio Marinho