We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cyn Silva a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cyn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I knew I wanted to be an artist since I was 10 years old. My older sister had taken me to numerous art galleries in San Francisco, California since I was 5, instilling in me a love for art history and the stories of famous artists. By the time I was 10, I was certain I wanted to be a renowned artist someday.

One day, while walking past an art studio with giant windows, I was captivated by the sight of men and women learning to oil paint. The moment was magical; I immediately told my mom that I wanted to learn to oil paint. Overflowing with excitement, at the age of 10, we walked into the studio and signed up for classes every Saturday for about six months. During that time, I created six oil paintings that I still treasure today. This was my introduction to my first professional art lessons.

A year later, I had the privilege of studying under D. D’Ovalle, a world-renowned artist from Carmel, California. D’Ovalle was an extraordinary mentor who focused on teaching me Art Theory before painting, covering every aspect of drawing, various styles, plein air painting, and at least 20 different mediums. The invaluable lessons I learned from D’Ovalle are etched in my mind, and I think of them every time I paint. Her teachings surpassed anything I learned in art school later in life.

Art consumes my thoughts; I go to bed thinking about it, wake up thinking about it, and even find myself pondering it in the middle of the night. Being an artist is akin to being an inventor; I constantly strive to push boundaries and create something entirely new and unique. I revel in composing art that evokes deep emotions, mystery, and imagination. My hope is that viewers see the hidden messages within my work. Sometimes, I create a painting within a painting, adding layers of complexity. When you tap into your creative self, you can let go, allowing your brushstrokes and palette knives to walk and talk. Stepping back, you see you’ve created something that invites analysis and deep connection. That’s what art is all about.

Cyn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Cyn has wanted to move to Scottsdale for the past 15 years. Raising four kids, family time and selling Real Estate in California, life always got in the way of creating art daily. Grateful to still create art commissions every year of her life, she could not wait to paint the landscapes here in Arizona and have new subject matter. Cyn says, “I have painted and sold numerous Napa Valley, San Francisco, Carmel valley paintings that it has been a blessing to be able to paint those beautiful areas. Now, I am excited for new terrain here in AZ”. Cyn Silva’s unique style utilizes large-scale canvas “to make an impact on the viewer,” and the electric essentialism of her pieces is what attracts many of her art followers. Cyn specializes in client commissioned art pieces and believes commissions are an incredible way for a client to document his/her spirituality and feelings.
Cyn does not mass produce any of her art. She creates one-of-a-kind pieces that are unique to the art collector. When painting landscapes, she paints plein air (“in the outdoors”), allowing her to capture “the true colors of nature with the most accurate lighting on the subject matter.”

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Never give up! The journey of an artist can often feel solitary. When you’re at the easel, it’s just you and your canvas. But this solitude fosters self-reliance and the chance to truly discover your unique style and voice in your art. It’s crucial to invest time in learning—explore new styles, experiment with different techniques, and push the boundaries of your creativity. Collaboration is equally important. Joining a group of like-minded artists can be incredibly rewarding. I’ve forged amazing friendships with over 50 professional artists across Arizona, Santa Fe, Colorado, and even globally.

Stay focused and make painting a daily habit. I once heard a renowned artist say he painted every day, and I remember thinking, “Wow, I wish I could do that.” Life, however, had its demands—I had a family to provide for and raise. During those busy years, I painted late at night or whenever the kids were occupied with their activities. Despite these challenges, I became a top-producing Realtor at 22, selling over half a billion dollars in real estate. This taught me that with dedication and hard work, any goal is attainable.

Now, I am channeling that same determination into my art. My dream is to see my work admired in galleries around the world. Today, my art collectors span from Turks & Caicos to New York, Carmel, Silicon Valley, Beverly Hills, the San Francisco Bay Area, Arizona, and many other states. Keep pushing forward, remain true to yourself, and never stop creating. Your art has the power to touch lives and transcend boundaries.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I have to admit, I am a Podcast and Audio Book Junkie. I walk 3 miles every morning and during that time, it is “my time” I guess you can call it my meditative time while nourishing my art soul with artist biographies from the “old masters’ or the current podcasts such as The American Art Collective, Art Dealer Diaries, The Artist Academy. I also enjoy listening to inspiring Entrepreneurs such as Ed Mylett, The Luke Mind Power Podcast and so many more. It is important to take care of ourselves, nourish our soul, exercise daily and be kind to ourselves, and most importantly PAINT! Nothing makes me happier than painting.

Contact Info:

• Website: CynSilvaArt.com
• Instagram: LuxuryCynSilva
• Facebook: CynSilva
• Linkedin: CynSilva
• Twitter: CynSilva

Image Credits
Christine Bertacini