We recently connected with Juan Manuel Delgado and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Juan Manuel, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Since beginning a full-time career as an artist at the age of 21, I have had the great privilege of painting numerous noteworthy portraits on a national and international level. Some of these portraits include: His Holiness Pope Francis, His Majesty King Simeon II of Bulgaria, Oscar Arias Sánchez President of the Republic of Costa Rica (1986 – 1990 and 2006 – 2010) and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (1987), Laura Chinchilla Miranda President of the Republic of Costa Rica (2010 – 2014), Zarela Villanueva Monge President of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Republic of Costa Rica (2013 – 2017), Abundio Gutiérrez Matarrita President of the Social Protection Board for its Hall of Ex-Presidents (2008 – 2014), Rodolfo Méndez Mata Minister of Public Works and Transportation (1978 – 1982, 1998 – 2000 to 2018 – 2022), Rodrigo Delgado Soto Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to the People’s Republic of China (2019 – 2022), Dr. Sun Jianzhong President of Hebei Foreign Studies University, Dr. Franklin Chang Diaz Mechanical engineer, physicist and former NASA astronaut, Keylor Navas Goalkeeper of the National Soccer Team of Costa Rica and current Goalkeeper of Paris Saint-Germain F.C.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
From a very early age I was captivated by the beauty and uniqueness I observed in the world around me. It was through art that I found peace, a platform where I could freely express my thoughts, emotions, and dreams. And so, my fascination with art flourished, as it became not just a form of self-expression but also a medium to inspire others and evoke emotions. Art became my sanctuary, my language, and my beacon of endless possibilities.
For this reason, I began to further my studies in art in a more technical way, under the supervision of my teacher and mentor, Peter Schwartzman, a Canadian architect, and visual artist of Russian origin, who showed me all the techniques, beginning with pencil drawing, charcoal, watercolor, pastel and evolving towards oil painting. With all this attraction to drawing and with an imaginative state of mind, I decided to study Architecture at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, where I graduated “WITH DISTINCTION” in 2010. Upon graduating, I moved back to Costa Rica to pursue a career as a professional artist, where I began studying under the guidance of the best portrait painter at the time, Gonzalo Morales Sáurez.
The artistic genre that I fell in love with was portraiture. Each individual is a complex tapestry of emotions, experiences and stories. I was interested in the challenge of capturing not only one’s physical likeness, but also the very essence of one’s being. Through my study of classical techniques, I learned to infuse my portraits with a sense of communication, allowing the final piece to engage and resonate with the viewer. Portraits, for me, are more than just art; They are a vehicle for leaving a lasting legacy, something that can be passed down from generation to generation. They serve as a powerful reminder of each person’s strength and individuality, immortalizing their presence for years to come.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of following this exciting and rewarding path of being an artist is the joy of waking up each day with boundless enthusiasm, ready to capture the essence of life on canvas. There is no comparison in life than doing what you love, watching hours pass like minutes.
Being an artist means having the ability to bring a canvas to life, create stories that resonate with people, and share our passion for art with the public. It is always an incredible honor to see works of art appreciated, passed down from generation to generation and becoming part of a personal legacy.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Supporting artists in a thriving ecosystem is crucial to the cultural and economic development of any country, regardless of its size, particularly in a country like Costa Rica with much less limited opportunities.
The government sector should implement policies that promote and invest in the arts. This includes providing funding and grants for artists and cultural organizations, as well as creating opportunities for artists to display their work nationally and internationally.
Higher priority should be given to arts education in schools to encourage creativity and appreciation of the arts from an early age. Additionally, promoting cultural awareness and hosting art events and exhibitions can help create stronger demand for art and increase overall support for artists.
Establishing spaces for exhibition, such as galleries and studios, can provide artists with affordable and accessible places to create, exhibit, and sell their work. These spaces can also facilitate networking and collaboration between artists, fostering a stronger community.
Developing mentorship programs and providing training opportunities for emerging artists can be vital to their professional development. This can include workshops, residencies and apprenticeships where established artists can share their knowledge and experiences with younger generations.
Encouraging cultural tourism can create additional opportunities for artists to display their work. Promoting Costa Rica’s unique cultural heritage, organizing cultural festivals, and incorporating arts and crafts into tourism initiatives can provide artists with greater exposure.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.juanmanueldelgado.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pintorjuanmanueldelgado
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pintorjuanmanueldelgado
Image Credits
Photos from left to right then going down: 1. Self-Portraits: With some oil paintings from the private collection of the painter Juan Manuel Delgado – self-portraits from the last decade. From left to right: “Self-portrait” – 2023. Oil on linen – 40 x 30cm, “Self-portrait” – 2011. Oil on canvas – 80 x 60cm, “Self-portrait” – 2020. Oil on linen – 40 x 30cm. The one in the middle is the first self-portrait that Juan Manuel made in 2011 2. His Holiness Pope Francis – October 9, 2013 – Vatican City 3. His Majesty King Simeon II of Bulgaria – November 26, 2014 – Vrana Palace in Sofia, Bulgaria 4. Portrait of Dr. Franklin Chang-Díaz – 2013. Oil on canvas – Veteran of 7 Space Shuttle missions, tying the record, as of 2021 for the most spaceflights (a record set by Jerry L. Ross), 3rd Latin American, but the first Latin American immigrant NASA Astronaut selected to go into space, Member of the NASA Astronaut Hall of Fame 5. Portrait of Keylor Navas – 2016. Oil on board – Professional Soccer Goalkeeper of the National Soccer Team of Costa Rica and the following teams: Paris Saint-Germain (2019 – present), Real Madrid (2014 – 2019), Levante (2011 – 2014), Albacete (2010 – 2012), Saprissa (2005 – 2010) 6. Portrait of Rodolfo Méndez Mata – 2020. Oil on linen – 80 x 60cm – Minister of Public Works and Transportation (1978 – 1982, 1998 – 2000 to 2018 – 2022) 7. Portrait of Dr. Sun Jianzhong – President of Hebei Foreign Studies University – 2021. Oil on linen – 60 x 80cm 8. Portrait of H.E. Vladimir Norov – 2021. Oil on linen – 80 x 60cm – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan (2006 – 2010 and 2022)