Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Valeria Prieto. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Valeria, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

It’s hard to choose one most meaningful project because every painting borns from an experience and a feeling. But one of my newest meaningful paintings would be “Eternal Gaze”.
This painting incorporates elements I observed in Arkansas during the month of February—hence, the central figure is an eye.
The eye is inspired by tribal art. The black bird represents various birds I frequently saw whenever I looked out the window.
The rose symbolizes the red roses I got on Valentine’s Day, the branches were the ones visible from the window of my new studio.
There is also a mockingbird, which is the official state bird of Arkansas; what better way to enrich this composition of my “inner world” than by making it a part of the piece? The colors are quite intense—perhaps reflecting the fact that I have become more intense in my decision-making, yet the white wings serve as a counterpoint, representing softness, peace, and balance. .

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I am a Mexican-born artist currently based in the United States, and my work is deeply inspired by the relationship between humanity, nature, spirituality, and personal transformation. What began as a childhood passion eventually became both my profession and my life’s purpose.

Over the years, I have worked in a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic and watercolor. While my style continues to evolve, my work is often recognized for its vibrant colors, rich textures, dreamlike storytelling, and emotional depth. I create paintings that invite viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with a sense of wonder that is often lost in everyday life.

Many of my pieces explore themes of growth, healing, resilience, femininity, mythology, nature, and the unseen connections that unite us all. I am particularly fascinated by the way art can communicate emotions and experiences that words cannot fully express. Whether I am painting a portrait, an animal, a fantastical scene, or a symbolic narrative, my goal is always to create artwork that evokes feeling and sparks imagination.

In addition to creating original fine art, I work with collectors who are looking for meaningful pieces that tell a story, celebrate a personal journey, or bring beauty and inspiration into their homes and workspaces. In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, I believe art serves an important purpose: it reminds us of our humanity, our connection to nature, and our capacity for transformation.

Every painting is approached with intention, curiosity, and a desire to leave something meaningful behind.

One of the things I am most proud of is having built a creative career while remaining true to my artistic voice. Rather than following trends, I have focused on developing a body of work that reflects my personal vision and values.

At the heart of my brand is the belief that beauty, imagination, and creativity have the power to heal, inspire, and transform lives. I want collectors, followers, and viewers to know that every piece I create comes from a place of genuine passion and purpose. My hope is that my artwork not only brings joy to those who experience it, but also encourages them to reconnect with their own sense of wonder, possibility, and inner strength.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to continually reinvent myself. Every life experience, whether joyful or challenging, becomes part of a story, and I feel incredibly blessed to be able to tell those stories through my paintings.

Art allows me to transform emotions, memories, and personal growth into something tangible that others can connect with. I also find great fulfillment in knowing that my work can serve as a bridge of inspiration for others. If a painting encourages someone to see beauty differently, embrace their own creativity, or find hope and meaning in their journey, then I feel I have accomplished something truly meaningful.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

While I respect the artists who have embraced NFTs and the opportunities they have created within the digital art space, they are not something I personally work with or sell.

As a traditional artist, I have always been deeply connected to physical materials, the texture of paint, the surface of a canvas, the movement of a brush, and the tangible presence of an artwork. For me, creating art is a very sensory and intimate experience. I love knowing that a collector can stand in front of a piece, see its textures, notice the layers, and experience its physical presence in a space.

I suppose you could say I’m a bit old-school. What draws me to art is the craftsmanship, the process, and the emotional connection that develops through creating something tangible with my hands. Because of that, I have always felt more aligned with original paintings and physical works of art than with digital ownership models.

That said, if I were primarily a digital artist, I might view NFTs differently. They have opened interesting possibilities for creators working in digital mediums. For me personally, however, the soul of art lives in the physical object, the textures, imperfections, and energy that exist within a one-of-a-kind piece. That’s where I find the greatest meaning and passion in my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.valeriaprietoart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialejandra_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valeriaprietoartist
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriaprietoart
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpY1kYtjzNBIa14XxrxkhXQ

Image Credits

All images by Valeria Prieto