Biography
Throughout his life Bernardo has explored various forms of art: portraiture, landscapes, still life and abstracts. He trained with various artists and learned classical painting and drawing techniques. In his early work, he explored new and different ways of expressing meticulously executed works of the human form by introducing unexpected colors blended in unique and playful ways. In more recent work, he uses abstract compositions as a venue to reflect his emotions.
Influences range from Piet Mondrian’s clear definition of all the elements in his compositions to Charles Scheeler’s geometries, architecture, precision, color, light, and shadow to Gene Davis’ use of line as a vehicle for color to Ellsworth Kelly’s hard-edged minimal compositions. Each work brings forth its own emotion that intrigues and captures the observer, pulling them into his own abstract world.
Important elements in his art are color, balance, luminosity, transparency and movement. Background and negative spaces are as critical as the primary elements in each composition.
As an artist, Bernardo finds process to be an important key in his work. Formally trained as an architect who practiced his craft for twenty-three years, Bernardo brings discipline and structure to his art. Each work is the result of several studies and sketches. He delights in the process and evolution, as much as completing the actual work.
Originally from La Paz, Bolivia, Bernardo lives and works in Washington, DC.
Exhibitions
1996 Portrait of President Luis Adolfo Siles Salinas, permanent collection, Casa de la Libertad Museum, Sucre, Bolivia
2010 Group Exhibition, Gallery 50, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
2011 Group Exhibition, Gallery 50, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
2011 Year End Group Exhibition, Gallery plan b, Washington, DC
2012 Solo Show, Gallery plan b, Washington, DC
2013 Year End Group Exhibition, Gallery plan b, Washington, DC
2014 Solo Show, Gallery plan b, Washington, DC
2014 Year End Group Exhibition, Gallery plan b, Washington, DC
2014 Group Exhibition, Brigid’s Well Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
2015 10th Anniversary Group Exhibition, Gallery plan b, Washington, DC
2015 Alchemical Vessel Exhibition, Smith Center for Healing + The Arts
Commissions
2014 Oil Painting for Dr. Thomas Qualey