Rafael Mesquita
I am Rafael Mesquita, a Brazilian artist from Curitiba, Paraná (1994).
My artistic research focuses on oil painting, combining figurative, personal, and poetic themes with contemporary elements. Influenced by artists like Francis Bacon, Emilio Villalba, Jessica Vieira, and Luan Zumbi, I have been working as an artist since 2017. I learned to paint at the age of 9 with the artist Vânia Pessa Chamma in Jaguariaíva, Paraná. I value texture and finishes in my works, along with the emotions and poetry they convey. Using oil paint as my primary material, I explore layers and sentimental and technical connections during the process, incorporating graphite, charcoal, oil pastel, and acrylic paints. Since 2022, I have been teaching painting and drawing to students in Curitiba.
Interview with Rafael Mesquita
The connections and exchanges that people have are inspirational to Rafael alongside exploring different art mediums and being inspired by Francis Bacon. Read our interview with Brazilian artist, Rafael.
Rafael Mesquita is a Brazilian artist from Curitiba, Paraná. His artistic research focuses on oil painting, combining figurative, personal, and poetic themes with contemporary elements. Influenced by artists like Francis Bacon, Emilio Villalba, Jessica Vieira, and Luan Zumbi, he has been working as an artist since 2017.
He values texture and finishes in his works, along with the emotions and poetry they convey. Using oil paint as his primary material, he explores layers and sentimental and technical connections during the process, incorporating graphite, charcoal, oil pastel, and acrylic paints.
What do you find most valuable as an artist?
What I find most valuable about being an artist is the connections and exchanges with people. They are extremely valuable for us, as artists, to better understand our processes and progress. These are connections between materials, people, and life. All of this impacts what we create, whether in paint or pencil. Affection and wet paint. Each piece of art is unique to me, and it can be unique for those who see it. Being an artist can sometimes be solitary, as there is much being created and thought about internally. It is important to embrace all of this and rely on other trajectories to guide us toward a better understanding of our poetry. It is a genuine way to deal with the issues of life, and many people also benefit from the support we offer.
What inspired you to pick up a brush and start painting?
From an early age, I was fascinated by visual arts and always loved to draw. My mother enrolled me in a drawing course when I was 8 and soon after I wanted to try painting, where I stayed for five years. I returned to art as an adult; it has always been a refuge and comfort for my feelings. Discovering the work of Francis Bacon was a major impetus for me to delve deeper into painting. The LGBTQ+ themes, self-portraiture, and the use of history in his artistic and poetic journey inspired me to explore similar brushstrokes.
What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?
Never stop practising and experimenting. Find your own voice and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s in these moments that we grow. Life is more about the journey than the destination, and the same applies to painting and drawing. The process can be much more valuable and enriching than the final artwork. Enjoy the journey.
What is the best tip you were told early in your career?
Always observe and study the works and artistic processes of both old and contemporary painters, trying to understand the technical parts of a piece through observation and experience with the paint. Seek contemporary relevance to work with current history on a solid technical foundation.
What is your favourite Daler-Rowney product and why?
I really like Daler-Rowney oil paints for their quality and versatility. These are the paints I use the most, where I explore colours and textures in each painting.
How has social media helped your career?
Social media has allowed me to reach a broader audience and share my creative process, as well as connect with other artists and opportunities. I currently showcase my processes and progress, which are part of my artistic journey, on Instagram and TikTok. I also present a longer and calmer artistic process on YouTube. This way, I have better documentation and allow people to access these stages of work as motivation and curiosity. My art reflects what I live and who I am, and through social media, I can share this with people.
When did your love of art start? Did you always want to be an artist?
My love for art began in childhood, but I never saw it as a profession. In a small town with no cultural incentives, in a country that has only recently started to mobilize more for art and culture, I set aside that dream and stopped drawing. I graduated as a civil engineer in 2018, but I returned to art in 2017 as it helped me through dark times. Since then, I have used art as an anchor and pursued my dream of being an artist with greater strength, power, and courage.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from various sources, including nature, the human condition, and the work of artists I admire. I bring my experiences to my art, which motivates much of it. My history, romances, broken hearts, and life and health issues. Art serves as a comfort and is connected to everything I live and see.
What is a technique that you haven't tried yet that you would love to try & why?
I would like to experiment with rubber engraving and handmade printing techniques. I believe that the movement of fabrics can bring a unique characteristic to paintings on them.
What do you find most valuable as an artist?
What I find most valuable about being an artist is the connections and exchanges with people. They are extremely valuable for us, as artists, to better understand our processes and progress. These are connections between materials, people, and life. All of this impacts what we create, whether in paint or pencil. Affection and wet paint. Each piece of art is unique to me, and it can be unique for those who see it. Being an artist can sometimes be solitary, as there is much being created and thought about internally. It is important to embrace all of this and rely on other trajectories to guide us toward a better understanding of our poetry. It is a genuine way to deal with the issues of life, and many people also benefit from the support we offer.
What inspired you to pick up a brush and start painting?
From an early age, I was fascinated by visual arts and always loved to draw. My mother enrolled me in a drawing course when I was 8 and soon after I wanted to try painting, where I stayed for five years. I returned to art as an adult; it has always been a refuge and comfort for my feelings. Discovering the work of Francis Bacon was a major impetus for me to delve deeper into painting. The LGBTQ+ themes, self-portraiture, and the use of history in his artistic and poetic journey inspired me to explore similar brushstrokes.
What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?
Never stop practising and experimenting. Find your own voice and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s in these moments that we grow. Life is more about the journey than the destination, and the same applies to painting and drawing. The process can be much more valuable and enriching than the final artwork. Enjoy the journey.
Products Used
Graduate Acrylic Paint
Graduate Oil Paint
Graduate Multi-Technique Brush
-
Acrylics
Graduate Acrylic Paint
Graduate Acrylic is an affordable, water-based paint range developed for students, hobbyists, and beginners seeking consistent quality and performance. These medium-body acrylics are smooth and easy to handle, offering excellent coverage for large-scale projects or everyday practice. Quick-drying and water-resistant once dry, they are ideal for classroom use and for artists working on multiple layers. […]LEARN MORE -
Oils
Graduate Oil Paint
Graduate Oil is an affordable range of oil colours designed for students, amateurs and hobbyists seeking reliable performance and excellent value. These paints have a smooth consistency, are easy to use, and mix well together. They dry to a low gloss satin finish within five days. The Graduate Oil range offers 42 vibrant colours made […]LEARN MORE -
Brushes
Graduate Multi-Technique Brush
The Graduate Brush Assortment offers a versatile range of brushes suitable for beginner artists and students. This collection features six different hair blends, including soft synthetic filaments, sable mix, hog bristle, and other blends designed to deliver excellent performance across acrylics, oils, watercolours, and mixed media. Each brush has an ergonomic pearl white handle with […]LEARN MORE
Find a Store Near You
Our products are available in thousands stores nationwide. Use our Store Locator to find your nearest retailer and explore our network of trusted art supply specialists. Visit in person to experience the quality firsthand, receive expert advice, and shop your favourite Daler-Rowney products locally.
Contact Us
Got a question? Start by browsing our FAQs for quick answers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch by selecting the form that best matches your enquiry. We’d love to hear from you and are always happy to assist!
