Juan Carlos Encinas Mateos

"Juan Carlos Encinas is a Spanish visual artist born in Salamanca and currently based in Tarragona. Is a self-taught visual artist whose work bridges the gap between realism and figurative impressionism. After a successful period creating under the pseudonym Matteo Lecci—where he earned multiple Artquid Awards for his technical excellence—he now signs with his original name. His career is defined by a tireless, independent exploration of traditional media, achieving a professional mastery in oil pastels, graphite, watercolor, and ink.
As a self-taught artist, my practice is driven by a deep, personal intuition and a commitment to classical craftsmanship. I specialize in the use of oil pastels, ink, and watercolor, seeking to capture the essence of the subject through a balance of precision and expressive freedom. My work is an ongoing dialogue with light and form, aiming to evoke the psychological depth of the human figure through a contemporary lens. My brush doesn´t just portray landscapes; as noted in my recent feature with "Divinia Art", it decodes the soul",seeking the emotional truth hidden within the scenary.
Read my full editorial feature at Divinia Art (post 23th March 2026)

Institution name: Self-taught /Independent study
Year:2020
Degree:Fine art practice

Artquid Awards Selection: Recognized for artistic excellence in multiple editions (under the pseudonym Matteo Lecci).
Private Collections: Works held in private collections across Spain and Europe (2018–Present).
Online Curated Platforms: Featured Artist on Artquid and international digital art showcases.
Transition Project: Consolidation of portfolio and transition from pseudonym Matteo Lecci to Juan Carlos Encinas (2024).