"Rafael Urdaneta" Fine Art Print

Born on January 9, 1965, amidst the vibrant culture of New Orleans to Venezuelan parents, my artistic journey began. At just sixteen months old, my family returned to Venezuela, where I was raised in the cities of Maracaibo and Cabimas. These early years proved to be the crucible of my artistic identity, influencing and shaping the creative spirit within me. After graduating from High School in Venezuela in 1983, I embarked on a transformative chapter by moving to the United States, specifically Houston, to pursue my college education. At North Harris College (now Lone Star College), a wise counselor recommended art classes to enhance my English skills. Little did I know, these classes would unveil my true passion. Captivated by the world of art, I realized that it was more than just a subject; it was my calling. This realization led me to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and in 1988, I transferred to Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, earning my degree in Studio Art in December 1990. In 1997, my artistic journey took me to Virginia, where I delved into graduate work at Radford University. This transformative experience culminated in May 2000, with the conferral of a Master of Fine Arts degree. My art journey continues today while I pursue a PhD in Visual Arts and Philosophy from the Institute for Doctoral Studies in Visual Arts (IDSVA) Since the turn of the millennium, my focus has been dedicated to the evocative world of painting. The year 2001 marked my move to Lubbock, TX, where I began teaching part-time at Texas Tech University, establishing a home studio that became the epicenter of my creative endeavors. In 2006, I found a new home in Athens, Georgia, providing me with the space to manage both a home studio and an external studio for creating large-format paintings. My passion for art education has been a constant thread in my journey, with roles as Department Head, Art Instructor and a Gallery Director at Clovis Community College as well as a full-time Art Lecturer at the University of North Georgia. I also had teaching engagements at prominent institutions such as the University of Georgia, Georgia College and State University, and Texas Tech University and Liaocheng University in China. My artistic odyssey continues to unfold through national and international exhibitions, showcasing the evolution of my work.