Echoes from the Hilltop Gallery

David Fernandez, the talented artist behind Hilltop Artist Echoes, creates paintings and artwork that are a true reflection of his innermost thoughts and emotions. Each piece is a carefully crafted masterpiece that is born out of his unique experiences and the moments that have shaped his life. 

David said, "I have been constantly experimenting with my style throughout my career. I believe that naming styles from past movements does not capture my evolution as an artist."

With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of color and composition, David’s work is a true feast for the senses. His paintings are rich and vibrant, with each stroke of the brush conveying a sense of depth and meaning that is truly awe-inspiring.Whether he is working on a large canvas or a small sketch, David pours his heart and soul into every piece he creates. 

Fernandez said, "My creative process varies greatly depending on the work and medium. I usually start with an inspiring moment in my head and work quickly from there. Whether I'm creating a portrait, an expressive figure, a thought-provoking statement, or an emotional abstraction, the process is just as creative as the work itself."

One of the most memorable reactions I received was when someone threw a glass of wine at one of my paintings during an opening reception. 

His art is a testament to the power of creativity and the human spirit, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who view it. 

David stated, "My paintings and artwork are a distillation of my experiences, thoughts, and emotions in a given moment. I have worked in oils, enamels, water, glass, wood, and steel. I prefer oil paint or pastel on canvas, paper, or wood."

A lifetime's worth of artwork is priceless. My goal is to engage the viewer in my work. Artists who sell and promote their work struggle to balance their creative and business sides. Currently, I am exhibiting at La Linea Art Studio on Morley, "At The Wishing Wall." My most recent exhibition was at Hilltop Art Gallery, "Shim Sham Mish Mash."

David describes himself as simple. Originally from Nogales, Arizona, he studied art briefly in Dallas and Italy, and engineering in Tempe. For 62 years, his life has been dedicated to art. No matter how good or bad his work is, his goal is to keep creating until he dies.

 Meet Dorian Moore, a talented 16-year-old musician hailing from Nogales, Arizona. Currently a sophomore at Nogales High School, Dorian's greatest passion is creating music that inspires and moves people. Born and raised in Nogales, he strongly believes that his hometown is brimming with untapped potential. "I firmly believe that Nogales is one of the most promising towns in the world," says Dorian.

Dorian is a talented musician and songwriter, and his music is a joy to listen to. He is a true storyteller, and his music has the power to connect with people on a deep level.Dorian's music is often personal and introspective, but it can also be playful and upbeat. He has a gift for finding the universal in the personal, and his music has a way of speaking to people from all walks of life.

Dorian describes his music as storytelling music. He likes to experiment with different styles, drawing on influences from Latin, blues, folk, and jazz. “Whatever style I'm playing in, I'm always telling a story and trying to connect with people,” he says.

Dorian believes that the best advice he can give to aspiring musicians is to have confidence in their ability to create. He says that anyone can create great works of art, and that it is everyone's right to do so. He encourages musicians to never stop themselves from playing, writing, or performing because they are afraid of the possible negative outcomes. He says that everyone has something worthwhile inside of them, and that they should not rob the world of their contribution simply because they were too scared to try.

The sanctuary that music provides is my favorite part about being a musician. There is something I love about the community of musicians, the stories they tell through their music, and the diversity of musical expression. Music reflects human nature, and I find it to be one of the most beautiful things in the world. Dorian described the world of music as his own personal Rome, where all roads lead, regardless of how fruitful the journey might be.

Dorian's main musical influences are Victor Wooten, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Duke Ellington, and Joe Jackson. He has listened to these musicians for as long as he can remember, and their music has had a profound impact on his life. Each of these musicians has created songs that have inspired him, taught him about the world, and helped him to grow as a person.

My creative process for writing songs is often sporadic. I get my best ideas when I'm in the middle of doing something else, like math class or having a conversation. Because of this, I've taken to keeping a small notebook in my pocket so I can jot down any ideas that come to me. Once I have a few ideas, I start putting them together into a rough version of a song. I then refine the song little by little, until I'm happy with it. After a while, I have a song that I can use in performance or recycle into a different song.

“Music has always been a part of my life. I remember listening to my dad's CDs on the way to school in the mornings. It was an adventure every time I rode, as I was exposed to a wide range of artists whose music shaped my tastes and philosophies. From Bill Withers to Method Man and Redman, it never felt like a genre jump - it was all just good music,” said Dorian Moore.