Meet Ricardo Morales Hendry | Fine Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ricardo Morales Hendry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ricardo, why did you pursue a creative career?
I believe it chose me. I remember myself copying from superman comics at the age of five, then in school doing portraits of my friend’s girlfriends. Later on, at the Colombian naval academy I was part of the academy’s magazine staff. Somehow, all my life, regardless of what I’m doing I have been connected to art. I must add that music has also been a great love in my life and I have played the harmonica also since around five.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have divided my work into two branches. One that is a service to my clients ( horse and pet portraits) in which there is little change except in my desire to do each portrait better than the previous one and to try and represent or capture the personality of the animal I’m portraying. I got into painting animals because, being recently graduated from college, I went to England and soon discovered that if I didn’t portray horses and dogs I had little chance of survival as an artist, as the British love their hunt and race scenes. This side of my work supports my creative side in which I do anything I want, mostly nature and animals, sometimes with a touch of fantasy. I like the freedom that painting a landscape brings, allowing me to erase a mountain or to add a tree or to change the sky, etc,. My sight seems to have become trained to see nature textures in a particular way, in which I recognize textures that to me look like a painting and so I proceed to do them. I like that during the process of painting I get thoughts about how the next one could be , and this, in my opinion leads to what I consider the eternal search for self expression.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m rather new in Houston, an incredibly large city. I arrived two years ago, unfortunately at the same time with the covid, which limited my chances to visit places and meet people.. Still, I do recommend the museums, both the science and the art museum. they are extraordinary. I also would take him to visit NASA in which one learns much about space, gets to see a rocket, a space capsule and has the opportunity to experience interactive demonstrations. Something not to be missed is any game or activity at the NRG Stadium, he only rodeo and NFL indoor/outdoor retractable roof stadium that serves for catered functions, exhibits, concerts, and much more. Food wise, not necessarily my cup of tea. Houston and Texas in general have the influence of Louisiana, Mexico, and barbecues, giving all its food a spicy and frequently hot flavor.

Who has been an influence in your life?
I believe my father was a great influence in my life. Due to his work as a naval engineer and architect he traveled through many countries and at times resided in some of them for a few years. This gave me the opportunity to see and learn about many cultures. He would also occasionally buy or have copies made of some Prado museum paintings which hung in our home during my childhood. He was also knowledgeable in mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, crafts and anything about construction. I along with my brother, learnt while assisting my dad. Exposure to art, music, culture, and work, were food for my soul and being. I was lucky.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Anat Ronen, a fantastic muralist whose work appears abundantly in Houston. You can see her work and contact her at https://anatronen.com. 

Instagram: @richorseart, @ricmorart, @ricportrait

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rmoraleshendry