On a damp morning in Berkeley, Chilean-born artist Guillermo Navarrete Davis found refuge at Mudrakers Cafe. He settled on a couch beside his wife and translator Rebecca Navarrete Davis, sharing a latte as they discussed his latest achievement - being named the featured artist for the East Bay Open Studios winter event.

East Bay Open Studios: A Platform for Local Artists

From December 7th to 8th, the East Bay Open Studios will showcase the works of over 120 local artists across multiple locations in the East Bay. For its fiftieth anniversary, Guillermo was selected as the featured artist, earning a permanent spot in the studio's main event space at the Grand Gallery in Oakland's Jack London Square.

Guillermo's Dream Come True

Last year, when he saw the magazine, Guillermo thought, "One day, maybe my painting will be in the front." And indeed, that's what happened. It felt like a dream come true for him. This year, the Open Studios' catalog cover features a captivating image - a portrait of a young boy in a blue hoodie with a delicate smile. The subject is Rebecca's son, and Guillermo has masterfully captured his bright youthfulness.

Emphasizing Realism in Portraits

Guillermo's work focuses on realism in depicting marginalized groups. He explains that many realistic portraits are recreations of classics like the "Mona Lisa," but realism often neglects lesser-represented groups such as older people or young children. "They tend to do portraits of people from higher classes. A lot of times their subjects just represent one stratum of society, and he likes telling the stories of people that don't usually have their stories told," Rebecca explains.

Artistic Journey in Chile

Guillermo began his artistic journey in Santiago de Chile, where he experimented with different forms of painting. His relationship with art was influenced by Pinochet's dictatorial regime in the '70s and '80s and by being raised in a military family that was skeptical of his artistic pursuits. Guillermo himself served in the army for four years, which he believes has shaped his perspective on art. "I think about the past and the future all at once. During my life in the army, I saw so many different people - maybe that's why I like painting more realistic people," he said.

"En la Cocina": A Captivating Depiction

He shows one of his favorite pieces titled "En la Cocina," which depicts a Mexican woman and her children standing in a kitchen. Guillermo came across a photo of this scene in a decades-old National Geographic magazine and recreated it in oil on canvas. The details in this painting are powerful, from the wisps of smoke floating off the pan to the dramatic shadows on the young girl's face as she hides behind her mother. This painting is on display at the Museum of Northern California Art as part of an exhibition on Latino perspectives.

Distinguishing Realism from Abstract Art

Guillermo believes that his traditional technical realism sets him apart from other artists in his field. He playfully pokes fun at abstract art, claiming it's "easy" to make. But he emphasizes that they are just two different disciplines. He explains that the tedium and fine detail required in realism are signs of an artist's dedication to their craft. "That's for me, something I'm a little critical of," Guillermo said about the lack of realism among his contemporaries. "I like it when people take more time with their painting. I would like to see art that is painted from the inside."

An Exemplary Perfectionist

An admitted perfectionist, Guillermo's intricate paintings demonstrate the time and care he puts into his craft. His preferred painting method is with oil, which dries slower than acrylic, allowing him to create malleable layers. These paintings often take several months to create as he continues to add layers over time when he deems it necessary.

"Hijo en las Hojas": A Christmas Gift and More

One of the largest in his collection, the painting "Hijo en las Hojas" was originally created as a Christmas gift for his wife. However, he spent months after the holidays perfecting it. The work depicts Rebecca and their son lying down in a pile of leaves. With layering emphasizing natural folds in the skin and the leaves' brittle textures, the result is truly photorealistic. This painting, among others, is a testament to the dedication and effort Guillermo puts into his creations and his fondness for his loved ones.

Accessible Works during Open Studios

In addition to around 20 pieces on display during the East Bay Open Studios, Guillermo will also be selling small-scale works such as greeting cards, magnets, and prints. This ensures that people can access his work without having to purchase an entire painting. His prints and exhibition will be on display starting December 1 at the Grand Gallery.