Conversations with Daniel Lopez Herrerias

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Lopez Herrerias. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Daniel Alberto Lopez Herrerias lives in Kansas City, MO. He is affectionately known as “Beto” among his family and was born in 1987 in Iztacalco, Mexico City, Mexico. His artistic journey began during his formative years in elementary school when he discovered his love of drawing. As he progressed through middle school and high school, he was invited to paint murals and later transitioned to the versatile realm of acrylic paints. However, in his college years, Daniel’s artistic prowess began to flourish. A significant turning point arrived in 2008 with the untimely passing of his beloved uncle, Jorge Larios. Grief-stricken, Daniel temporarily set aside his paintbrushes to explore a different means of self-expression—writing. His lyrical compositions quickly gained recognition, culminating in a distinguished university award and subsequent inclusion in various esteemed poetry collections. 11 years later, in 2019, Daniel hesitantly returned to his first artistic love—painting. Amidst this resurgence, he found a creative sanctuary in oil painting, a medium that resonated profoundly with his artistic sensibilities. Drawing inspiration from Impressionism, Baroquism, and his rich Mexican heritage, Daniel began defining his artistic identity by specializing in the nuanced art of realism and portraiture; Daniel’s oeuvre is a captivating exploration of light. His brushwork captures both shadow and luminance, orchestrating a symphony of visual impact. Daniel’s artistry finds its most profound expression within this interplay of shadow and light. His canvas becomes a stage for celebrating the intrinsic worth of his subjects—primarily close friends and family members who step into the roles of his models. Through his masterful manipulation of shadow and light, Daniel crafts striking portraits and embarks on a poignant mission. With each brush stroke, he elevates the commonplace to the extraordinary, spotlighting the innate value and individuality of those who populate his canvases. In choosing those nearest and dearest to him as subjects, Daniel’s art becomes a testament to the beauty and significance of the everyday person.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth?
My artistic progression has encountered challenges primarily related to financial constraints associated with the cost of oil painting materials. While I have honed my creative skills through self-guided learning, the switch from acrylic to oil painting was contingent upon the financial stability afforded by my corporate job in the financial sector. Beyond the fiscal aspect, the concurrent engagement in full-time employment poses a significant hurdle, leaving me with limited time to pursue painting on a full-time basis. Juggling work demands, artistic pursuits, social commitments, familial responsibilities, and my relationship with my partner remains an ongoing and intricate balancing act, representing a persistent and formidable challenge in my artistic journey.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started my professional journey as a temp employee at Union Bank of California, now known as US Bank. I have steadily climbed the corporate ladder, culminating in my position as Vice President of Reporting for NBH Holdings. In this capacity, I oversee all aspects of Business Intelligence and reporting, including developing and managing dashboards. My role is inherently collaborative, requiring partnerships across diverse sectors and divisions within the bank. The dynamic nature of my responsibilities often mirrors that of a consultant, as I address ad-hoc requests with a comprehensive approach drawing from my artistic background; my unique perspective enables me to unravel intricate data issues and inefficiencies. What may appear nuanced challenges to others are puzzles requiring meticulous untangling and resolution. With over 15 years of experience in the banking industry, I have concurrently cultivated my artistic pursuits, including painting, poetry, and photography. Throughout this period, I have successfully navigated the corporate landscape, attaining a highly sought position due to its executive partnership opportunities and exposure.

What are your plans for the future?
My ultimate aspiration is to transition into a full-time career as an artist, fostering the creation of a robust portfolio while concurrently building a network that sustains my financial requirements. The realization of this vision extends to establishing my studio, providing a dedicated space for creative exploration and expression. My short-term plans include hosting additional art exhibits and growing my art network to develop myself as an artist in the Kansas City art community.

Contact Info:

• Website: daniellopezfineart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellopezfineart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550876815172
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellopezherr/