Featured In House Artist

Jude Morales

What made you decide to become an artist?

Making art has always been an activity that I've enjoyed since I was a child. I decided to go study art in college because my art teacher in high school was very engaging and supportive of my passion for art. Before that, a family friend was a mentor for my siblings and I when we were young children. She really got us all into making things.

When I graduated from college I decided right away that there was no possible way for me not to be an artist and so I slowly began my career, working full time at other jobs too. Each year since then, I've improved my productivity and finally, 12 years later, I am fortunate enough to be a full time artist...and a full time dad.

Where do you gain inspiration from?
Very recently I was in Albuqurque, NM for a friend's wedding and stayed at a magnificent 'hotel' which was also a lavender farm and ranch. The art was unlike anything I would ever expect to see at a hotel, but this place is special. They had an intense collection of art which each room showcased a certain artist or group of artists. Our room had particularly great pieces that struck a chord with me. Previous to this trip, I was really starting to get into Interiors and so this experience was cohesive with that. The artist featured there that most impacted me was Alexander Girard and my current work reflects that influence.

I'm really into Interiors and graphic designers from the mid 20th century right now, particularly Scandinavian artists.

What materials do you usually use?
I often use acrylic paint, wood, handmade stencils, paper and oil sticks. I do a lot of cutting and building too...like shadowboxes, frames and boxes to paint on. Right now I'm taking a screen printing class which I'm excited to incorporate into my work.

Where can we find your designs?
Fashion Denver, of course, and at The Denver Art Gallery next door to the Tattered Cover on Colfax. I also show at outdoor art markets in the Summer. Check out my website www.judemorales.com to find out the details on upcoming and current shows.