My artistic story
I’m Daniel Salido de Juan, an artist whose passion for drawing and painting ignited at a young age, fuelled by a natural aptitude for creativity. I began my formal journey by enrolling at the School of Arts and Crafts in my hometown and held my first exhibition at just twelve years old. My academic path continued at the University of Seville, where I earned a Fine Arts degree and a Master’s degree with high qualifications. There, I received rigorous training in the Painting and Drawing Department, excelling in classical drawing techniques, painting methodologies, colour theory, and composition. This prestigious education refined my technical skills and artistic vision.
As a faculty member in the Painting and Drawing Department at the University of Seville, I contributed to the academic community by mentoring students in landscape painting, urban scenes, and aerial perspectives. Simultaneously, I pursued my doctoral research, integrating my artistic practice while examining urban landscapes and innovative techniques in painting and drawing.
Over the years, I have developed exceptional control over various mediums, focusing on portraiture, human figure studies, observation-retentive drawing, anatomy, and architectural cityscapes. A unique aspect of my work is the portrayal of urban landscapes through aerial views, capturing the interplay of light, colour, and atmosphere within the city. I am passionate about depicting cities from multiple perspectives, merging traditional landscape views with striking aerial viewpoints that reveal the vastness and complexity of urban environments.
In my artwork, I skilfully manipulate light and colour to evoke diverse moods and atmospheres, showcasing the dynamic energy of city life at different times of day and across the seasons. This balance allows me to create a layered understanding of urban landscapes, exploring themes such as the vibrancy of city life, the contrast between nature and architecture, and the abstract beauty found in urban patterns when viewed from above.
My artistic journey began in Seville, where I completed my Fine Arts and Master’s degrees. This foundation shaped my early work before I moved to Madrid, where I organised several exhibitions and received a national Fórum Filatélico award (Seville, 2001).
In Madrid, the vibrant urban environment greatly influenced my style, particularly my focus on cityscapes, light, and atmospheric effects. I collaborated with galleries such as Azteca Art Gallery and Jorge Ontiveros Art Gallery, gaining recognition in the national art scene.
Relocating to Los Angeles introduced me to new perspectives, particularly with the city’s unique light, architecture, and expansive urban landscapes. This experience broadened my focus on aerial views and dynamic cityscapes, incorporating a more international influence into my work.
Currently based in London, I draw inspiration from its diverse cultural and architectural landscape, alongside influences from cities like Los Angeles, Bangkok, and Madrid. My artwork reflects the essence of these urban environments, capturing their colours, light, and unique viewpoints.
Throughout my career, I have participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions and received prestigious awards that recognise my contributions to the art world. I was also featured on the TV program "Landscape Artist of the Year" on the Sky Art Channel. In addition to my artistic pursuits, I take great pride in my role as a qualified art teacher, nurturing the next generation of artists. I believe in fostering a supportive environment that encourages students to find their own voices and express their creativity through art.
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Landscape artist of the year
In 2016, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year. It was an unforgettable experience, set in the beautiful Stowe, Buckinghamshire. The pressure was intense as we had a limited time to create our works while being filmed and interviewed. I focused on capturing the natural beauty of the location, combining vibrant color with careful attention to the subtle interplay of light and shadow across the landscape.
As the day unfolded, the cameras followed closely, documenting every brushstroke and decision. The judges provided insightful feedback, pushing me to think critically about my process. It was a thrilling challenge to work alongside so many talented artists, and the competition brought out the best in me. Seeing my work displayed and discussed on national television was surreal, and the whole experience deepened my connection to landscape painting, all while showcasing my style to a broader audience. -
Urban Cartography
**Prestigious National Award at 2001 Forum Filatélico Painting Competition in Seville** In this headline picture I was awarded with the top honor at the 2001 Forum Filatélico Painting Competition held in Seville, marking a significant milestone in the Spanish art scene. The competition, known for attracting some of the nation's most talented painters, recognized my outstanding contributions to contemporary art. The winning piece,(Cartografía Urbana), captivated the jury with its innovative style and powerful thematic expression. The Forum Filatélico award, one of Spain's most prestigious accolades in the arts by that time, solidifies my position as a leading figure in the national artistic community.
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"Horizonte Urbano"
A Comprehensive Retrospective of Paintings, Drawings, and Sketches" celebrated in 2018, Ubeda, Spain
This headline captures the essence of the exhibition, emphasizing that it features the full spectrum of my art work, from paintings to drawings and sketches, across all stages of my career. It suggests an in-depth exploration of my evolving vision of urban landscapes, offering viewers a look into both finished masterpieces and the creative process behind them. -
Jorge Ontiveros Art Gallery Exposition
"Honoured to have showcased my work alongside renowned and influential artists at the prestigious Jorge Ontiveros Art Gallery in Madrid. Each exhibition was a unique opportunity to present my artistic vision and be part of a collective exploration of contemporary art. The collaborations have been truly inspiring, and I’m grateful to have contributed to such dynamic exhibitions with renowned and relevant artists whose work I greatly admire."
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"Urban Landscapes and Textures: A Visual Journey"
This headline captures the essence of my art exhibition at the Official College of Architects in Jaén, Spain. The paintings, inspired by cityscapes and architectural textures, invite viewers to explore the interplay between urban forms and artistic expression. Each artwork reveals a distinct perspective on the structural, atmosphere and emotional dimensions of modern cities, showcasing the intricate beauty hidden in everyday urban environments. Perfectly placed in the heart of an architectural hub, this exhibition bridges the worlds of art and architecture through evocative, textured imagery.