Artist Francisco Gutierrez loves telling stories through paintings. See his work displayed at the RAW launch in San Francisco at the Minna Gallery on Thursday, August 19th!

How did you first get started making art? 
As a kid, I would see my older brother draw cool tanks and well I wanted to be like him.

How would you describe your aesthetic?
I Glaze and Glaze. This gives my paintings a atmospheric look.

From where do you draw inspiration for your work?
My inspiration is drawn from my childhood. And my older brother who got me into comic books and art. And definitely my amazing Pops who always backed me up!

What do you love most about what you do? 
I enjoy giving life to my cast of characters and tell their life stories through paintings.

Do you engage in, or draw inspiration from, any other forms of art? 
Yes, definitely ! I Draw inspiration from comic books, cartoons and graffiti lettering. It has always been the kids shows that we watched on TV. like The little rascals  and Pippy Long-stocking (mostly because i was jealous she had a monkey as a pet) , Formal painters would include, Egon Shiele,Remington, Gustav Klimt and Henry Kley.

From start to finish, explain your process; what does a typical art-making day look like for you? 
I tend to be a night owl - whooo whooo.  My painting is always done in the serenity and stillness of the night, with a bit of wine and The Carter Family playing in the background. 

Medium of choice? 
My choice of medium is anything! It has been mostly acrylic because I like to paint fast. But just about anything will do. I use just about everything in my work.

Are there any artists or art movements, past or present, that strongly inform and influence your work? 
The whole anti-segregation movement and hard-working families have always influenced my work.

Any previous exhibitions/collaborations that you are particularly proud of? 
I remember in college a group of us decided to stay up for two days straight and make paintings for a show titled "48 hours" that was exhausting but tons of fun.

Any accomplishments/goals you hope to achieve as an artist in the future?
In the future, I hope to work on a children's book and make some jewelry.

Why showcase at RAW? 
The RAW squad had been very kind and they work hard to get people a boost up.

Favorite thing to do outside of your craft? 
I like to play guitar and run on trails. I also enjoy playing with my nieces and nephews.

Any current rising stars within the art arena that you would recommend we look out for?
Eduardo Silva and Christopher Hernandez really great up and coming abstract artist.