Now, as you all know, I am no art expert (whatever that is), and so I judge its value purely by the emotional response I get when I look at a piece of art. If it looks nice, feels nice, is nice, then I think it's got value. I don't want it to be shocking, or grotesque or so obscure that I can't relate to it on any level. My litmus test for "good art" is the simple question, would I hang this piece in my front room, office, bedroom, kitchen? Would it bring joy and brightness to my day to see this piece of art in my home? If the answer is Yes, then I think it's got value because it adds something positive to my life.

Which brings me on to Raul del Rio, my latest discovery in the world of art, color and life. Would I hang a piece by Raul del Rio in my front room? Without a doubt. The only problem would be choosing which one! I came across Raul's work when browsing through ImageKind's online galleries, where Raul is a fellow member artist. His work is hard to miss - it leaps out at you, a blaze of color and cheerfulness - it's so vivid, it literally pulsates with life.

Raul himself describes his work as "modern primitive". All his work effortlessly combines his two main interests: Nature and Heritage. He portrays nature and architecture as he would like them to be: bright, colorful, stylized and clean. In his collection of artworks, you'll see pieces featuring wildlife (from birds to fishes and whales), farm animals, bright Mexican villages and market scenes, all bursting with life, color, lush vegetation and tropical fruits. There are landscapes and underwater scenes too, with Raul's style elegantly mixing primitive and folk art with the exotic and even a touch of realism here and there - there's so much going on in del Rio's artwork, that everyone will find something to relate to, something which reaches out and touches them.

When I read the long list of eminent environmental organizations who have commissioned Raul del Rio and are affiliated with his work (including Greenpeace, Earth Island, Conservation International, Environmental Defense Club, Humane Farming Association, Animal Voice Magazine and National Wildlife Federation), it becomes clear why I feel such an affinity with Raul's work, for I too am someone for whom Nature is not only inspirational, but central to my life and a driving force behind everything I do.

I highly recommend taking a look through Raul del Rio's entire collection, but here are my own personal favorites:

Toucans by Raul del Rio
Veracruz by Raul del Rio
Country Chickens by Raul del Rio
Lavanderas by Raul del Rio
Las Palomas by Raul del Rio

You can also view the work of some of my other favorite artists on our Raw Talent page. Enjoy browsing!