José Ladrón de Guevara was born in Málaga in 1979 and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Granada in 2003. He spent over a decade working in various fields of advertising, gaining extensive experience in aesthetics and visual communication. During this time, he transitioned from traditional painting tools to digital media, mastering graphic design, 3D modeling, web design, and e-commerce.
Although he stepped away from the fine art world for a period, this professional experience provided him with a unique skill set that significantly influenced his artistic approach. He developed a deep understanding of digital image editing tools, particularly Photoshop, and explored the potential of digital media for artistic expression. His work in professional photography—capturing models, architecture, and products for advertising—further enriched his artistic vision.
Artistic Approach & Technique
Ladrón de Guevara’s multidisciplinary background is fundamental to his creative process, where photography plays a central role and is closely linked to advertising aesthetics. Each of his artworks begins with an independently executed photoshoot, using location flashes to capture fluid movement—particularly water and hair in motion. These dynamic elements are the foundation for his hyper-realistic and photorealistic drawings and paintings. His meticulous light control and mastery of various lighting techniques create a dramatic, expressive effect that enhances the depth and texture of his work.
Concept & Themes
Ladrón de Guevara’s work explores themes of movement, energy, and human consciousness—both psychological and emotional. For a long time, his central motif revolved around the human figure submerged in water, symbolizing cleansing and deep purification. This catalogue presents a selection of his charcoal and graphite drawings, where water’s impact on the model generates dynamic forms, brilliantly conveying motion and energy.
Later, he shifted focus to the movement of hair, using female models with long hair to create a sense of fluidity and transformation. In these works, the face is often partially obscured, emphasizing the dynamic interplay of light and texture. The paintings included in this catalogue form part of a larger oil painting series that continues to explore these themes.
Materials & Techniques
Ladrón de Guevara’s drawings are executed in black and white, employing a combination of charcoal, grease pencils, graphite, watercolors, and acrylics. His works are primarily created on paper and wood, sometimes treated with a light primer. Alongside charcoal drawings, he incorporates marker-based techniques, achieving rich tonal variations through layered strokes, fine lines, and spirals—showcasing his technical mastery and precision.
His paintings are executed in oil on canvas, using the Alla Prima technique, followed by glazing and dry brush applications. This approach enhances depth, luminosity, and texture, reinforcing his signature hyper-realistic style.
