
Begoña True weaves fantastic realms in countless pastel shades – By P. Reeti
Begoña True’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of imagination and the pursuit of beauty. Her work is a vibrant tapestry woven from her belief in love, kindness, and joy—a reflection of her own sensibilities. As both a woman and an artist, Begoña embodies a blend of sensitivity and playfulness, which is vividly expressed through her art.
Born in South Africa and raised in Spain, Begoña’s journey is as diverse as her artistic palette. Now residing in Faro, Portugal, she acknowledges the influence of European culture more than a direct connection to her birthplace. Despite her varied geographical experiences, her art transcends these boundaries, merging elements from her life and surroundings into a unique style that feels both universal and deeply personal.
Begoña’s fascination with art began in her early years. With an abundant imagination and a natural inclination towards drawing and painting, she was always immersed in her own fantasy world. This early connection to creativity led her to explore various art forms, from landscapes and portraits to the whimsical world of children’s book illustrations. Her transition to illustrating children’s books was pivotal, reviving her passion for magical realism and coloured pencils, and inspiring her to create art that resonates with tenderness and imagination.
Begoña’s inspiration is as varied as her artistic techniques. She finds beauty in the mundane and the magical, drawing from her surroundings and her internal world. The process often begins with simple doodles or observations from nature, evolving into intricate works of art that capture both the visible and the invisible. For her, art is not just a medium of expression but a means to reconnect with a childlike sense of wonder and imagination.
Her creative process involves a mix of techniques—coloured pencils, water color, acrylics, and oils—chosen based on the desired effect and theme of the artwork. This flexibility allows her to explore different textures and feelings, from the soft, soothing qualities of her children’s book illustrations to the more intense emotional landscapes in her paintings.
Begoña’s lifestyle, as a single artist with no children, grants her the freedom to fully immerse herself in her craft. She enjoys the solitude of living with her cat, which offers her the flexibility to dedicate long hours to painting or take breaks as needed. This balance is crucial for maintaining her creative flow and personal well-being.
Navigating the professional art industry presents its own set of challenges. In Madrid, Begoña’ s art studio and exhibitions helped establish her presence. However, in Faro, where she now creates from home, she relies on word-of-mouth and occasional exhibitions to promote her work. Her proactive approach includes distributing business cards and engaging with potential buyers directly, demonstrating her commitment to connecting with her audience.
Critics and collectors have praised Begoña’ s work for its use of color, technique, and the emotional depth it conveys. Her illustrations are often described as serene and warm, evoking feelings of tranquillity and joy. Creative Pool’s spotlight on Begoña’s work highlights her profound passion and the delicate beauty of her illustrations. Reviews of her self-authored book, “My Magic Land,” emphasize the serene and cozy emotions her art evokes, likening it to the warmth of a sunny day or a comforting winter scene.
The pricing of Begoña’s work reflects the time and effort invested in each piece, from the physical act of drawing or painting to the mental process of imagining and designing. Her commitment to creating art that is both meaningful and aesthetically pleasing is a testament to the intrinsic value she places on her work.
On a broader scale, Begoña believes that art has the power to influence societal attitudes. By instilling a sense of love and kindness through her creations, she hopes to inspire others to envision and pursue a world characterized by these values. Her art encourages viewers to embrace their own sense of wonder and act with compassion, thereby contributing to a more empathetic and harmonious society.
Begoña True’s artistry is a celebration of imagination, sensitivity, and the transformative power of creativity. Her journey from a young dreamer to an accomplished artist reflects a deep connection to her inner world and the cultural influences that have shaped her. Through her vibrant illustrations and paintings, Begoña invites us all to explore the magic in our own lives and to cultivate a world where love and kindness prevail.
To give you an idea of her style Begoña personally describes some of the drawings you see displayed below.
B.T.: ” ‘The Garden’ is the place that I would create for myself, kind of like the garden of Eden, like heaven on earth so to say.
The Dancing Plant’ was inspired one day while I was sitting on my couch. I had a little balcony and a big window door that led to it. On the balcony I had some plants and as I looked to one of these plants right underneath it on the window I could see the reflection of my boots so it looked like the plant was dancing. And that is what I drew.
About ‘In the Tub’. Once I was at the city town hall waiting for my turn. There were some plants. One of them was in a big flower pot. It looked like it was taking a bath. I could see its eyes and smiles. I added the fishes afterwards when I was drawing the tiles. I thought I might transpose the bath in a bathroom. Then on the tiles appeared these fishes and they felt as if they wanted to dive in the water. I thought I might let them do it. And I called this series like this. later I remembered that when I was a child I used to listen to ‘The secret life of plants’ by Stevie Wonder. At that time I didn’t really get the lyrics well. However it use to take me into a dream whenever I listened to it. I remember I dived into mysteries and wonder, and though very little images would appear in my mind. I have memory of many things which I couldn’t and can’t put into words. Years later I searched on google. The lyrics of the song, the documentary and book it was based on. What I found out about it makes me feel a big aha! So this was it. This is what I felt back then, and yes, it does match the feelings that re-emerge any time I listen to this song. Life will never cease to surprise me. Of course, my plants adventures are different from the books and documentary, they seem to be having more fun. And who knows, I did see once in another documentary that plants did move, though very slowly, to the sound of music, and they definitively enjoy baths and showers.”
Follow Begoña True on Instagram
Follow Begoña True on Facebook