Meet Nestor Toro: Abstract Art Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nestor Toro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nestor, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
What habits do I find that have helped me succeed as an independent abstract painter is an interesting question! First I have always felt that work was a waste of time and that following your dreams was the key to happiness so I make it a habit of never investing time in things that I do not have a passion about. Painting is one of those things. I also make it a habit to paint each and everyday without fail! Why – well as I already said, it is my passion so as a daily “habit” I really don’t even have to think about it or set time aside for it because it is just something I do. I would also stress that following my own voice is another great habit to develop. I have found that the most successful are those with something genuine and unique to say rather than those who copy and/or compare themselves to others. These are just a few of the habits that I feel contribute to my success as an artist. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am proud that I am a self-taught artist. I came to art organically being attracted to it and just jumping in blindly (which I highly recommend)! I bought materials and just experimented with them; learning what they could do. I created my own techniques for unique results which I fine-tuned. Some might think that abstract art is simply randomly applied and that anyone could do it. Clearly this is foolish thinking and untrue. While “action painting” might appear to be random it is not. Very few can actually use this painting technique successfully. I am always thrilled to have my artwork resonate with a collector so much that they want to own my work! The main lesson I have learned is to trust yourself and not trends. Trends come and go – build/make something that you stand behind 100% even if you are the only one. Authenticity is what people respond to.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles is such a wonderful city. What other city is so ethnically diverse? I work and live in West Hollywood so I spend most of my time there. Unfortunately right now the amazing nightlife that WeHo is known for has been curtailed due to COVID however in other times I would recommend grabbing a burger and fries at Astro Burger on Santa Monica Blvd. A hike through the trails of Runyon canyon is a MUST for the sweeping views of Los Angeles as well as a visit to the Griffith Observatory. People watching is a favorite activity of mine and in Los Angeles with such a unique mix there is always much to see. Just find a bench – have a coffee and enjoy watching the cast of characters who endlessly stream by – now that’s real entertainment! Being an artist I don’t just recommend but insist visiting a few of the world class art galleries and museums here starting with the amazing Getty museum and its breathtaking grounds, the LACMA, and The Broad.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey leading me to becoming an artist started when my partner and relocated to Argentina for an adventure. We ended up staying for 7 years so I credit Buenos Aires as a factor in my becoming a painter. I want to also give credit to my partner of 23 years who encouraged me from the very start to continue to paint, grow and most importantly to never give up. Once back home in West Hollywood we decided it was time to enter the art world and he became my business manager allowing me to concentrate on creation and creativity while he handles the necessary details of running a successful art career.

Website: https://nestortoro.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nestortoroart/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nestortoro/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NestorToroArt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nestortoroLA
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ntoro62611
Other: Tumblr https://nestortoro.tumblr.com/ Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/nestortoroArt/

Image Credits
Lee Chapman