Rick Garcia Artist

Rick Garcia was born in Miami, Florida to Cuban parents where he was always encouraged to follow his dream which around nine years old became the world of art. His teen years found a deep rooted connection to surrealism, specifically with the work of Dali. Garcia had become obsessed with the unique images and amazing technique of the spanish painter, he eventually traveled to Port Lligat, Spain to visit the home and surroundings of his mentor. 

He attended the Art Institute of Miami for several years where he refined his artistic vision in drawing and painting and was soon

earning an income from published illustrations.

Garcia has enjoyed a rich and diverse career starting with the hit TV show Miami Vice commissioning him to create a mural on the side of a three story building, and used his paintings for interior shots. Apart from a growing number of private commissions, his distinctive images were commissioned by The United Nations Postal Administration in 1998 and 2003.

His stamps brought awareness to the growing extinction of the rainforest and its inhabitants, and followed with the 50th Anniversary of the World Health Organization, bringing awareness to the vanishing supply of freshwater, where it earned him the prestige of the most beautiful stamp series of 2003. 

Garcia was selected as an Absolut Artist of the 90s in the popular vodka ad campaign and with his second piece Absolut Electric, he again drew worldwide attention. 

1998, 1999, and 2001 garnered him the distinction of official artist to  The Grammy Awards® where his creations influenced the look of the live broadcast and graced the covers of the official program book, CDs, posters, apparel, and other various items. His work included portraits of stars such as Destinys Child, Ricky Martin, Coldplay, Santana, Celia Cruz, Black Eyed Peas, Imogen Heap and Kanye West. Today he continues his support of the Grammys as well as MusiCares® and the Grammy Foundation®.

His life long passion of thoroughbred racing tapped him in 2008 to be the official artist of the 2008 Kentucky Derby Festival®. His original painting became a stunning poster and a signed limited edition as well as reproductions of the art into many merchandised items.

With a strong desire to get connected to his Cuban heritage, his recent work has turned towards capturing the unique blend of Cubas past and present by mixing images of Cubas nostalgic era with a pop contemporary look. For Rick, Cuba offers endless inspiration from the sounds, textures, cars, colors, architecture, and people... all drenched in the tropical Cuban sunlight. 

With Cuba con Leche, Ricks intent has always been to join the two cultures through art. For this he later began to include in every painting a random word in spanish and its english version to educate both cultures.