Fernando Quevedo is a Brazilian visual artist whose work bridges the timeless discipline of classical painting with the language of contemporary art. Known for his technically refined portraits and symbolic compositions, Quevedo gained international recognition when his portrait of Neymar Jr. was selected as the cover artwork for the Netflix documentary series Neymar: The Perfect Chaos.
While his paintings demonstrate remarkable technical realism, Fernando's artistic vision extends beyond craftsmanship. Each work is conceived as a visual narrative, exploring themes of identity, technology, culture, and the human experience. Alongside his career as an artist, he is also committed to teaching painting, encouraging a new generation of artists to value technical excellence, craftsmanship, and beauty in contemporary art.
In this interview, Fernando shares the philosophy behind his work, his creative process, and his perspective on the enduring role of art in society.
Can you tell us about your journey as an artist? What inspired you to pursue art, and how has your style evolved over the years?
My journey as an artist has been shaped by a passion for classical painting and visual storytelling. Over the years, I have developed a style that combines technical realism with contemporary ideas, creating portraits and symbolic works that connect with today's audience.
A defining moment in my career was having my portrait of Neymar Jr. featured as the cover artwork for the Netflix documentary series Neymar: The Perfect Chaos. Today, I also dedicate myself to teaching, promoting technical excellence, craftsmanship, and beauty in contemporary art.
What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your artwork, and how do you go about expressing them visually?
My work explores the intersection of classical craftsmanship and contemporary ideas. I use realistic portraiture, symbolism, and visual metaphors to tell stories about identity, technology, culture, and the human experience.
Rather than separating technical mastery from conceptual meaning, I believe the strongest artworks unite both, creating images that are visually compelling while inviting reflection.
Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you start a new piece, and what techniques or materials do you prefer to use?
I usually start with an idea I want to communicate. Before I touch the canvas, I like to develop the concept digitally and explore different compositions.
I started painting with acrylics, but over the years I fell in love with oil painting because it gives me more freedom, depth, and richness. I like to mix classical painting techniques with contemporary ideas, always trying to create something that is visually strong and tells a story.
What challenges have you faced in your artistic career, and how have you overcome them? Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
One of my biggest challenges has been staying true to my artistic vision while building a sustainable career. I overcame it through persistence, continuous learning, and focusing on quality over trends.
My advice is simple: master the fundamentals, stay consistent, and create work that reflects who you are.
How do you see the role of art in society, and what impact do you hope your work has on your audience? Are there any particular responses or interactions with viewers that stand out to you?
I don't paint just to make something that looks good. Every painting has an idea behind it. I hope my work makes people look beyond the technique and connect with the story. I think that's one of the most important roles of art—to communicate ideas in a way that words sometimes can't.
The best moments are when someone tells me they connected with a story in the painting that I never had to explain.
Quevedo's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@quevedoart/featured
