Meet Rubén Reyes | Environmental lawyer and draftsman – painter

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

Hi Rubén, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My name is Rubén Reyes Aguiar, born in the city of Ensenada, Baja California on March 20, 1989. Graduated in law, draftsman and painter by passion, my style has focused mainly on representing flora and fauna in pictorial works from Baja California region, having a special affinity and inclination for figurative art and details. With the paintings and drawings that I carry out I intend to generate a greater collective consciousness; we are part of a whole, connected, that constantly interacts; we must not detach ourselves from the environment and its natural composition; that is why that feeling and passion arose to use art as a tool of expression, we can recognize, value, clarify our ideas and concepts and develop skills and attitudes necessary to coexist harmoniously; people, culture and environment as a unique element. Highlight natural beauties and seek to be appreciated and recognized as an element and value that requires everyone to preserve them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since I was a child I draw. Like every child I was attracted to drawings and cartoons, but curiously I wanted to know how they did it. In elementary school I always had a notebook and drew superheroes or something about soccer; anything that caught my attention. In high school I always participated in activities related to art, but it was not until college that I began to do this along with my law career in a more professional way, with teachers of painting, drawing, techniques and I participated in workshops to improve and learn.

I received teachings in several techniques but the one I like the most is the one based on acrylic and oil painting, but the technique with charcoal pencils is the one I have developed the most, because I have been doing it since childhood, lately, I combine them and I like it.

Friends and family convinced me to make the drawings and paintings public, I did it as a “hobby”, but after doing some exhibitions at the state arts center and in local places I made a profile about 4 years ago on Instagram: @artemexicano.bajanorte the name reflects what I display. I am a proud mexican artist and I am from a beautiful region, Baja California.

Now I have exhibited on Mexico City, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Venezia, Italia and San Diego, California and next July I will take an art residency at the New York Academy of Art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, Ensenada is very famous because of their wineries, seafood restaurants and breweries. If your plan is to visit Valle de Guadalupe there are many possibilities but definitely one of the best places to visit is Fauna Restaurante en Bruma. As well Hacienda La Lomita, Monte Xanic, Portee Valle and Villa Torel.

Downtown Ensenada, has plenty of good places to visit, specially local breweries like Cervecería Agua Mala, Wendlandt Tasting Room, AURORA CASA CERVECERA at Bodegas de Santo Tomás and amazing restaurants with incredible ocean view like Punta Morro Restaurante & Hotel, Humo & Sal inside Sano’s Steak House, Restaurante Manzanilla, Muelle 3 which is next to the Sea Food Market “Black Market” and of course we cannot forget the famous “Ensenada style” fish tacos in several street spots.

About historic places you can visit Ex-Hotel Riviera which used to be a casino and hotel back in the 1930s and is the place were the “margarita” drink was invented according to local tales.
Another very emblematic place is Hussong Cantina which is one of the most antique “Cantinas” in whole the state and its amazing because inside you will be able to find local mariachis and “norteño” music that is a very iconic regional music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am very grateful with my wife who always has been supporting and encouraging me to continue developing my art.

To my family that always have trusted me in try to achieve whatever makes me feel happy.

And to all my friends that have helped me in several ways.

Instagram: @artemexicanobajanorte

Facebook: Artemexicanobajanorte