Ricardo Galán Urréjola
Ricardo Galán Urréjola in his studio in Chiclana de la Frontera, Cádiz.
The timeless gaze of classical painting
From the heart of Cádiz, Ricardo Galán Urréjola has forged a path defined by dedication, mastery, and an unwavering commitment to the classical tradition. With a background in Fine Arts, a specialization in Printmaking, and a degree in History, his work is not only technically refined but intellectually rich—anchored in centuries of artistic heritage while engaging with contemporary sensibilities.
Over the course of his career, Ricardo has exhibited across Europe and the Americas, earning recognition for a body of work that evokes the depth and poise of the old masters. His paintings, often contemplative and meticulously crafted, speak to a universal sense of beauty and introspection.
“Now, as he joins The Guide Artists Publishing, we are proud to accompany him on the journey toward his upcoming book, set to launch in Fall 2025. This publication will serve as a testament to his artistic legacy—an intimate look into the life and mind of an artist devoted to timeless excellence.
In this exclusive interview, Ricardo shares the roots of his vocation, the influences that have shaped his style, and his vision for the future.”
A primera luz
Oil on canvas . 80 × 160 cm
Step inside the quiet world of classical beauty with Ricardo Galán Urréjola. In our Journal, the Spanish artist shares the roots of his timeless style and the journey behind his upcoming book.
La Urbe
Oil on canvas . 97 × 130 cm
How did your passion for painting begin?
It started very early, self-taught and without any formal training. We’re talking about being ten years old and beginning to paint by copying works from the great masters such as Velázquez and Rembrandt.
I remember painting The Merry Drinker by Frans Hals and Equestrian Portrait of Prince Baltasar Carlos by Velázquez, among others of that kind. Looking back, I realize I started with works that were far too complex, but children are fearless and dare to take on anything. From today’s perspective, I think that was wonderful.
I was simply a child dreaming of becoming a painter—just like that.
What was your formal artistic training?
By the time I was 15 or 16, I had already decided to dedicate myself to painting, so studying Fine Arts became essential.
I took drawing and painting classes to prepare for the entrance exam, which was mandatory at the time.
I began my Fine Arts studies at the Santa Isabel de Hungría Faculty in Seville.
Viaje a Nueva York
Oil on canvas . 146 × 114 cm
How has your academic training influenced your artistic style?
I don’t believe academic training had a lasting influence on the evolution of my painting. In fact, I would say the opposite—I spent years trying to erase that influence in order to allow my true artistic personality to emerge, which was somewhat hidden behind what I had learned. That takes a great deal of effort and work.
After many years in this challenging profession, what now dominates my painting is intuition; instinct has become more decisive than reason.
That’s the approach I feel most comfortable with—it’s my personal terrain.
Return to the hotel
Oil on canvas . 97 × 130 cm
What themes predominate in your work?
In my case, the subject matter has shifted over time. In the early years, I was torn between figurative and abstract approaches. Eventually, a form of figuration prevailed—one that flirts with techniques reminiscent of expressionism or abstraction, but only in execution. The final result remains figurative.
I steer away from strict realism or hyperrealism because I prefer a painterly execution that leaves room for the viewer to interpret or even contribute something personal to the artwork over time.
Undoubtedly, in my work, the image, the plastic execution, intuition, and personal gesture all carry great weight.
Figures, objects, landscapes, seascapes, and lighthouses have all appeared in my paintings over the years, but there’s one subject that particularly interests me and allows me to explore my capabilities: the observation of the city.
Urban life strikes me as an almost inexhaustible theme, one that invites nuance and new approaches. I’m fascinated by it.
The upcoming book will focus exclusively on the urban theme—the city.
Tú también vuelas
Oil on canvas . 50 × 100 cm
Your work has been featured in several books in recent years. What has that meant to you?
The initial idea behind each of those previous books was to gather and catalog works with a common theme or time frame.
It’s clear that books can reach collectors and art professionals, which is important for any artist.
The edition The Guide Artists is currently preparing will be something special. It will be the highest-quality book ever produced about my work—meticulously crafted, with a refined edition that showcases the evolution of my urban landscapes in recent years.
An artist’s book, created with care, becomes a piece of art in itself.
Bajaba por Alcalá
Oil on canvas . 90 × 116 cm
Where have you exhibited recently? Has your work crossed borders?
Over the years, my paintings have been included in both group and solo exhibitions—at art galleries, public institutions, museums, and more.
Most recently, last year, my work featured in group exhibitions focused on contemporary art.
At the Vimcorsa Gallery in Córdoba, a group of painters representing current Andalusian figurative painting was brought together. It was a very interesting exhibition.
The European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) hosted an international show with artists from many different countries. The exhibition was titled Urban Landscapes, Contemporary Views, a title that perfectly explained its theme. The show ran for several months and was very well received.
My only solo exhibition last year was held in Madrid, at Galería Ansorena, with whom I’ve collaborated for many years.
My exhibition history has gradually expanded geographically—from my early days in Cádiz to shows in Seville, Granada, Madrid, Santander, and many other Spanish cities—until my work began to gain international presence.
As you mentioned, I’ve now exhibited abroad in several countries: France, Russia, Germany, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others.
Exhibiting abroad offers a new perspective each time, as different artistic cultures bring different sensibilities, and the way artists are received or recognized varies from place to place.
Paseo matinal
Oil on canvas . 100 × 100 cm
What do you expect from your upcoming book, set to launch this October?
I’m confident it will be a magnificent book that will bring my current work to audiences around the world.
Working with The Guide Artists has been seamless from the start—our relationship has been excellent, with a deep sense of understanding. They are true experts, highly creative, and their approach to publishing artist books is, I would say, exquisite.
This book will embody my most recent artistic journey focused on urban life, cities, and the people who inhabit them.
It will reflect a clear evolution—both in the artistic treatment and the thematic observation.
N.Y City
Oil on canvas . 100 × 100 cm
What projects are on the horizon for you?
My projects always revolve around work—lots of work—along with consistency and a dose of passion that, as my son says, keeps me “al dente.”
I’ll continue exploring and shifting perspectives on urban life, but at the same time, I’m interested in investigating the possibilities nature now offers me in its many facets. For now, I have the intuition, but that intuitive idea must eventually turn into action and results.
Nature is demanding our attention and response today more than ever. I believe that through art, we can at least contribute. Time will tell.
For now, as I said—passion and work.
Volando sobre el Hudson
Oil on canvas . 81 × 100 cm
Artist | Painter | Urban Landscape
