Jorge Manzanares, art and hunting
Hunting has always been a highly discussed topic in the history of art, in prehistoric times with cave paintings of deer hunts or large mammoths. In the classical Roman era we find impressive Roman sculptures such as that of the goddess Diana and with the passage of time large canvases by prestigious authors such as Velázquez or Goya were made. Currently, hunting painting has a very exclusive, demanding and selective audience. We are committed to this type of art and you can find it on our website by authors such as Jorge Manzanares.
About the author and his work
Jorge Manzanares was born in Madrid in 1966, already being in love with hunting and nature. From a very young age he began to develop a passion for transferring the beauty of the hunting world in drawing and painting. For years, he has made large collections and commissioned works. Everything always related to nature, animals and, above all, hunting.
His central work represents the microcosm of the Iberian and African fauna. His production is endowed with a great feeling for this natural world, being embodied in his exciting unique creations.
How did you start in the world of art? Was there a key moment that made you further capture your ideas?
Since I was very little I have been passionate about painting, I have been good at it and I have enjoyed it a lot. The drawing subject is the one in which I invested the most time and the one I liked the most, although I always painted for myself and my family. Then I began to make drawings to finance my great hunting passion, I bartered with my works to be able to go hunting, goat hunting or some roe deer stalking.
The key point, I would say, was 2 years ago, when I started in a more specialized phase in which I wanted to be able to live from my passion for drawing and painting, always fused with the hobby that continues to keep me up at night. Wanting to capture the before, during and after a set, adventures, experiences with an animal that has given us so much and, in some way, thank him again for giving his life.
Where did you learn to draw and use your artistic techniques?
I have not studied Fine Arts, I have been self-taught. Before the Internet, in classes, school, reading good drawing books, with the opportunity to visit museums and exhibitions... In any case, I must admit that I have always had an ease in drawing and that has made me enjoy it.
The artistic techniques are linked to the fact that I come from the world of pencil, charcoal and oil; although now I have introduced myself to acrylic. I do a mix of styles, although I have always been one to write on a notepad with a pen. I have been evolving little by little and now I mix inks, pen, acrylic and I want to introduce textures to give my works a differential value.
Do you have a reference in the world of art?
I am not a scholar of the world of art, but there is a specific artist whom I admire as an author and as a person, with whom I have been lucky enough to share a master class. This is Fernando Herrera from Córdoba, with an excellent level and who humbly resembles my way of painting.
How would you define your works?
It could be said that they try to convey a passion, an adventure, a dream that most hunters and people who love the countryside have. Capturing the feeling of going out into nature with your dog, spotting beautiful animals and the story that a set tells. When you look at the painting, it takes you back in time and in the memory of a beloved animal.
What would you say to someone who wants to dedicate themselves to the hunting art? Any advice?
To be able to dedicate yourself to painting hunting you have to be passionate about it and everything that it entails. Know about its richness, biodiversity and sustainability. I would convey to him that he should have great knowledge to be able to transfer it to a canvas and be able to connect with the public and his thinking.
Do you have any pending exhibition or gallery?
Right now I don't have any, but several times a year I do exhibitions in various galleries in Madrid. In any case, I am preparing my collection for the stand at the Cinegética 2023 fair and thus make my work known, that it can be purchased to enjoy it or that they make me a special order.
Later, in May, the Country Fair is held at the capital's Hippodrome, where my work can also be seen. In addition to my website and the Ferox application.
What is the next work? Do you have something in mind?
I have several commissions underway, one of them is about two Bavarian hounds, a precious breed of dog for the field, hunting and trail. I have to capture the experience of the dogs in the sets of roe deer, something that all hunters think about as April 1 approaches.
Another work that makes me especially excited is a diploma for an organic, which will be delivered to Spanish and foreign hunters who go hunting with him. All game animals in Spain will be reflected in this paper. This project will help me achieve my goal of portraying all the game species in our country. A collection to which I will add the emblematic Iberian wolf and lynx, I hope it will be ready so that it can be enjoyed at the fair in March.
What species do you find most attractive to draw?
As a hunter, my passion for wild boars and Galician cows overwhelms me, my hair always stands on end. I am also passionate about "forest elves" and I really enjoy painting them.
Do you carry out any type of previous study or observation of the animal or place before capturing it on your canvases?
I am lucky to be a hunter practically from birth, because despite being from Madrid, my family had a farm in Castilla la Mancha where I enjoyed many summers. This made me get closer to the countryside, its people and its species. It is true that I would like to have more observation and photography, although the digital world today helps a lot. The experiences and images that my passion partners provide me with are also of great help.
How do you see the future of hunting?
I hope much better than it seems, because society has become very animalistic, radical and does not allow itself to be advised by people who truly know the field. Instead of having facilities to raise awareness of the importance of hunting, obstacles and laws such as animal laws are created, without foundation and that threaten the world that we know and respect more than anyone else.
It is very striking to me that because of the big mouth we are branded as "eco-terrorists" and because of the small one, the hunting season is extended due to overpopulation, the entry of animals into cities, traffic accidents or epidemics. I hope that reasoning slips back into governments and that they can live together with respect.
What is clear to me is that I will support and fight for its maintenance, promotion and understanding.
Buy the works of Jorge Manzanares by clicking HERE
Author: María Balletbó