My Artistic Journey: From Christmas Cards to International Recognition

I was born in the 1980s in San Bernardo, a small town just outside Santiago, Chile. Back then, the country was under dictatorship—an era marked by restrictions, censorship, and an overall lack of freedom of expression. Despite this, something inside me was already drawn to painting.

Christmas Cards: My First Art Gallery

I had no artistic references around me. There were no museums, galleries, or family members who painted. However, I did have access to something incredibly special: Christmas greeting cards.

During the holidays, it was tradition to send these around, and the most iconic ones came from Hogar de Cristo, a Catholic charity that sold them to raise funds for the homeless. The card covers featured paintings by famous Chilean and international artists—artworks from the National Museum of Fine Arts or private collections that allowed reproduction.

Every year, I eagerly collected these cards. After the holidays, I would ask relatives and neighbors to save them for me. I kept them in a cardboard box as if they were treasures. They formed my very first art collection.

The Discovery of Oil Pastels

As a child, I didn’t have the resources to buy real art materials. I only had access to school supplies: tempera paints, watercolors, and—thankfully—oil pastels. I loved them. They were creamy, rich in texture, and easy to use. I didn’t need water, brushes, or drying time.

To me, oil pastels felt like the closest thing to the oils used in the masterpieces I admired on those cherished cards.

Chocolate Box Cardboard: My First Canvas

Since I lacked access to real canvases, I began experimenting on any surface I could find. One day, I discovered white cardboard sheets from the chocolate packages sold at my grandfather’s tiny shop. I asked if I could have them and started drawing (or painting) on the rough back side of the cardboard. That was the moment everything truly began.

"Who would’ve thought that more than 35 years later, I’d still be using those same oil pastels, winning international awards, and exhibiting my work in some of the most prestigious galleries in the world?"

A Misunderstood Medium

Oil pastels have long been underestimated. They are often seen as a children's or student's material. But in reality, they are a powerful, expressive, and deeply rich medium.

Over more than three decades, I have developed a unique technique and working method that includes:

• Creating custom painting surfaces

• Carefully selecting materials and brands

• Using specialized tools and methods

• Protecting the finished artwork like a professional painting

  
  

The Impact of Art in Our Lives

Art can change lives. It helps us express feelings that words often cannot capture. For many people, including myself, art provides an escape. It creates a space for reflection, healing, and joy.

As I continued on my artistic journey, I found that sharing my knowledge became just as fulfilling as creating art. I believe in the power of community and the sharing of experiences. As artists, we can inspire one another. We can help each other grow and thrive.

This Story Continues…

This entire journey started with a box of greeting cards and some recycled cardboard. It’s a quiet, personal search that evolved into a lifelong artistic mission.

Very soon, I’ll be sharing this knowledge—and much more—in my upcoming course: 🎓 “Professional Painting with Oil Pastel: Contemporary Techniques”. This course will be exclusively available through my Patreon channel. You can find it at patreon.com/leorebolledo.

Are You Passionate About Oil Pastel Too?

If you're as passionate about oil pastel as I am, this blog is the place for you. Here, I’ll share stories, tips, insights, and bits of knowledge I’ve gathered over 35 years of dedicated work.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for being here. See you in the next post.

Leo.