Luis A. Pagan is an abstract painter, born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and raised in the South Bronx. During childhood, his interest in art began in the 1980s graffiti movement, and drawing Marvel superheroes. Luis didn’t think of becoming an artist until he met his college roommate who was studying art education at Pace University in 1991. Inspired by art, creativity, and the will to learn something new, Luis enrolled at FIT in 1995 to study fine arts. He graduated Cum Laude in 1997 with an AAS degree. He continued his art education at Purchase College studying art history and painting in 2003. He was placed on the Dean’s list twice and earned his BFA in 2005. Since graduation, Luis’ work has been on display at over 100 venues throughout NYC, Westchester County, Florida, and Puerto Rico. To date, he’s sold approximately 50 pieces of art.

Pour painting is a process where 3-6 colors of liquid acrylic paint are poured onto a canvas, wood or other material while on any flat surface. I use cups, strainers, filters, and paint brushes as my tools. Since paint pouring is a fast process, I spend a lot of time prepping materials, paints, the studio, strategizing my approach and technique before painting. There are very few acceptable mistakes. Every pour is precise and intentional. Various chemical reactions occur once pouring begins due to the pigment's density, mediums, and technique. Finishing a pour, the paint moves to settle on the surface as the painting's composition dries over a 24-48 hour period. This change can present welcomed surprises or disasters. Usually, the abstract pour painting meets my aesthetic with rivers and islands of color, organic shapes, and wondrous blending of hues. I then seal the painting with a high gloss varnish. My love of pour painting started with watercolor studies during my first abstract course at FIT in 1997. My journey continued as I developed pouring formulas with oils, latex, and acrylics at Purchase College in 2004. To date, I've produced 200 paintings, catalogued 150, and sold approximately 75. My goal is to continue painting until I can't anymore.