ROX-TV’s “Artist 5 Series” is back with an exclusive interview with The Hood Picasso. Southwest Detroit’s very own Andrew Valdez talks about his art, history, and much more.

Welcome back to the ROX-TV website. Tonight we have a special guest who also happens to be a friend of mine. The one and only Drew Valdez, otherwise known in Southwest Detroit as “The Hood Picasso”. Not only is he a great artist, he’s also a fellow Los Drifter and an all round stand up guy. We are happy that he’s taking time out of his busy day to rock it up with the readers here at ROX-TV. We believe in giving artists, poets, writers, and musicians a place to highlight and showcase their crafts to the world. So without further to do, lets get to it…

Can you tell the readers at ROX-TV where The Hood Picasso is representing?

Southwest Detroit, born and raised.

At ROX-TV we always enjoy showcasing artists from Michigan and giving them a platform to be seen and heard. When did you first fall in love with painting and expressing yourself on canvas/paper? How old were you? At what point did you say to yourself “I want to be an artist”?

I’ve been drawing for a very long time, since I was a kid. One of my earliest influences was my best friend, Nick Schenk. He used to draw in class and I always tried to mimic him. From there I went on to challenge myself to draw other things, mainly cartoon characters. I’ve always been artistic, so it was only natural to dabble in everything. From crafts to wood signs to make-up for Halloween. But the moment I decided I wanted to paint the world was about 2016 when I was sitting at Romanowski park here in S.W. I used to go there to sit and get some peace and quiet. So, I got up, went to the Art store, got some supplies and went and did my first painting. Been painting on canvas ever since.

How long was it from that time, when you decided to become an artist, until you started seeing results and others began to notice your special abilities?

See now that’s a question for The Hood Picasso fans, lol I won’t put my name on anything that’s not my best. Although when I first started out there’s a few paintings (very few) that I woulda loved to have done more to. But one thing everyone can tell you when Southwest Drew (The Hood Picasso) does a painting. It’s one of a kind! They might be the same character or subject, but they will never be the same painting. I’ll reimagine every painting. I do have a mentor, I like to call the Jedi master. His name is Roberto Villalobos.  He’s teaching me the ways of the force. So my painting techniques are getting better!

What’s your advice for aspiring artists who want to follow in your footsteps? What to do to get that ball rolling…what not to do…and anything else that might help someone out there reading tonight, follow their dream?

If you believe you have the gift, share it with the world. Have the self-confidence to be the best! Look there’s always someone out there who’s not gonna like your style. But you have to keep doing what you love. Show the nay sayers that they’re wrong!! And to get the ball rolling, you gotta get out there and hustle. Start talking to likewise artists, gallery owners and network.

What is your favorite way to create art? And why is that?

I really love canvas painting. I love the freedom it gives me to just flow with a brush. I have also done bedroom walls which are so fun to do.

I understand that your work is being showcased this weekend at an art show in the city of Detroit and the sponsor is TEAD One Memorial Artist in Residence Program and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. How did this great opportunity come about? What can people expect when they arrive to check out your work?

I recently applied to the Tead One group. And become friends with a few artists from the Studio where Jenny Vaughn sponsors. This special pop-up Art show is for associates of the studio. I was lucky enough to be invited. I have an array of paintings that I will be showcasing, some you’ve seen, some have never been showcased.

 

Do you sell paintings or do commercial artwork for the business community? If so, how can potential buyers of your amazing work contact you or see your products for sale?

Yes, I’ve honestly sold a lot of paintings. I’ve also donated a few, so if you’re one of the lucky ones to win a free Hood Picasso original, better hold on to that bad boy cuz I’m bout to blow up the art scene. Bigger things are coming!!

On FB: The Hood Picasso 

On Twitter: Southwest Drew

On Instagram: TheHoodPicassoSWD

Or you can go old school and Email me at 

thehoodpicasso@yahoo.com 

Also I’ve been transitioning my FB page from old one Kreepy Kreations. That page is still available and has everything I’ve done as far as canvas paintings, wood, signs, and crafts.

What do you draw on for your inspiration for creating a piece of art? What are some of your specialties or favorite topics to work with?

Sometimes if I get an idea, I like to sketch it out on paper. Most of the time I just wing it and throw some paint down and go from there. I’m a real big fan of Tim Burton. So I love to paint Nightmare before Christmas. But a lot of my own art is inspired by Mexican culture.

What does The Hood Picasso have in store for his fans for the rest of 2021? Any moves or big plans you’d like to tease out tonight on ROX-TV for the readers?

I will be hosting my very own show with hopefully some other Detroit artists as guests. It will be at the Michigan Squeeze Station. But that’s all I’m saying bout that, lol.  I’ve got alot of ideas floating around my head so stay tuned…

Are any of your paintings for sale on Sunday at the art show?

Yes, most paintings showcased will be for sale. 

We really appreciate you coming down to ROX-TV to speak with us today. We wish you luck this weekend and look forward to following your work. Before we go, I like to let the artists drop some shout outs like we used to do in the 90’s. Who is The Hood Picasso shouting out tonight?

First and foremost I’d like to thank God Almighty for giving me this amazing gift. My kids, I love you to the moon and back!! Mi Familia in Texas. Shout out to my brother The Rude Boy, my nephew DJ Carlito, and your main squeeze Huck for always pushing me and encouraging me to get out there and hustle. For believing in my art and for giving me a platform on Cruisin the Barrio to let everyone kno about the Hood Picasso. In fact, my nephew dubbed me the Hood Picasso. My best friend, my brother Nick Schenk and family.

Mi Amor Melinda Gorecki for always believing in me and giving me that tough love to push forward. All my Western Heights gang. Love you all.

 Final Thoughts from Southwest Drew aka The Hood Picasso aka Andrew Valdez:

 I also do custom work. Anything you can think of I can paint! I’m working on my portrait skills so I usually don’t take those requests. But I can be persuaded, lol. This is my dream, my legacy, it’s what I’ll leave behind. Please help me paint the world!

Thanks to all the readers who joined us for another exciting installment of the “Artist 5 Series” only on ROX-TV. Keep coming back. I’m afraid that’s all the time we have for tonight, so we are bouncing out of the building. Support local artists in Detroit and wherever you might live. The arts are important to having a healthy soul. We need more art and artists in this world! Everyone reading, please head over to the art show this Sunday starting at 2:00pm. The entrance to the show is on the corner of Wilkens and Orleans. The parking area for the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard is at 3017 Orleans. Until next time…

Signing Off,

Mike Shepard

ROX-TV Head Writer

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