About Artist Chelo Gonzalez 

by Mia Pratt 

Lake Chapala artist Chelo Gonzalez, born in Tlaquépaque Jalisco, is internationally recognized for his whimsical Gordas paintings, a series of delightfully “human” figures with rounded bodies and large eyes that watch us from his canvas as if seeing our souls. His captivating faces convey both innocence and wisdom while his figures come to life in everyday settings made magic by Chelo’s imaginative hand. 

It has been said that artists reveal their innermost selves in their art and that rings true with Chelo, a man whose sensitivity as an artist, talented musician and humanitarian are reflected in his work. He avoids projecting perfection in his figures and instead creates characters that inhabit a world beyond pain and judgment. His Gordas have no ears to hear life’s negativity or gossip, and their eyes are pools of acceptance that invite us to gaze into them deeply enough to find the child within ourselves. 

The connection many of Chelo’s collectors experience with his work often comes from recognizing something of themselves in it - the simplicity of childhood, the freedom that exists when we let go of worry and surrender to life’s simple joys. As a Mexican magical-realist Chelo brings to life a world that exists somewhere between dreams, spirit and reality, where only truth and beauty exist. Perhaps it is our longing to enter that space and remain there far beyond the fleeting moments that life allows, that draws us to his work. In essence, Chelo’s Gordas represent the inner children and higher selves inside of us all. 

Chelo was first exposed to art at around seven years of age when his brother was given private lessons. As a young teen he tried his own hand at sketching and painting, but found it frustrating when he couldn’t create what he saw in his mind. 

Chelo was drawn to music and playing the drums became the outlet for his creativity. His natural musical talent eventually led him to work with professional musicians and bands in Guadalajara and across Mexico. However, visual arts were still in his heart. He explored photography for several years until he watched a friend who studying with Lake Chapala artist and decided to try painting again. 

Despite having waited until his forties to try his hand with brush on canvas, Chelo’s work quickly revealed his natural talent and he began pursuing painting seriously. His skill developed quickly and as his brush brought forth the images in his mind’s eye and imagination, it became his passion. Drawing from his childhood and other life experiences, and unhindered by the formal training that often stifles an artists creativity, his work is original and recognizable. 

Chelo is frequently commissioned to paint portraits of clients in scenes that depict their personalities, professions and interests. His works connect deeply with followers and collectors who seek out his paintings in galleries and exhibits throughout Mexico, France and beyond.