"At some point, I realized that I painted buildings as an excuse to address the sky behind them, and since then, it’s been all about clouds and the colors they hold and reflect."

California artist Jesse Aldana captures the spirit of the West through the ritual beauty of sunrise and sunset. He paints residential neighborhoods, bustling thoroughfares, and serene coastal scenes of Los Angeles. Jesse works in his home studio and uses his own photographs as source material. Outside of art, he enjoys long hikes where he can watch the city’s shifting colors and listen to both local and migratory birds.

We caught up with Jesse to talk about his life, creative practice, and inspirations. 

Please tell us about yourself.

I am a full-time father to my teenage son. He's a great person, and I love watching him grow up. On weekends, I enjoy time with my girlfriend, an incredible abstract painter from San Diego. We look at art and the world together, and lately, we've been collaborating on a painting - a process I've never tried but has been super fun. It's surprisingly intimate and hugely rewarding. I try to paint and exercise daily and love the NYT Puzzles app.

What are you most proud of—whether in art or another part of your life?

Consistency. I believe there is enormous value in the process of maturation and recognize the commitment it takes to develop in any role. I can roll with the ups and downs that come with life because I know that my constant investment in growing as a father, partner, and artist will pay off with a deeper sense of connection and understanding.

Do you have any studio rituals that help you get into a creative flow?

When I stand in front of my easel at the start of a painting session, I like to hold a cup of tea and let the steam rise between me and my work. Then, I choose a single area of focus on my canvas. Sometimes, that area will hold my attention for the entire period, but more often, it serves as the jumping-off point for a new series of decisions and developments.

How do you structure your day?

I have a day job, so I need discipline to make time in the evenings for painting. Because I paint with artificial light, I make it a point to open the curtains in my studio every morning and take a minute to see how my work reflects the sun. I love bookending my days by meditating on paint.

Where do you find inspiration for your art?

I get a kick out of the intersection of the natural world with our urban habitat. Whether it’s the lavender afterglow of sunset overflowing a sleepy street, the burgeoning hollow of a great horned owl booming out the borders of its territory, or the grey shadow of a coyote sauntering down the sidewalk at dawn, Los Angeles reveals countless moments of joy as it cycles through seasons of light.

Tell us about your evolution as an artist.

I got an MFA in 1997, and I’ve been painting ever since. When I left New York City, I’d been painting cityscapes for a while, and after moving to Los Angeles, I picked up where I left off. At some point, I realized that I painted buildings as an excuse to address the sky behind them, and since then, it’s been all about clouds and the colors they hold and reflect.

How do you decide when an artwork is finished?

Each of my paintings hangs in a state of existential doubt until a moment when the composition makes sense - the color hums rhythmically, and the canvas nods at me, like, “What’s up?” I might continue to work on the painting for days or even weeks after that to tie up loose ends, but we both know that’s all gravy.

What is the most interesting observation someone has made about your work?

A lot of people have said that my paintings give them a sense of calm. It’s incredibly interesting how calming it is to hear that!

Is there an artwork from another artist that has had a significant impact on you?

Growing up, my family had a book called The New Golden Treasury of Natural History by Bertha Morris Parker. It had amazing illustrations, and I looked at it for hours on end. Eventually, I began drawing by copying the depictions of my favorite animals, and to this day, I can see the ghosts of those pages in my canvases.

What’s your favorite museum?

I haven’t been to The Metropolitan Museum of Art for years, but when I do, it’s like a reunion with old friends. I am definitely overdue for a catch-up!

Is there anything else you’d like to share to help viewers better understand your work?

I really love to see the effect of time on ideas and subject matter, so I tend to work in series. Whether it’s a well-defined group, like my paintings of palm trees, or more loosely bound, like my paintings of Big Sur, I see massive changes in how I interpret and relate to my subject matter. That familiarity boosts my comfort and enjoyment and gets me into a flow state with painting.