Signed Landscape and Mountain Painting from Guatemala, "Panajachel View"

Born in 1993, Edy Mayor is an artist whose fine lines and unique colors are truly admirable. He makes each painting something wonderful.

"My father is a painter and I watched him from the time I was a small child. I loved to see him mixing colors and creating images of landscapes and towns. It was like love at first sight.

"I remember how much I liked painting landscapes, especially scenes of Guatemala with its many towns where inspiration comes easily.

"I confess my first small paintings weren't my best. But they were a great motivation and I knew that one day I'd perfect my technique.

"A few years ago, my mother was very sick. I'm the second son and it was my responsibility to work a little more than usual to help my younger brothers and sisters. This was really hard because I was still in school. Thank God, my mom is healthy again.

"I'm probably too passionate about painting. Through art, I'm able to express my feelings and I find painting relaxing, a good way to get rid of stress. I feel fortunate to live in a really beautiful town filled with artists. Every day brings a new adventure and I love that I can continue learning. This helps me improve my brushwork and techniques.

"My father has always been my best teacher. All my life, he has taught me not to give up and to fight for my dreams. Every time he sees one of my paintings, he tells me, 'The student has surpassed the teacher' but I don't think there's anyone better than he is. I admire him so much and I'm proud to have learned from the best.

"I'm teaching everything my dad taught me to my wife, who motivates me day by day to continue working hard and dreaming big. She also helps me with some of the backgrounds or adds the final details. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family.

"My dream is to exhibit my work and become recognized. This is the first step. We should seize our opportunities and make the best of them."