Arnold Estrella

Arnold D. Estrella is an artist born 14 days after Martial Law was declared in the Philippines. Widely known as "Canot" or "Don Canuto", he is happily married to Flordeliza Estrella. They named their only child after the great artist, Michelangelo. Despite not having artistic DNA from both sides of his family, he became drawn to visual art by watching TV cartoons in the late '80s.

From his elementary to high school days, he won top prizes in various on-the-spot drawing contests both in and out of school. He pursued a Fine Arts degree majoring in Advertising at the University of the East but decided to drop out of school in order to work while attending art competitions and group exhibits.

In January 2021, he organized an art exhibit and art book launching titled "Heart for Art" for Eurointermedia International at Lucky Chinatown Mall. In May 2022, together with his friend Sam Chua, they created Brushworx PH, a group aimed at supporting, promoting, and empowering Filipino artists through exhibits, training, and workshops. "Larawan, Kulay at Letra" was the first group art exhibit organized by Brushworx PH, showcasing different Filipino artists and poets in line with the celebration of Buwan ng Wika at Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, Manila. 

In 2022, Canot was a Runner Up winner at the 34th Kulay sa Tubig, a prestigious watercolor competition by Gallery Genesis.

After working for 15 years as an artist, graphic art designer, and color separator for different companies, Canot returned to painting. His favorite medium is exploring the beauty of nature with watercolors, but he continues to experiment and learn about different art forms and styles, as evidenced by his recent venture into oil painting with an influence of impressionism.

Currently, he owns a small printing business called LYFSTYL Design and Printings. He also accepts commission artworks. The child visual artist in him remains evident through his fascination with toys, which he either sells or collects.