Zata Aquino

At the age of 51, a creative spark ignited a completely new chapter. I plunged into the world of
art, beginning with a foundational workshop under the tutelage of Master Fernando Sena, the
revered 'Father of all workshops' in the Philippines. His vast experience was my blueprint,
teaching me to harness the power of popular mediums: pencil, felt pens, acrylic, oil pastels, and
the fluidity of oil and watercolor. This initiation quickly bore fruit, leading me to join group
exhibits, primarily showcasing my work in acrylics with his esteemed Buenas Artes group.

The next shift arrived in 2018. Attending a watercolor workshop at Pinky Peralta Studio, I was
instantly captivated by the medium's spontaneous, flowing spirit. I returned to the easel with
renewed fervor. The subsequent pandemic, a time of global pause, paradoxically became a
dedicated studio season, allowing me to fully immerse myself in watercolor techniques. Driven
to refine my craft, I sought out master guidance, enrolling in numerous online workshops led by
local giants—Iris Babao-Uy, JC Vargas, Lito Ballaran, and Pinky Peralta—alongside international
talents like NB Gurung, Jayson Yeoh, and Art Cunanan. My efforts have since transcended local
borders; as a proud member of the Philippine Guild of Watercolors, I’ve had the opportunity to
participate in several international virtual exhibits.

This artistic commitment culminated in a significant milestone: my first solo exhibit, "Sining sa
Paleta," held from November 28 to December 2, 2024, at the prestigious Gateway Gallery in
Araneta City, Quezon City. This show was a comprehensive retrospective, showcasing artworks from the very beginning of my journey to that year of 2024. It was warmly received and well-
attended, achieving an impressive 50% sales rate—a powerful validation of this new path.

My style leans toward impressionism, capturing the fleeting beauty of flowers, still life, and
landscapes. I paint not just to create, but to honor the talent bestowed upon me by the Creator
and to share that inspiration with others. I firmly believe that the artist resides within everyone,
waiting only for a chance to try. Art has been a profound teacher: it taught me the humility to
accept my weaknesses and grow from them, the grace to find beauty in the quiet, mundane
moments of life, and the wisdom to focus solely on my own progress rather than the journey of
others. Ultimately, art is a marvelous, expressive experience—a vibrant channel to share our
inner world and inspire the world outside.