Meet Alejandra Montaño | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alejandra Montaño and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alejandra, how do you think about risk?
To be an artist is to be a risk-taker.

There’s the possibility of failure, rejection, and competition; the market is saturated with artists. There’s also financial risk.

But it’s also rewarding. Creating is fulfilling. Embracing risk is intrinsic to the creative process, which often leads to growth and innovation.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Each of my paintings is a unique expression, I’m most known for my bold lines and vivid hues. I thrive on variety; no two pieces of mine share the same style. My approach is all about pushing boundaries—I love to experiment with different techniques to create something that feels fresh and exciting.

What truly sets me apart is my commitment to completing each painting in a single day. This practice allows me to capture that initial spark of inspiration before it fades. If I let a piece linger, it often loses its magic and remains unfinished for far too long. I deeply believe in the beauty of immediacy in art, and it’s this connection to my vision that keeps my work alive and engaging.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d start with breakfast at Cup Cafe, in Congress, of course. Then we’d hit up some shops on Fourth and visit some galleries downtown, go to the stores in The Lost Barrio, and visit Mercado San Agustín. We could walk down to Barrio Viejo to explore and take photos. For lunch, we could try American Eat Co. or Mi Nidito. After that, we’d go to the Tucson Museum of Art and check out the cute little shops around there, maybe visit the Desert Museum or San Xavier Mission. To end the night, we could have dinner and listen to some live music at a club, restaurant, or speakeasy. We could also go to a UofA game or catch a show at the Rialto or Fox. We’d definitely go to some of my favorite breweries. There’s so much to do in Tucson!

Perhaps we could take a Sunday drive down to Nogales, or a winery in Sonoita. Or, we could visit Saguaro National Park or Sabino Canyon if they’re into hiking. Then we could finish off with some more live music at Borderlands or Ches.

And if it were February, then we’d definitely be at the Gem Show!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, both artists themselves, always encouraged me to embrace my unique style without imposing their own. They allowed me to explore and experiment, which helped me evolve as an artist.

They’ve always encouraged me so much that my dad’s last words to me were – to always look for inspiration and to “keep painting”.

I will be forever grateful to them.

I’d also love to mention – My partner in adventure, my son, who brings so much joy and excitement into my life. He’s always up for a road trip, whether it’s exploring art shows, museums or discovering new places. We make time for each other’s passions, from art, to music, or exploring new places. I’m especially proud of his courage to pursue his own dreams – I am so proud and honored to be his biggest cheerleader.

Website: https://alejandraarte.com

Instagram: artista.alejandra

Facebook: artista.alejandra