Why I Paint Joy

For me, the ultimate goal of art is to bring joy.

This belief has guided my work for more than twenty-five years.

When I stand in front of a blank canvas, I don't begin by thinking about trends or concepts. I begin with one simple question:

Can this painting make someone feel happier?

To me, joy isn't something superficial. It is a way of looking at the world. Even in places that many people associate with hardship—such as the favelas of Rio de Janeiro—I choose to paint energy, hope, and human warmth.

Working exclusively with a palette knife allows me to paint with movement, texture, and spontaneity. I want each canvas to feel alive—full of light and optimism.

Over the years, my subjects have evolved—from beaches and carnival to markets, women, and the Pantanal—but my intention has remained the same. Every painting is an invitation to pause, smile, and reconnect with the beauty that still surrounds us.

I know that art cannot solve all the world's problems. But I believe it can change the atmosphere of a room, brighten someone's day, and remind us that joy is worth protecting.

That is why I paint.