First Post: An Introduction

The Black Barn (studio) 2025

I haven’t given blogging much of a chance in previous years and I thought it might be high time I made an effort with one so lets begin with a little intro.

My name is Glenn Hernandez, I am 44 and live in a suburb in the East Bay. I have two children with my Wife of nine years. She is of Mexican decent and I of Guatemalan.

I’ve been obsessed with Drawing and Painting since I was five years old. That year my Aunt bought me my first drawing set and I never looked back.

I majored in Studio Art at St. Olaf College in Northfield MN. A year after graduation I moved back to California and decided to pursue a career as and Artist working in video games and animation.

After nearly a decade of trying to get my foot in the door and working for various companies, I finally landed a role as a Production Designer at Paramount Animation during the pandemic. Thankfully I was able to work remotely. Unfortunately the film I was working on was cancelled but was later moved to Netflix Animation where I had a less than ideal experience... So I resigned.

After taking a hit to my confidence I decided to focus on my personal work. Indeed, I’d already started laying the groundwork for that transition by having a barn built in my back yard that would serve as my studio. It is in this barn/studio that I am writing this.

Currently I am dividing my time between working as a consultant/freelancer for games and animation and being a father. My studio practice happens in the in between spaces. When work is slow, I focus more on the practice.

I’ve had moderate success with my work, but to be honest, I’ve never had an inclination towards making my personal art my “business.” In fact I often find those two things to be at odds. Therefore I mostly do my work for myself and if by chance somebody is drawn to a particular piece and wants to purchase it then I am happy to sell it. This may not be the best “business model,” but it certainly is better for my mental well being.

I’ve been active on social media for many years but these days I’d like to invest more of my time and energies on an outlet that I own and that is more sustainable in the long run.

I’m excited to write and share some of my thoughts on painting, creativity, and the uncertainty that life often brings with it. Perhaps you’ll find some insight in what I have to share. As Artists we find ourselves in a world that devalues our contribution and it is always comforting to know that many of us continue despite this. I certainly am and will remain here.