When figure painter Marilyn Bendell created her, she named her Rosa. However, when Mario Felix painted his beautiful rendition (paying tribute to Bendell, the beloved impressionist who passed away in May of 2003) he left her without a name to allow people who beheld her to also have their own private name for her.
Mario Felix is an artist who seemingly has no limits. His work is not just versatile, but also captivating regardless of its genre. Many have ideas, yet only a few are able to relay them so flawlessly with mere paint and canvas. He is a true master at what he does, though he will likely never allow such a compliment without some remark to the contrary. To him it is easy; it is natural. For this reason, he accepts less credit than he should for his skill and talent.
Maybe his modesty came from his upbringing. The fifth child in a family of ten, Mario grew up in Mexico. His father was a very successful photographer with his own studio and his mother, who was an excellent cook, ran a makeshift cafeteria out of their home. He smiles, and you can see a sense of pride in his eyes, as he talks about his Mom’s red chile enchiladas with chicken. Those were his favorite, and you can tell how much he loved them as he explains how you have to blend several types of chile to really get them just right.
At 7 years old, he began painting on photographic cardboard his father would bring home. Gradually he would start painting landscapes, but he would not work professionally as a painter for some time to come. Mario served four years in the United States Navy and also worked as a computer operator for a time, painting portraits on the side. He would even give some away.
Eventually, he began working full time as a painter, selling his art to wholesalers based out of Ohio, New York, Minnesota and Washington. He specialized in landscapes, Western and Indian themes, but could paint virtually anything. Over the years he has been commissioned to paint many styles including some African-American styled art purchased by a wholesaler out of Tampa, Florida. Now his work is primarily sold regionally, in El Paso and Juarez, though while interviewing him for this article he got a call from a wholesaler who’d bought work from him ten years ago.
When you see his work, it is no wonder he is not forgotten by those who’ve bought from him over the years. From wholesalers to private collectors and individuals to businesses, anyone whose hands Mario’s art has passed through remember him. His work is timeless; it is a journey. Whether it’s a historical piece of the Paso Del Norte or a view from a balcony overlooking a town in Pueblo, Mexico, each piece takes you somewhere special. You can ride along side Pancho Villa’s men or unwind at a hacienda out in the country. Whatever your preference, take the journey.
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