From an early age, Rafael Acosta Jr. knew he’d be an artist. The Cuero native recalls looking out school windows during his formative years and dreaming about transforming the buildings he saw into Rafael Acosta mural paintings. He would go on to initially pursue canvas art, and to this day, portraits he painted of classmates continue to be a topic of conversation among those he attended high school with.
Widely Traveled, Self-Taught
Since graduating high school in 1976 as part of the highest-rated academic class in the history of Cuero High School, Rafael has consistently earned a living as an artist; this, despite no formal training. He instead holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology and has visited some 46 countries in his travels. He has also spent time living on the East Coast of the United States. It was after returning home to Cuero, that Rafael went all-in on his dream of adding color and character to the world one building, wall and alleyway at a time.
Local business Kleider-Shranks Antiques and Gifts gave Rafael his first shot at mural painting. He made the most of the opportunity, using high quality brushes and acrylic paint to create the rustic, old-timey image of a young girl and her dog on the building’s façade.
Rafael Acosta Mural Paintings: Done in ‘Hueman’ Colors
After that first mural, Rafael never looked back. He continues using only the highest-quality materials for every mural, translating life experiences and his own observations of the world into oversized visual stories. Over time, he has developed his personal sense of color into a style he calls “hueman.” It’s a style defined by Rafael’s ability to see and create colors where there are none or to enhance and bring out the subtleties of existing hues and shades.
These days, you can find Rafael’s work painted across cityscapes, rural settings and in suburbia. From Dallas to Corpus Christi and many points in between, as well as in other large communities and smaller ones across Texas, you never know where you might spot Rafael’s paintings. His original, customized works add charm and personality to churches, schools, businesses, libraries, private residences and even to planter boxes.
Bringing Out the Colors of Home
Rafael’s work in Cuero gives him his greatest sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. For him, Cuero isn’t just home; it’s also something of a gallery for Rafael Acosta mural paintings. From barns to alleyway walls to storefront facades, doorways, windows and more, his paintings add to the city’s distinctive sense of smalltown-Texas hospitality. And neither does he limit himself to outdoor works; his mural and canvas paintings are also displayed at various indoor locations throughout the city.
“I want to thank my hometown,” Rafael says. “Without this community’s undying support and belief in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. There is truly no place like home.”
Rafael Acosta Mural Paintings are Done with an Eye Toward Nature
Rafael specializes in landscape paintings, as well as portraits and genre-themed work. In Cuero alone, you can find works depicting life on the rugged Texas landscape, wildlife, cowboys, turkeys, longhorns, horses, roosters, cacti, rural life in Texas and more. He’s done a handful of artistic recreations, too, including works by Norman Rockwell blown up for an outdoor audience.
Asked for his primary influences, Rafael cites art teachers Kenneth Liesmann, Dorothy Adcock and his Uncle Eugene Acosta. Uncle Eugene’s influence is particularly noteworthy as his work suggests Rafael’s talent isn’t a one-off occurrence, but rather a propensity that runs in the family. Eugene’s sculpture of a JFK bust was once featured at the Rotunda of the Nebraska State Capital in Lincoln.
Rafael’s biggest influence, though, is without doubt his late mother, and something she said to him some 25 years ago. During a point early in his career, when he still wasn’t quite convinced to commit 100% to life as a fulltime artist, his mother told him, “Son, my father once told me, that any work done with integrity elevated it to nobility.”
For Rafael, this simple bit of wisdom crystalized all the reasons why devoting his life and career to art was right—and it wasn’t just a matter using his God-given talent to its fullest, but also a matter using that talent as a way to make the world a little better and brighter—literally and figuratively.
“When she said that to me,” Rafael adds, “all uncertainty about who I am, what I was meant to do—the path I was meant to take in life—it all just vanished. She solidified my focus with that simple statement. Twenty five years later, here I am passionately living out my dream.”
Unfinished Stories to Tell
With his career still in its prime, Rafael’s daydreaming days are far from over; he continues to find inspiration at the site of a blank wall, window, alleyway or building façade. Now, though, he turns those daydreams into reality, backing them with a reputation for reliability, efficiency and skill. There are plenty of business owners, homeowners and others waiting for a turn to transform a blank wall or other unadorned spot into a canvas for Rafael’s one-of-a-kind works of art.
Learn More About Rafael Acosta Mural Paintings
Rafael works on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you’re interested in commissioning him, you can learn more by calling 361.550.0545. You can also visit his website at rafaelacostajr.com or find him on Facebook at “Rafael Acosta Jr. Artist & Muralist” (@rafaelacostajr) —just look for the rooster.
