Muralist Adds Dots of Color to San Marcos

Words by Guadalupe Triana photo by Eric Morales

Though San Marcos is best known as a refreshing, 72-degree-year-round river paradise, this Hill Country treasure offers visitors so much more than just a swimming spot for the weekend. The 170-year-old city is not only home to one of the state’s largest universities but also to easygoing galleries, striking natural areas, and countless satisfying eateries. Located 30 miles south of Austin, the charming small town makes an undeniable case for indulging in more spontaneous Saturday trips.

Among the people adding to the city’s beauty and charm is Rene Perez, a self-taught artist dedicated to capturing the city’s personality through his quirky, colorful murals. For Rene, his family, the city, and the river keep him inspired daily.

In 2018, Rene created 10 mini-murals throughout downtown San Marcos. Some feature endearing animals with human characteristics; others carry more playful, environmentally-conscious messages. “I like to be kind of funny in my work,” Rene says. “I’ve always kind of been a funny guy. I just like to show it in my art. Sometimes I have a hard time talking, so I’ll just paint it out.”

His artistic journey began 14 years ago when his son, Santiago, was born. At 34 years old, Rene had never thought about picking up a paint brush, let alone exploring his artistic side. Though both his brother and sister are artists, Rene had no idea he possessed the talent too. He didn’t realize it until he finished painting Santiago’s nursery. Right as he was about to show off his finished product, his wife went into labor. Ultimately, he became an artist and a father at the same time.

He welcomed two gifts that day. “Sometimes, I can’t believe what I’m living, and what is happening,” Rene laughs as he recalls that day. He often thinks ‘What’s it going to be like in 20 years? 40 years? What am I going to be? And what am I going to leave behind?’ “But I can’t worry about that,” he explains. “I just want to make the biggest mark I can make. And, hopefully, I’ll be remembered.”

Today, in addition to murals and photography, Rene is busy creating the art for a children’s book about archeology, something he’s never done before.

For those interested in seeing one of his playful mural characters up close, Rene suggests visiting Blue Dahlia Bistro in downtown San Marcos, a European-style bistro with plenty of delicious breakfast and lunch options, plus a picture-perfect courtyard for the ultimate dining experience. “[They] might have the best walls in San Marcos,” he says. “They’re downtown in a really old building with these huge walls, and the back garden is full of murals.”

These days, Rene is also excited to finish transforming the popular Children’s Park that’s located along the river. “It started with the mini murals, [and now] I have my art all over San Marcos,” Rene says. “The murals are small and sneaky—something you walk upon and just brightens your day.”

If You Go…
Visitors interested in San Marcos’ art scene can stop by The Art Squared Arts Market, every second Saturday from 9am-4pm at San Marcos’ downtown square from March to December. Guests can pick up a variety of art, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, woodwork, pottery, and more. The market also features live music. For more information, visit artsquaredmarket.com.

Contact:
jreneperez.com
@reneperezart