Ana Quintana has called Wash Park East home since 2001, after walking past a newly constructed house that caught her eye. Over the years, she and her husband have built a life enriched by a tight-knit community of neighbors who feel more like family. Their home has been the backdrop for countless celebrations, themed gatherings, and even socially distanced front-lawn parties during the pandemic. The warmth of this community has provided a foundation for Ana’s lifelong passion for art, which she has only recently been able to pursue full-time since retiring from the corporate world three years ago.

From an early age, Ana was drawn to creative expression, competing in art contests during high school and dabbling in photography and painting as an adult. Her family’s artistic roots run deep—her great aunts were well-known portrait photographers in Cuba, later reestablishing their studio in Miami after emigrating post-Cuban revolution. Their specialty was black and white photography, which they hand-tinted to create striking portraits. This legacy of visual storytelling has influenced Ana’s artistic path, leading her to the dynamic and unpredictable world of fluid art.

Fluid art, or acrylic paint pouring, is an abstract technique that embraces spontaneity and movement. Instead of traditional brushes, Ana manipulates free-flowing acrylics, iridescent mica pigments, and various additives using blowing, tilting, swiping, and spinning techniques. The results are mesmerizing—marbleized cells and intricate organic forms that feel both intentional and serendipitous. As Jackson Pollock once said, “The painting has a life of its own, I try to let it come through.” Ana embraces this philosophy, knowing that each piece has its own journey to completion, guided by her skill and the uncontrollable nature of the medium.

Her husband has done his best to “paint-proof” her home studio, but the nature of fluid art means that stray splatters find their way onto doorknobs, coffee cups, and unexpected corners of the house. It’s a messy, immersive process, but one that brings her immense joy. Ana’s inspiration comes from the natural world, spirituality, and the American Southwest, particularly the desert landscapes of Arizona, where her daughter attends the University of Arizona. She finds serenity in the striking cacti, desert flora, and vast mountain ranges, and she plans to incorporate more of these elements into her future work. Her most cherished project is a commission done for a friend: a six painting series that captures the luminous green hues of the Northern Lights in Iceland.

Ana is an active participant in Denver’s art scene, showcasing her work at galleries such as D’art 360, 40 West Gallery, NEXT Gallery, and more. She also hosts an annual art sale during the Wash Park East Neighborhood Association’s yard sale. For Ana, art is more than just creation—it’s a way to share joy, spark conversation, and bring beauty into the world, one fluid masterpiece at a time.

Instagram: @saintcrossart