Years of Culture
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2025/09/11
Born in Santiago, Chile, Fernando’s path to aviation began early. Reflecting on his childhood ambitions, he recalls, “The vocation to become a pilot was always there, I cannot recall a time when I considered other options as a way to make a living.”
His career has taken him just about everywhere in the world, "Ever since I started as a Student Pilot in California where I got my first job as a flight instructor as well," he shares. He then moved to Switzerland, "where I flew for the contractor for the Red Cross, flying relief in Africa in places as diverse as Angola, Ethiopia, Mozambique, etc. for a few years." After experiences with LAN Chile, Singapore Airlines, and Etihad, he finally came to Qatar Airways, reflecting, "My career is coming to an end after 32,000 hours in an extremely diverse country, culturally and otherwise."
While Fernando’s professional life has until recently been dominated by aviation, his creative side emerged during childhood. “My journey into art started as a schoolboy,” he says, “I had an innate talent for art, probably sparked by my addiction to comics which filled my life as a boy.” However, art remained a background pursuit until, like many people, the pandemic forced a pause in his routine. “I was separated from my family for almost a year, and staying indoors with excess time on my hands. I started with small watercolours and then moved to large format acrylic,” he explains.
Fernando’s art career gained momentum when he realised there was a market for his work. “At first I sold aviation art and modern portraits to colleagues, then found customers at large venues, and a gallery to represent me,” he says.
As his family is based in Spain, Fernando spends most of his free time painting or doing sports. “Most of my art is produced in Doha, which has a very active multicultural and art life, and it is easy to find materials,” he shares. His style is dynamic and figurative. "My approach to my work is rather simple," he says. "I like themes like equine art, bulls, portraits, sport, planes, cars and ships, mostly in a modern, figurative style, but with one question in mind: Would I put this painting on my wall?”
Fernando’s multicultural surroundings have also influenced his artistic practice. His works have been exhibited across Europe, and he was the bestselling artist at the 2024 charity exhibition for the Dana tragedy in Valencia. “The Dana event was a turning point for me,” he reflects, “I shared the stage with professional artists and became the best selling artist and biggest contributor to the Dana effort of the event. This gave me the confidence to pursue art as an option in my post-flying days.”
Among his recent works is a series displayed at the Hyatt Rotana in Doha. Fernando recalls, “The Hyatt Rotana project came to life through some Spanish friends who suggested the idea to the Hotel management. This translated into five large format paintings being on permanent display at the hotel’s Spanish-themed venue.”
Despite the diversity of his subjects, Fernando’s goal remains consistent: to connect with the viewer. “As an artist, I do not consciously look for cultural connections,” he explains. “I rather look for common ground that will appeal to the objective customer. Like all Spanish motives for the Hyatt project, equine art for local exhibits in Doha, polo and golf for local art collectors in my city in Spain.”
Looking ahead, Fernando is focused on expanding his reach. “I’m looking to develop a web page that will enhance the commercial side of the venture and achieve more visibility in the media,” he says.
From his time navigating the globe as a pilot to his new chapter as an emerging artist in Qatar, Fernando’s journey is one of lifelong learning and discovery. As a member of the Chilean community in Qatar, his story embodies the spirit of cultural exchange at the heart of the Qatar, Argentina, and Chile 2025 Year of Culture.
Discover upcoming events in Qatar and beyond, or read more inspiring articles about the people shaping this Year of Culture.
