Canvas Island Series #1

24” x 36” original painting acrylic on canvas island series. 

This original work is painted on carefully selected, reclaimed wood sourced from Key West, chosen through a meticulous process that prioritizes integrity, stability, and character. Each panel is thoroughly inspected, cleaned, kiln-treated, and professionally sanded to achieve a smooth, museum-quality surface. The wood is completely free of termites, rot, or hidden damage—only premium, structurally sound material makes it into Rafael’s studio.

By upcycling wood with a coastal history, each piece carries a subtle sense of place and time, adding depth beyond the painted surface. The natural grain becomes part of the composition, lending warmth and quiet texture while honoring a sustainable, environmentally conscious approach to fine art. This is not found wood—it is intentionally sourced, responsibly prepared, and elevated into a lasting, collectible artwork.

“Two things he taught me how to paint right away, palm trees and far away birds. And to this day, I’m painting palm trees and far away birds. They’re in every painting I do, just about.”
— Rafael Medina, on his grandfather, Danny Acosta

Those early lessons remain embedded in Rafael’s visual language. Palm trees and distant birds appear as recurring motifs—symbols of memory, freedom, and horizon—quietly anchoring each composition.

Rafael is a self-taught artist, and without years of formal technical training, he demonstrates a remarkable natural command of composition, dimension, color theory, and luminosity. His work balances intuition with precision, resulting in paintings that feel both effortless and deeply intentional. Each piece is one of a kind, created slowly and thoughtfully, and finished to the highest standard for collectors and design-forward spaces.