Ruben Abstract

I started painting Swimmers because I wanted to reproduce how impressive the swim start of an Ironman triathlon is for me. But I also wanted everyone to enjoy the pleasure of being in the sea in transparent waters where you can even see your shadow at the bottom sea. 

Whilst painting my fifth Swimmers, I wanted to paint a swimmer following its flow, being genuine without following the rest. 

Follow your flow in the sea of life, I thought, fight restlessly, and make your dream come true. Choose your attitude and direction in life, and become that swimmer that goes against the grain, no matter what people expect from you, no matter what it takes. Just trust yourself, as you have never done before, and flow. 

My name is Ruben, and I am a 100% self-taught painter. 

I started painting when I was 42, and I decided that I wanted to retire as a painter. From that day, I woke up two hours before going to work and painted with all my passion. Today I am a full-time painter devoted to my Swimmers Collection genuinely from 2019. 

I paint real or abstract sea bottoms using enamel paint on wood, then cover it with an epoxy resin layer before painting the swimmers. The lady’s swimming gear is made of 100% recycled fabric scraps. 

Forest Gallery is delighted to present Swimmers to the UK market. As Ruben Abstract’s exclusive UK agent, we can help to arrange special commissions. Choose your size, colour and who is swimming against the grain. It might be you, you and your partner or the whole family! Be inspired by Ruben’s commissions Creativity Guide – please get in touch if this is of interest.