Ed Solana Jr. is from Manolo Fortich, a cool highland town in Bukidnon, Philippines, known for its pineapple plantations. Over his lifetime he has held many roles, but artist was his first, and remains his favorite.

Working primarily in watercolor, he paints urban scenes and rural landscapes that highlight the quiet honesty and beauty of everyday life. He studied Fine Arts at the University of San Carlos in Cebu, though his artistic journey began much earlier, nurtured by his equally creative mother.

This early foundation led to numerous exhibitions, with his works now shown in malls and galleries across the country. After graduating, Solana brought his creativity into the business world, serving as General Manager of Habagat Outdoor Equipment Inc. for nearly two decades before becoming one of its owners. He went on to co-found Vertical Difficult Access Solutions Inc., a rope access company, and later established Black Smokehaus, a restaurant dedicated to slow-cooked meats, reflecting the same patience and craft found in his artistic process.

This sense of deliberate, attentive creation carries into his painting practice, particularly in plein air work, where he paints directly from life in outdoor settings.

Now in his late forties, Solana has renewed his commitment to his art, pushing its boundaries while giving back to the community. He has received awards including the Grand Prize Winner of the Philippine Guild of Watercolorists (PGW) for several years and became one of the finalists of the IMWA International Masters of Watercolor Alliance with his painting, “The Abundance.”

He’s collaborated with local art groups for charitable causes as well, and conducted free watercolor workshops to encourage others to explore the medium.

Through watercolor, Solana captures fleeting moments with sensitivity and clarity, sharing his belief in the expressive potential of water and pigment. Whether painting across the Philippines or during his travels abroad, especially the United States, he continues to document the beauty of his surroundings through the attentive eye of an artist.

ARTIST PROFILE

I began my art practice at a young age, and ever since, there has been a constant call within me to create. I received my formal art education at a respected institution, but my path eventually led me into the corporate world. 

There, I expressed my creativity in different ways. I've built businesses, managed people, worked in the kitchen, founded my own restaurant, and raised a loving family. I did everything except sit down and paint, which was what my heart longed for.

In 2017, I finally answered that call with a yes. From that moment, I knew there was no turning back. 

Painting is where my soul feels most at peace, particularly when I am immersed in the grandeur of my subject. Through my watercolor sketches, I aim to tell stories and reveal the beauty shaped by both God and human hands.

My approach is deeply observational, whether painting en plein air or in the studio. I strive to be expressive with my brushstrokes, allowing the emotions I feel in the moment to guide the work. Each painting becomes a visual journal of the places I have seen and the people I have encountered.

I hope viewers can feel the same sense of calm and presence that I experience while painting. My influences come from my formative years, especially the encouragement of my mother; the landscapes of my hometown; and the vibrant art community of the Philippines. Teaching free watercolor workshops has also become part of my practice as I believe art grows stronger when shared.

My vision is to bring Philippine watercolor to a wider audience, helping grow the Cebu watercolor community while contributing to the global appreciation of Filipino art. I begin with what is in front of me, which is my home, my surroundings, my everyday, and carry that inspiration outward into the world.