Julio C. Suarez received his MFA in Painting from Indiana University Bloomington and a BFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. There is where he discovered his passion for painting and drawing from direct observation. His influences range from old masters such as Velasquez and Vermeer to 20th century artists like Giorgio Morandi and the English painter Euan Uglow. Suarez's work has been exhibited nationally including at the Painting Center in New York City and Principle Gallery in Alexandria Virginia. He received a Best of Show award at the 56th Annual Greater Michigan Art Exhibition organized by the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art.