The Unexpected Artistry of Microsoft Excel
Explaining what art is can be as complicated as making an accurate weather forecast ; its very essence is steeped in subjectivity. While some may view a banana as a mere fruit, others may see it as a $6.2 million masterpiece . Amidst this sea of opinions, one of the more “accepted” forms of art is realism —the representation of reality in art forms. But what if this realism is realized not through Photoshop , but through Microsoft Excel ?
This is the unmistakable journey of Jesus Villanueva.
No tutorials. At first glance, you might wonder why anyone would choose such a mundane tool for artistic expression. But let me assure you, this isn’t as bizarre as it seems. Throughout this visual odyssey , we will explore the creative prowess of a program that many consider purely utilitarian. Since its inception in 1985 as an exclusive spreadsheet system for Mac , Microsoft Excel has evolved significantly but remains fundamentally a calculation tool .
In a recent feature on the Microsoft blog, we delve into the life of Jesús Villanueva, aged 78, who finds joy not in playing ‘Skyrim’, streaming ‘League of Legends’, or chasing Pokémon . Instead, Jesus channels his creativity into drawing with Excel. Having studied a construction course, he spent his career in that field. However, during retirement and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, his life took an unexpected turn.
Jesus has earned the moniker “The Miguel Ángel of Excel”. With ample time available for creativity, he began using Excel as a canvas. “I never found a tutorial to explain how to do it. It has been trial after trial, drawing after drawing,” he shares. He began by recreating buildings in a format devoid of perspective, but as he honed his skills, he progressed to more intricate and layered compositions.
Image | Jesús Villanueva
Image | Jesús Villanueva
What’s remarkable is that Jesus doesn’t utilize external resources or simply layer images; he primarily draws using colors straight from the grid , combining both complex and simple shapes to breathe life into his artistic vision. Although his work is inspired by photographs, each form is crafted manually within the application.
His secret? “ Patience is key.” Jesus comments that some pieces may take up to three months to complete, such as his intricate representation of the Siena Cathedral . His portfolio consists of numerous religious buildings, including the Mosque of Córdoba and the Cathedral of Florence . For these larger forms, he constructs small characters and then scales them down to fit the image.
The “Insert Shapes” brush is fundamental for Villanueva. He selects a shape, calculates the proportions based on a reference image, and then adapts, colors, and combines various elements to create the final scene. He also explores vector strokes and manipulates element scales to achieve his desired results.
Image | Jesús Villanueva
In addition to Villanueva, Japanese artist Tatsuo Horiuchi, aged 84, has also utilized Excel to express his artistic vision following his retirement. He candidly shares that he spent ten years refining his craft before being confident enough to showcase his work. Interestingly, he notes that people have often questioned his focus on such seemingly trivial pursuits.
“Why invest so much effort into something that serves no purpose? Are you mad?” he responds with a chuckle in a featured video showcasing parts of his collection. He believes, “ Excel can unlock artistic potential , even for those who claim to lack talent.”
Excel has untapped potential. Horiuchi’s sentiment resonates deeply, especially for those who may feel constrained by conventional art tools. The fine grid that Excel offers can, in fact, serve as a stepping-stone to artistic exploration.
Ultimately, it’s fascinating to witness that Excel is not merely a tool that drives the global economy; it has also forged a niche in the realm of sports, all while transforming a perception of what many deem a mundane program. To reimagine such an unassuming tool into a canvas of artistic expression is a feat that commands respect. In a world where creativity knows no boundaries, even a spreadsheet can become a work of art .
In Xataka, we explore that thousands of artists have thrived over the past few years, with countries like Ireland supporting them with €1,300 a month to fulfill their dreams. The creative journey continues to unfold, reminding us that art can emerge from the most unexpected places.
This article dives deep into the unexpected artistic potential of Microsoft Excel through the lens of Jesús Villanueva and other artists, highlighting a unique blend of creativity and technology.