Francisco Alejandro Teran is a self-taught Venezuelan realist artist and founder of Gallery 1776.
Born in Venezuela and having spent years rebuilding his life across different countries, Teran arrived in the United States with little more than a belief in hard work, faith, and the conviction that beauty still matters.
For years, he worked wherever opportunity could be found — planting trees, cleaning properties, hauling debris, and taking on whatever work was necessary to move forward. Yet throughout that journey, art remained a constant presence. Drawing and painting were never simply hobbies; they were a way of understanding the world and preserving the moments, places, and ideals that inspired him.
His work focuses on themes of freedom, craftsmanship, exploration, faith, and the natural world. Through meticulous realism, he seeks to capture not only the appearance of his subjects, but also the deeper qualities they represent. Wildlife becomes a reflection of strength and dignity. Rockets and spacecraft speak to humanity's desire to explore. American landscapes reveal the quiet beauty often overlooked in everyday life. Classic machines become tributes to ingenuity, discipline, and excellence.
Working primarily in acrylic, charcoal, and pastel, Teran approaches each piece with patience and attention to detail, often investing hundreds of hours into a single work. His goal is not simply to create images, but to create pieces that invite viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with something meaningful.
Gallery 1776 was founded as an extension of that vision. More than a collection of artwork, it represents a belief that art can still celebrate beauty, freedom, faith, excellence, and the enduring spirit of the American dream.
Today, Teran lives and works in Florida, where he continues to build a body of work inspired by nature, exploration, and the values that shaped his journey.