Inspiration from Botero

It was the first day of spring, and an unusually rainy day in Barcelona. Feeling in need of some colour, I went to a place where I knew I would find some…

… an exhibition by the Colombian artist, Botero - famous for his bright, bold colours and voluminous forms.

There’s no mistaking a Botero for anyone else, and I could feel myself lighting up with every generous, colourful canvas.


As I went round, I thought about what it means to develop a style—not just as an artist, but as a communicator.

Here are some lessons from Botero that we can apply to speaking and storytelling:

📐 Preparation is part of the art

Botero always sketched before painting. A great presentation starts the same way — with preparation, shaping our message with intention, always keeping our audience in mind.

🎨 Practice is everything

Botero painted every day, always refining, always exploring. The more we use our voice — whether in meetings, presentations, or casual conversations — the stronger and clearer it becomes.

🌍 Your story helps you connect

He believed art had to be local to be universal, and his Colombian roots are evident in his paintings. In speaking too, when we bring a flavour of our origins, of who we are, we connect more deeply with others.

🔗 Your influences shape you

Every artist is a fusion of their influences. Every speaker, too. The stories we tell, the way we frame ideas, are shaped by the experiences and voices that have marked us.

🖌️ Your style is yours alone

Botero crafted a wholly distinct style, known as ‘Boterismo’. Finding and embracing our own style — no two voices are the same! — is what makes us memorable.


I left the exhibition feeling hopeful, and inspired by so much colour and vitality.

Whether in art or communication, we’re all shaping how others see, think, and feel.

Through our presence and intention, through the stories we tell, and the messages we convey.


So, tell me, how are you channeling the artist in you?