“At the Great Highway” New Painting

Since Teslas and Cybertrucks began to change the look of our streets, vintage cars have started to get my attention. Whenever I spot one, I can’t resist photographing it.

This new painting was inspired by a photo I took on the Great Highway on a foggy day, which added a touch of melancholy to the scene. It felt like the perfect subject to continue my oil painting practice.

“At the Great Highway”

Oil Painting on Canvas

10”x10”

New Painting, New series on the way!

Continuing with my oil painting practice, I finished this small piece yesterday, inspired by a photo I took. I resisted and doubted the process at first, but the more I pushed through, the more I enjoyed it. Although it didn’t turn out exactly as I envisioned, I’m happy with the result.

This painting also sparked an idea I’ve had for a while—to create a series of oil paintings based on photos I take around the Richmond District. I think I’m finally ready to start it. So stay tuned—oil painting number two is coming soon!

“Geary Parkway Motel”

Oil Painting on Canvas

10”x10”

Still Life- Oil Painting Practice

Continuing with my oil painting practice, I recently set up a complex still life with lots of visual information to challenge myself and see how I could resolve it with oils.

This piece came together over the span of a few weeks. Painting from life instead of a photo was a completely different experience. One day, I accidentally moved the lamp that was illuminating the setup, which forced me to rework all of the lighting. The perspective also kept shifting slightly as I moved and rearranged my easel during the process.

I’m finding it hard to always stick to the “rules” of oil painting—I tend to work more intuitively than technically. I even caught myself using the same brush for most of the painting. It’s the same approach I take when I paint abstracts: instinct first, technique second.

Next, I’m planning a landscape and another portrait, but before that, I want to do a series of small sketches to improve at simplifying light and shadow.

I’m documenting the entire process and will be sharing all of my studies and practice pieces here soon.

Self Portrait Oil Painting

This painting was a battle. I struggled for weeks, and I almost gave up. The challenge was not only to get the right perspective and proportions, but also get familiar and comfortable with the oils.

I spent numerous hours repainting and reworking details, I guess that was the problem. The approach was too rigid, too technical.

But tonight, everything shifted. I didn’t paint in the usual way—I danced, I sang, and I threw brushstrokes freely, while listening to “La Cumbia Primero de Mayo” on repeat.

Why in repeat? Because the rhythm kept pulling me out of my head and into the moment.

Suddenly, the painting began to take shape, almost effortlessly. It was the breakthrough I had been waiting for.

I always think is impossible to get there, but it isn’t. It just takes time, patience.

Mission District Open Studios

Find me this weekend at Clarion Alley in the Mission District!

I'll be a guest artist at Doug Rhodes Studio — showcasing my art and live painting in the alley!

Come say hello and soak in a sunny, art-filled weekend in San Francisco’s colorful Mission District.

Saturday & Sunday April 12–13, noon–6:00pm.

23 Clarion Alley (small street between Mission and Valencia Streets and 17th and 18th Streets)

Clarion Alley -Plein Air

I started 2025 with plein air painting in Clarion Alley (when it’s not raining) in front of my friend Doug Rhodes' art studio.

It has been an amazing and deeply fulfilling experience, to say the least.

Though the process is slow, I love spending hours in the sunny Mission District, immersed in my work.

This painting is still in progress—moving at its own pace—but I’m in no rush!

I’ll continue to share updates as it evolves.

Cuzcatlán

Who would have thought that I would be painting while listening to a politician speak? How could anyone find a politician’s voice inspiring? Well, it wasn't just any politician; it was Bukele, the current president of my country, El Salvador. He hosted a "Live" session tonight, where he took questions from random people.

(I was secretly, hoping he would call me as I submitted my request for a question, without knowing what I was going to ask or say. I just wanted the opportunity to personally express my gratitude for the work he has done and continues to do in our country. To tell him how much he has inspired me through his actions, speeches, and more)

What is interesting, is that I had struggled with this painting for a long time, losing my way many times. However, I persevered, seeking a way to reconcile the lack of inspiration with the need to finish the painting. It never worked.

I had to do something different, something unexpected and risky to untangle the process.

Well, it happened today while listening to Bukele and hearing how people from my country are genuinely grateful and emotional about all the positive changes of our country.

We had lost all hope. Our country was so battered, so poor, so dangerous…to witness our country resurface, making a complete 180-degree turn from being demoralized to being absolutely inspired and proud again, was something we never expected. All thanks to this man: Nayib Bukele “Un hombre en todo el sentido de la palabra”

It was an inspiring evening and a moment of joy to paint while listening to Mi Presidente!

Another gem for the collection.

This painting is named Cuzcatlán, which is the original indigenous name of my country, El Salvador, meaning the "Land of Jewels."

Jewels aren’t born; they are made. They result from explosions of molten rock, slowly crystallizing from hot fluids and gases as they cool and solidify, ultimately transforming into beautiful, shiny precious stones, just like my country.

Cuzcatlán 16”x20”

Art on Utility Boxes!

I had the honor of being selected by the city of San Francisco to participate in the "Painting the Void" project.

My task is to paint four utility boxes along Geary Street, spanning from 15th to 18th Avenue. It's a project that combines my love for art with my desire to contribute to the community.

The first box, located at the intersection of 15th Avenue and Geary Street is completed.

Now, I'm gearing up for the next phase of this creative adventure. Box number two awaits at 16th Avenue. If you're in the area, I invite you to stop by, say hello, and watch the transformation unfold. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me.

Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this project.

Thank you, San Francisco, for this incredible opportunity, and thank you all for joining me on this artistic journey.