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.

Oil & Water do mix

In other news, I recently completed an oil painting class with artist Brett Amory. I first met Brett at a figure drawing class in City College more than two decades ago. We were young, playful, aspiring artists.

I had been wanting to learn oil painting for a while now, and I thought I could teach myself, just as I taught myself how to paint with acrylics. However, oils present another level of complexity, and this is the new level of quality I am exploring in a fresh series of urban scenery and shadows.

This is the last painting project from the class. Inspired by one of my photos. There are two more paintings from this series already in progress. Stay tuned!

The Muse

The De Young museum recently held an open call for local artists to exhibit at the 2023 De Young Open. I had a different piece in mind to submit, one I considered more "museum worthy," but it was created around 2019, and they were looking for more recent work.

So I picked something from my a new series of abstract explorations involving geometry, light, and colors.

As I was working on this new piece, I received news of my dear aunt's passing. I reflected on her life, our memories, and the concepts of life and death as I continued painting. The painting evolved into something entirely different from my original idea. When I completed it, the name came to me – I saw it as a precious stone and considered naming it Diamond or Ruby. Then, it struck me like a precious rock on my head: my aunt's name was Rubidia, affectionately known as Ruby, and that's how the name was born.

I'm delighted to share that the De Young has chosen this painting for their exhibition, which will run from September 30 to January 7. This artwork is a tribute to my aunt Rubidia, who supported me with my studies and art projects. Her light shines through this painting, and I am honored to commemorate her life through my work.

The road ahead…

Today, I'm stepping forward, leaving behind the past's weight - the challenges, the constraints.

I feel stronger than ever, confident in my abilities, and proud of my accomplishments despite the obstacles. I've remained authentic, refusing to conform mindlessly.

Each day, I actively question both my perceptions and the world around me, setting myself apart from societal norms without hesitation.

The idea of compromising my values to fit into a society that's lost touch with authenticity and sensitivity concerns me more than standing out.

I'm embarking on a journey towards becoming a more resilient, secure, and enlightened individual, seeking a life of greater significance beyond the artificial reality of a materialistic world.

Rubidia

I am truly passionate about painting! Spending hours locked away in my studio, surrounded by paint and acrylics, brings me immense joy. However, I must admit that the experience is not always purely pleasurable. Embracing solitude in this creative space awakens every fragment of memory and experience within me, unfiltered and unrestricted. It opens a Pandora's box of emotions, taking me on a profound journey through both beautiful and luminous realms, as well as somber and melancholic moments.

The struggle I encounter finds its expression on the canvas. Despite the challenges faced, something precious emerges—a beautiful jewel born from my artistic endeavors.

Not long ago, I received the news of my aunt's passing. We affectionately called her Ruby, a nickname derived from her full name, Rubidia. Upon completing this painting, it reminded me of her—a ruby sparkling with memories and emotions.

“Delicioso” Acrylic on Canvas

Over the past few weeks, I have dedicated my time and effort to completing a painting that I began several years ago at an Art Live event. The piece, which I have aptly named "Delicioso," captivated me with its colors that reminded me of sweet icing.

Additionally, the nickname "Delicioso" was affectionately bestowed upon me by a pair of Irish children, further inspiring my choice of title for this work of art.

"The City Rises" Exhibit At Palette Gallery

Palette Gallery

Join us at Palette Gallery to be a part of our last exhibition opening of the year! As 2021 draws to a close, Palette Gallery is proud to present: "The City Rises" - a contemporary group show that explores the 20th century concept of Futurism in the new millennium. I will have five new pieces available.

Featured works by:
Dilcia Giron, J.L. King, Mario Navasero, Lee Harvey Roswell, and Martin Stensaas & Sunny Strasburg.

RSVP to mingle with the artists and fellow art-lovers as we celebrate the talent and resilience of the Bay Area art community over the past year! Be one of the first to experience this striking exhibition in person and taste one of Palette’s two cocktails inspired by the artwork.

Please be prepared to show proof of vaccination for entry indoors.

Palette SF Gallery 816 Folsom St San Francisco CA 94107 Opening Reception: Friday, Nov. 12th 5-8pm Exhibit: through Jan. 1st, 2022

“The City” 48x36

A new painting inspired by the modern development of the city, contrasting with the abandoned and decayed structures.

This is one of the nee acrylic paintings I’ll be showing at the upcoming futurism themed show

Art Highlights from 2020

I haven’t updated my website in a while! I thought it would be a good idea to provide some updates!

Here are some Art HIGHLIGHTS from 2020:

de Young Museum Open Exhibit - Last year, the de Young put a call for submissions for local Bay Area artists. A total of 6,188 artists submitted work, but only 762 artists were selected and I was among the selected artists!!

“Nunca sere nada” - Acrylic on Canvas 48”x48” (sold) de Young Museum

2 Murals! Palette Gallery & Mural at SOMA office.

Tons of New Paintings and lots of New Collages!