Born in Glendale, CA, and raised in the Mexican countryside, Antonio Pelayo uses his artwork to question ideologies of home, identity, and trust. Moving from a quintessential American suburb replete with white picket fences to a tiny village of adobe churches urged Pelayo to adapt, while simultaneously searching for himself amongst the teasing cries of other children. Looking for solace, he picked up a pencil and began to draw using the murals of Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Orozco to inspire him. Upon moving back to Glendale, his world was once again upended and he once again used his artwork as a way to forge connections. In 1994, he joined Disney Studio’s Ink & Paint Department where he learned traditional celluloid animation techniques. It was in this context that Pelayo could imagine his portrait works could be exhibited, and have a direct, powerful impact on an audience. The intimacy and vulnerability between the subject and artist is one facet of what inspires Pelayo to create hyper-realistic and extremely detailed portraits. A stark contrast to the linework that he has worked on at Disney for over two decades, his fine art pieces explore the most intimate pieces of ourselves.
"Sueńos Chicos" (FRAMED) Painting 21" x 20.5" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Sueńos Chicos" (FRAMED) Painting 21" x 20.5" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper. Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Image size: 15...
Ink, Acrylic
$3,000
"HOW DO YOU KNOW MY NAME?" (FRAMED) Painting 24" x 30" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"HOW DO YOU KNOW MY NAME?" (FRAMED) Painting 24" x 30" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Marker on paper Size: 24" x 30" inch Size framed: 27.5" x 34" inch From Pelayo VS Pelayo exhi...
Paper, Permanent Marker, Pencil
"WHY IS THE SKY BLUE?" (FRAMED) Painting 24" x 30" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"WHY IS THE SKY BLUE?" (FRAMED) Painting 24" x 30" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Marker on paper Size: 24" x 30" inch Size framed: 27.5" x 34" inch From Pelayo VS Pelayo exhibiti...
Paper, Permanent Marker, Pencil
$3,000
"I DO IT MYSELF" (FRAMED) Portrait Painting 30" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"I DO IT MYSELF" (FRAMED) Portrait Painting 30" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Marker on paper Size: 30" x 24" inch Size framed: 34" x 27.5" inch From Pelayo VS Pelayo exhib...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
"La Vaca" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"La Vaca" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper, Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Size: 12" x 17" inch Size framed: 14.5" x 20" i...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
"Conejo" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Conejo" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper, Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Size: 12" x 17" inch Size framed: 14.5" x 20" in...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
"El Fud" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"El Fud" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper, Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Size: 12" x 17" inch Size framed: 14.5" x 20" in...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
"El Bańo" (FRAMED) Painting 20.5" x 21" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"El Bańo" (FRAMED) Painting 20.5" x 21" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper, Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Artist Antonio Pelayo, born in Glendale, Calif...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
"KITTY" (FRAMED) Painting 24" x 30" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"KITTY" (FRAMED) Painting 24" x 30" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Marker on paper Size: 24" x 30" inch Size framed: 27.5" x 34" inch From Pelayo VS Pelayo exhibition: The exhibit...
Paper, Permanent Marker, Pencil
"Dont Belong Here" (FRAMED) Painting 18" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Dont Belong Here" (FRAMED) Painting 18" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper, Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Size: 18" x 24" inch Size framed: 20" x ...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
"NO WAY JOSE!" (FRAMED) Painting 24" x 30" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"NO WAY JOSE!" (FRAMED) Painting 24" x 30" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Marker on paper Size: 24" x 30" inch Size framed: 27.5" x 34" inch From Pelayo VS Pelayo exhibition: The ...
Paper, Permanent Marker, Pencil
"Adela" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Adela" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper, Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Size: 12" x 17" inch Size framed: 14.5" x 20" inch Ar...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
"Igualdad" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Igualdad" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper, Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Size: 12" x 17" inch Size framed: 14.5" x 20" ...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
"I'M NOT TIRED" (FRAMED) Painting 30" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"I'M NOT TIRED" (FRAMED) Painting 30" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Marker on paper Size: 30" x 24" inch Size framed: 34" x 27.5" inch From Pelayo VS Pelayo exhibition: The...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
"YOU'RE SILLY" (FRAMED) Painting 30" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"YOU'RE SILLY" (FRAMED) Painting 30" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Marker on paper Size: 30" x 24" inch Size framed: 34" x 27.5" inch From Pelayo VS Pelayo exhibition: The ...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
"El Hombre" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"El Hombre" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper, Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Size: 12" x 17" inch Size framed: 14.5" x 20"...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
"Demon" (FRAMED) Painting 33" x 27" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Demon" (FRAMED) Painting 33" x 27" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: "Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Artist Antonio Pelayo, born in Glendale, California, and yet raise...
Ink, Acrylic
"Super Artist" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Super Artist" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper, Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Size: 12" x 17" inch Size framed: 14.5" x ...
Ink, Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
"Las Metas Pequeńas" (FRAMED) Painting 21" x 20.5" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Las Metas Pequeńas" (FRAMED) Painting 21" x 20.5" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper. Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Image size: 15" x 15" inch Size fr...
Ink, Acrylic
"Ladrillo" (FRAMED) Painting 20.5" x 21" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Ladrillo" (FRAMED) Painting 20.5" x 21" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper. Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Image size: 15"...
Acrylic, Ink
$3,500
"I LOVE YOU" (FRAMED) Figurative Painting 30" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"I LOVE YOU" (FRAMED) Figurative Painting 30" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Marker on paper Size: 30" x 24" inch Size framed: 34" x 27.5" inch From Pelayo VS Pelayo exhibit...
Paper, Permanent Marker, Pencil
$3,500
"I WANT TO WATCH CARTOONS" (FRAMED) Painting 30" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"I WANT TO WATCH CARTOONS" (FRAMED) Painting 30" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Marker on paper Size: 30" x 24" inch Size framed: 34" x 27.5" inch From Pelayo VS Pelayo exhi...
Paper, Permanent Marker, Pencil
"El Toro" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"El Toro" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper, Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Size: 12" x 17" inch Size framed: 14.5" x 20" i...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
"Della" (FRAMED) Painting 19" x 22" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Della" (FRAMED) Painting 19" x 22" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Size: 13" x 15" inch Size framed: 19" x 22" inch Artist Antonio Pel...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
"El Purerco" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"El Purerco" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper, Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Size: 12" x 17" inch Size framed: 14.5" x 20...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
"Calica" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Calica" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper, Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Size: 12" x 17" inch Size framed: 14.5" x 20" in...
Pencil, Acrylic, Ink, Paper
"Los Huevos" (FRAMED) Painting 21" x 20.5" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Los Huevos" (FRAMED) Painting 21" x 20.5" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper. Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Image size: 15" x...
Ink, Acrylic
"Lavate Los Dientes" (FRAMED) Painting 21" x 20.5" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Lavate Los Dientes" (FRAMED) Painting 21" x 20.5" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper. Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Image...
Ink, Acrylic
"Memorias" (FRAMED) Painting 34" x 28" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Memorias" Painting 34" x 28" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Image size: 25" x 19" inch Size framed: 34" ...
Ink, Acrylic
$2,250Sale Price|70% Off
H 86.62 in W 70.87 in D 1.46 in
Large Horse Oil Painting. Contemporary Equestrian Oil Painting 220 x 180 cm
By Rubins J. Spaans
Located in ALP, ES
This large figurative oil painting is a reinterpretation of two paintings by John Vanderbank, A young gentleman riding a schooled horse, 1729 / Man on horseback, 1728. A unique oil p...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Crayon, Raw Linen, Oil, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Pencil
$355
H 15 in W 11 in
Lou Dog - Abstract Quirky Figurative Dog Cowboy Inspired Painting on Paper
By Jesse Black
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jesse’s imagery often merges playful and gritty elements, blending floral patterns, vintage-inspired designs, and bold outlines with a touch of whimsy. His artwork exudes a sense of ...
Paint, Acrylic, Paper
$1,287
H 25.6 in W 19.69 in
Bull III by Christophe Dupety - Animal painting, abstract, violet, vivid colours
By Christophe Dupety
Located in Paris, FR
Bull III is a unique acrylic on paper painting by contemporary artist Christophe Dupety, dimensions are 65 × 50 cm (25.6 × 19.7 in). The artwork is signed, sold unframed and comes wi...
Paper, Acrylic
Never Forget How Beautiful You Are
By David Shrigley
Located in London, GB
2025 Unique work on paper Acrylic paint on paper 76 x 56 cm Mint condition, housing in the original packaging David Shrigley (born 1968) is a celebrated British visual artist. His w...
Paper, Acrylic
$600
H 13 in W 10 in
"The Meeting 30" Stylized House Painting with Chalk Detail by Seth Clark
By Seth Clark
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece, titled "The Meeting 30" is an original artwork by Seth Clark as part of his newest solo exhibition, "Passing Through". made of ink transfer, charcoal, pastel, acrylic, a...
Wood, Paper, Charcoal, Pastel, Acrylic, Graphite, Ink
$3,968
H 26 in W 22 in D 3 in
Half Skull & Female Face Portrait Pop Art by British Urban Graffiti Artist
By Chris Pegg
Located in Preston, GB
Half Skull & Female Face Portrait Pop Art by British Urban Graffiti Artist, Chris Pegg. Lilac Background. Presented in a high quality ornate white frame. Art measures 20 x 16 inche...
Canvas, Paint, Cotton Canvas, Ink, Mixed Media, Oil, Spray Paint, Acryli...
$275Sale Price|50% Off
H 10 in W 8 in
Erik Estrada - Black and White Celebrity Portrait Realist Oil Painting
By David Lyle
Located in East Quogue, NY
Fun realistic celebrity 'autograph' black and white portrait painting by David Lyle. Oil and Sharpie marker on panel. Size: 10 x 8 inches. Offered unframed. A nostalgic nod to cl...
Oil, Panel, Permanent Marker
$1,000
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 1 in
"How to Explode Quietly" Surrealist Urban Street Art Mixed Media Painting
By Santiago Fuentes Bo
Located in New York, NY
Santiago Fuente Bo pieces are exceptionally high in detail, but as well are playful and thought provoking. He is influenced with the ever-changing idea of what home means. His consta...
Enamel
Entrances and Exits
By Harriet Holden Nash
Located in Buffalo, NY
Harriet was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and lived with her husband in Park Slope for over 35 years. She attended the Brooklyn Museum School at age 14 where she establis...
Acrylic, Pen, Permanent Marker, Watercolor
$1,500
H 20 in W 21.75 in D 2 in
Small Scale Abstracted Figurative -- Big Fish, Little Fish Coral Reef
By John Francis Stenvall
Located in Soquel, CA
Vibrant figurative of abstracted fish in coral reef by John Stenvall (American, 1907- 1998), circa 1990. Signed left edge. Presented in gilt-toned frame ...
Paper, Oil, Acrylic
$12,148
H 48.04 in W 59.85 in
Surrealist Large Painting Royal College of Art LGBTQ+ Female Blue Green Water
By Isabel Rock
Located in Norfolk, GB
Isabel Rock is a creator of contemporary fairy tales. A graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, her work is an explosion of strange occurrences while a surreal narrative takes the audience on a journey into the imagination. In October 2023 Isabel won the Evelyn Williams Drawing Award at the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize. Known as the UK’s most prestigious annual open exhibition for drawing; part of the prize is a solo show at Hastings Contemporary, scheduled for 2024. Whilst Isabel always has a tale to tell for each of her images, you may or may not choose to go on the journey with her or you may indeed have a different story, one of your own that jumps off the page at you, that that you decide to follow. Artwork Details: Water, 122 x 152cm, Collaged woodblock print, acrylic inks on Somerset satin paper, 2023 Artwork Provenance: from the Artist Studio photo credits, Isabel working, black and white shots, James Brown In Isabel's own words: Water; Once upon a time there was water. It fell from the sky in clear blue droplets. It made pools and puddles on the ground. The water tasted sweet and pure, it was good to drink, to make soup, to swim in or to wash in. It made the plants and trees grow big and luscious, it was the lifeblood of everything.. Everybody loved water and no one ever questioned where it came from or that one day the rain might stop and there would be no water. The water women went about their usual business, they made soup, they grew cabbages, they argued and laughed together. The well was always full, there was food aplenty, life thrived. It is sometimes said that ignorance is bliss, and the women did live in bliss although they did not know it. They did not know that one day the rain would stop. It was only when the rain stopped that they knew they had lived in bliss. *Please note we are happy to ship this work rolled in an art tube. Whilst the work is on heavy duty art paper and mixed media, the artist is happy that the painting will be fine rolled in a tube. This is a more cost effective and environmentally sound method of shipping. Shipping via this method is free. About Isabel Rock and her work: Taking inspiration from Japanese woodblock prints and Indian miniature painting Rock has developed a unique collage technique that combines bold structures with large-scale woodblock prints and intricate detailing. The subject is a grand mixture of humour, drama, hidden morals, fanciful characters, modern culture, mythical beings and fantastical situations. Rock creates a world that pulls you in and demands your attention. Quality of line is paramount, the drawings are created using a dipping pen and acrylic ink. An essential tool is a squirrel...
Paint, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Pen
$505
H 16.5 in W 11.5 in
Ephemeral - Original Abstract Yellow Figurative Artwork on Paper
By Melissa Chalhoub
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Melissa Chalhoub, a 2014 graduate of Saint Joseph University in Beirut, seamlessly navigates the realms of cinema and visual art. With a background in directing and sound design for ...
Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Sold
H 14.5 in W 20 in D 1 in
"Chapulin" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Chapulin" (FRAMED) Painting 14.5" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Pencil on Paper, Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Size: 12" x 17" inch Size framed: 14.5" x 20" inch...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
Sold
H 30 in W 24 in D 1 in
"CAN I GET TWO TOYS" (FRAMED) Painting 30" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"CAN I GET TWO TOYS" (FRAMED) Painting 30" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Marker on paper Size: 30" x 24" inch Size framed: 34" x 27.5" inch From Pelayo VS Pelayo exhibition...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
Sold
H 30 in W 24 in D 1 in
"I'M A BIG GIRL NOW" (FRAMED) Painting 30" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"I'M A BIG GIRL NOW" (FRAMED) Painting 30" x 24" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Marker on paper Size: 30" x 24" inch Size framed: 34" x 27.5" inch From Pelayo VS Pelayo exhibition...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
Sold
H 38 in W 32 in D 1 in
"Historia" (FRAMED) Painting 38" x 32" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Historia" (FRAMED) Painting 38" x 32" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Artist Antonio Pelayo, born in Glendale, Califo...
Ink, Acrylic
Sold
H 20 in W 20 in D 1 in
"Popeye" Painting (FRAMED) 20" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Popeye" Painting 20" x 20" inch by Antonio Pelayo Medium: Acrylic Ink & Paint on Animation Acetate Image size: 13" x 13" inch Size framed: 20" x 20" inch Artist Antonio Pelayo, born in Glendale, California, and yet raised for most of his childhood in the Mexican countryside, has never had his own country. Moving from an American suburb to a tiny village has kept his world unstable, yet that very instability has made him an artist. Antonio was born in 1973 in a comfortable, quintessentially American suburb: close neighbors, picket fences, movie theatres, malls, and English all around. At nine, his family sent him back to his father’s village in Mexico, where the environment radically changed: old broken down adobe churches replaced galleries and the trappings of suburbia. Some adjustments were difficult, like dealing with outdoor plumbing and the transition to a Spanish-speaking environment. Teased and ostracized by other kids, and unable to communicate with the adults, Antonio looked elsewhere for, if not companionship, at least solace. He found it with a pencil and in the pews. He snuck into the village church and stared up at the murals of martyrdom. He hid in the dark corners and sketched the artwork that covered the walls and altars. Antonio sought out the work of other Mexican artists, making them his mentors; his friends. Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Orozco, all revealed to Antonio the depth of Mexican art and its movement from the shadows of the Catholic Church into the modern world. He learned Spanish. He strove to master it, hoping to communicate with the folks of the village. Still, there was a gap; the language barrier between poor farmers and the middle class kept him from meeting people on an intimate level. Nevertheless, he now had three languages: English, Spanish, and his drawings. Years later his family brought him back to Glendale, which he now saw through the lens of Mexico. It looked unreal; it did not look like home. Nothing looked like home anymore; not Mexico, not Southern California. The one home he had was his art. Though his mastery of pencil and paper began in the nave of an old country church in Mexico...
Ink, Acrylic
Sold
H 16 in W 15 in
"Dreams" (FRAMED) Pencil on Paper painting 16" x 15" inch by Antonio Pelayo
By Antonio Pelayo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Dreams" (FRAMED) Pencil on Paper painting 16" x 15" inch by Antonio Pelayo Size framed: 16" x 15" inch Artist Antonio Pelayo, born in Glendale, California, and yet raised for most of his childhood in the Mexican countryside, has never had his own country. Moving from an American suburb to a tiny village has kept his world unstable, yet that very instability has made him an artist. Antonio was born in 1973 in a comfortable, quintessentially American suburb: close neighbors, picket fences, movie theatres, malls, and English all around. At nine, his family sent him back to his father’s village in Mexico, where the environment radically changed: old broken down adobe churches replaced galleries and the trappings of suburbia. Some adjustments were difficult, like dealing with outdoor plumbing and the transition to a Spanish-speaking environment. Teased and ostracized by other kids, and unable to communicate with the adults, Antonio looked elsewhere for, if not companionship, at least solace. He found it with a pencil and in the pews. He snuck into the village church and stared up at the murals of martyrdom. He hid in the dark corners and sketched the artwork that covered the walls and altars. Antonio sought out the work of other Mexican artists, making them his mentors; his friends. Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Orozco, all revealed to Antonio the depth of Mexican art and its movement from the shadows of the Catholic Church into the modern world. He learned Spanish. He strove to master it, hoping to communicate with the folks of the village. Still, there was a gap; the language barrier between poor farmers and the middle class kept him from meeting people on an intimate level. Nevertheless, he now had three languages: English, Spanish, and his drawings. Years later his family brought him back to Glendale, which he now saw through the lens of Mexico. It looked unreal; it did not look like home. Nothing looked like home anymore; not Mexico, not Southern California. The one home he had was his art. Though his mastery of pencil and paper began in the nave of an old country church in Mexico...
Paper, Pencil