Into the Wild
“The Horse That Ran Away” is a 2018 painting that serves as an ode to my grandfather, who carried a lifelong love for horses. Growing up, he would watch rodeos with fascination and share stories of his youth in Cuba, where he spent his days riding across the family ranch. After moving to the United States, he never owned horses again, yet they remained close to his heart, living on through his memories and the tales he passed down to me. This work is my way of honoring that bond and the legacy of his love for riding.
The painting began as a simple sketch before evolving into a full composition, marked by the watercolor-like splashes and drips that often define my style. A warmer palette dominates the piece, imbuing it with the sun-drenched feeling of a South Florida summer, when it was created. I often wonder if the heat of those months influenced my choices, bringing an added intensity to the work. In this way, the painting is not only a tribute to my grandfather but also a reflection of time, place, and memory layered into color and form.