My grandfather’s dream

February 16, 2019

Almost 20 years ago I pulled these out of the trash. My grandfather’s paint brushes that were no longer useable.

Abuelo’s well-used paint brushes.
Stained with years of painting.
Filled with experience.
Bristles that had voiced so much.
Tools of his artistic vision.
Vibrating with his passion for art and painting.
His passion for sharing his view of the world.

He was the first in our Montesinos line to paint, whom I knew. He shared his fervor for art with his kids and grandkids. He wanted all of us to paint. He wanted me to paint. He said I had the ability. He believed in me. He knew I could paint but was holding back.

In 2003, the year I fished these out of the trash, Abuelito told me I should paint. “Painting is easy,” he said. “Just paint the colors that you see.”

That’s what I’m doing now. Painting the colors that I see. Fulfilling his dream of me joining the painters in our family. He knew I had it in me.

Finally, this symbol of our family tradition is hanging with dignity and honor in my studio. A symbol, a promise… of vision, talent, ability, hard work and success.

Gracias, abuelito por verme. Realmente verme. Tu inspiración me empuja y me ayuda diariamente. Mucho amor, tu nieta que te extraña y té ama mucho, Cristina.