Celso Pepito's Treasured Painting

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Minglanilla River, 33" x 47", Oil on Canvas, 1986

For some artists, a work art of can become part of themselves and are hard to let go of. 

Such is Celso Duazo Pepito's the Minglanilla River, an oil on canvas painting he created in 1986. During this pre-cubism period, he was obsessed with the use of a palette knife.  "I remember, I consumed almost 2 tubes of 200 ml white oil paints. 

That was the time when 200 ml was only 12 pesos", he fondly recalls. Martino Abellana was his foremost influence in understanding the use of color.
 

"The Law of Simultaneous Contrast that he shared with us in our art class was one great guide in my creativity, understanding the proper use of warm and cool colors, even up to now when i am following the Cubistic style", he said. 

"It was great to remember the past in relation to the future as I continue my journey as a painter."

Master Celso, why is this painting so close to your heart you're not willing to part with it?, I queried.

"Because the woman in the Minglanilla River, who is also the owner of the painting, ... is my one and... only Love- Fe Madrid Pepito". 

I can only part with it if she consents, he fleetly answered with a beaming smile.


 

Life in Still, 27" x 20", Oil in Canvas, 1994

My wife, Grace (in black) during a ribbon cutting ceremony in 2009 at SM Cebu Art Center. It was the first time she met the Master cubist.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres". (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)


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