I recently visited Mexico for the event “Estilo Libre”. The
event begins in Santiago de Queretaro, continues in Mexico
City, and ends in Monterrey. Unfortunately I could only
attend Queretaro.

We flew into Mexico City and then drove 3 hours north to
Santiago de Queretaro.

Downtown Queretaro is a beautiful old, well-preserved,
Spanish colonial town. With cobble stone streets,
beautifully hand-carved large wood doors, court yards in
almost every building, and interesting street vendors on
every corner. We stayed in a two hundred year old hotel
called the Hotel Hidalgo that was a history professor’s
dream with all the notable people that had stayed there.

Queretaro was a very important city during the Mexican
Independence movement and has many statues,
monuments, and historically preserved buildings
commemorating that. Today it is becoming the
international business capitol of the country.

But obviously I was there to paint and meet other like
minds. I spent four days straight painting two different
pieces in two different locations. I decided to use buff paint
primarily, instead of all spray to show people to some new
techniques.

Everywhere we went there seemed to be some sort of
painting project in process. All over the city there are new
community centers being built, from small neighborhood
spaces to huge community centers that can accommodate
the entire city. It was very impressive, and you can sense
there is more importance placed on introducing and
including youth into art projects like murals.

Throughout the years I’ve visited Mexico many times and
these kids are getting better and better. There is endless
wall space and the writers are very focused. I would say
that in the near future Mexico will become an important
painting destination for the rest of the world.

I met some genuine people and some strong writers in
Mexico. Queretaro is a mellow place and I love how
important the history is to citizens. Most of my experiences
on this trip were positive, (minus the five-animal meat
torta).

Thank you to No Limit, SF Crew. Mibe, Humo, Baht, Seta,
Borra, Chino, Aliaz, and anyone else I forgot.

Cathedral In Downtown Queretaro

Cathedral Ceiling

Altar For Mary

Cathedral At Night

Statue For Memorial To One Of The Saviors Of Mexican Independence

Eagles At The Base Of Josefa Statue

Statue Outside Cathedral

Hill Top View Of Los Arcos Aqueduct. It Was Built By The Wealthiest Man In Queretaro Because Of His Love For A Nun

“Pyramid Of El Pueblito”, Toltec Pyramid With Spanish Fort On Top In Queretaro

After All Day Painting, Nothing Like A Nice Little Fire

Mucho Mas Graffiti!

This Kid Painted This After His Lung Collapsed!

Here is a shot of the D.C. old school legend “Cool Disco Dan” and myself catching some tags in the Los Angeles river.