Gas Mask Painting

Francisco J. Palomares has used art to overcome the socioeconomic obstacles of his East L.A. neighborhood since his youth. He transformed these challenges into opportunities, seeing each street as a visual narrative that reflected the ever-changing environment. His early dedication to drawing and painting led him to train at Ryman Arts and earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts from California State University, Long Beach. Francisco further expanded his artistic horizons by studying in Florence, Italy, and Guangzhou, China. After his travels, he returned to Boyle Heights, where he established his studio, PalomaresBLVD. In this creative space, Francisco captures the dynamic and often clashing streets of Los Angeles, illustrating the complex, diverse cityscapes through his paintings. His work invites viewers to walk in his shoes, offering a profound exploration of what it means to work, live, and play in the City of L.A.