By "rubbing out" paint from a dark surface on a wood panel, the emergence of a magnificent creature is revealed.  Like no other animal, the horse evokes a strong emotional connection between man and beast.  Gregory Villegas has mastered the conveyance of this emotion through a unique style of painting called "oil rub-out".

This technique is an "old world" method of painting dating back to the time of Michelangelo.  The traditional style of "rub-out" uses primarily earth tones such as Burnt Umber & Raw Sienna.  The paint is generally applied to the canvas or board in a block section.  The artist then uses a rag, as he removes the paint to create the image.  This technique teaches light value, working from dark to light in a subtractive style of painting.

Gregory Villegas is considered one of the foremost painters in the "oil rub-out" style of painting today.  Studying under his godfather and mentor, Louis Maestas, Gregory has fine-tuned his craft and captured this classical feel of painting in the form of his paintings of horses.

"When I witness beauty in life, be it in a sunset, a musical performance or even someone's face, I am elevated to create.  I'm inspired to find inside myself the very magic that I've just witnessed.  So I rush home and paint with the intention that my art will have the same effect on others, inspiring them to recognize and express the beauty they possess within."                                                                               - Gregory Villegas -