Icecreamero

The Works of Joe R. Villarreal

Joe R. Villarreal (American, b. 1953)
El Icecrinero
Oil on canvas
Signed, dated ’95 and copyrighted, m.r.
48 x 60 inches

Villarreal considers this piece to be the jewel of all his cultural paintings.  In this poignant scene, Villarreal recollects the coexisting of both joy and sadness. The happy screams of neighborhood children alert each other at the arrival of “El Icecrinero” … the Ice Cream Man! From exuberant anticipation, disappointment falls over them as the children realize there is no money to buy the frozen delights. The sadness is palpable as even the dog sits by going without even a tiny melted drop.

The painting is also a challenge to the viewer by the artist.  In his composition are various groups of 3’s!  He challenges you to find them.