In Episode 109 of the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast, host Leroy Garcia welcomes painter Tony De Luz for an intimate studio conversation exploring the creative journey behind his upcoming show "66 and Beyond," an inspired body of work, and his evolving relationship with Blue Rain Gallery.

De Luz reflects on the cultural power of America’s historic highway, sharing how its vintage signage, neon-lit motels, and small-town storefronts have become central motifs in his paintings. From Flagstaff to Albuquerque and Durango, the landscapes and communities of the Southwest provide both visual language and emotional grounding for his art, celebrating nostalgia while reimagining it through a contemporary lens.

The episode also traces Tony’s path from commercial illustration to fine art, highlighting the persistence required to build a meaningful career in today’s creative economy. In a candid moment, he discusses his participation in the docuseries Glitter & Greed: The Lisa Frank Story, speaking openly about workplace culture, artistic integrity, and the importance of advocating for fair treatment in creative industries.

Throughout the conversation, Garcia and De Luz explore themes of mentorship, artistic growth, and the quiet power of community, whether found in a small gallery town, along a winding railroad track, or through the enduring stories embedded in America’s roadsides.

This episode offers listeners a thoughtful look at how place, memory, and perseverance shape an artist’s voice, and why Tony De Luz’s work continues to resonate with collectors and audiences across the Southwest.

Find original artwork by Tony De Luz available at Blue Rain Gallery: https://blueraingallery.com/artists/tony-de-luz

Subscribe to the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast for more artist interviews, cultural insights, and contemporary art discussions.

This episode was hosted by gallery owner and founder Leroy Garcia, produced and edited by Leah Garcia, with original music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.

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