Los Dos Molinos

A Proud Moment

Posted by Jerry Cave
John and Debbie, 22” x 28” original acrylic on canvas.

Everyone who knows me knows that I have a fondness for really good tequila. Several years ago a close friend gifted me a bottle of Señor Rio añejo tequila, and it was signed by the owner, John Gach – an Arizona man! Señor Rio is locally owned, but made in Jalisco, Mexico. It was a very special gift. Fast forward, I met John’s wife, Debbie for lunch to find out that, sadly, John had passed away about a year ago. Debbie had seen my work at Los Dos Molinos in Mesa, and asked if she could commission me to paint a portrait of her and John. It was an honor to do so.

Portraits can be difficult, especially if you know the person (or people). I had never met John, but Debbie provided me with a number of pictures of him, and her, and them together. John was a dynamic man – an avid body builder with a variety of tattoos on both of his huge arms, which made the painting interesting and challenging. Getting both John and Debbie just right was a struggle, and I also incorporated a bottle of Señor Rio – per Debbie’s request. In the end I was pleased with the result, and Debbie was as well. She recently had the painting framed and sent me a photo of it. She knew exactly what end result she wanted, and the framed portrait looks amazing. The right frame can totally change a painting’s look.

Debbie was featured on Fox 10 news in Phoenix. Señor Rio is a great success story, and a very happy reminder to me of the process of painting John and Debbie’s portrait.

Who Are They?

Posted by Jerry Cave

I’ve made many references to the wonderful people who make it possible for me to offer fine art giclée prints of my work–some of them are Eric and Lynn at Image and Frame, as well as Davin at Method Art–all in Scottsdale. However, there are some others whom I want to mention and thank.

John Gabaldon and 1942
John Gabaldon of Los Dos Molinos (left) and 1942

One day, while I was having lunch at Los Dos Molinos in Mesa, I just happened to have my iPad open with my artwork on it. John Gabaldon, Los Dos Molinos general manager, stopped at our table (as he always does) and on a whim, I asked if he would ever be interested in putting some tequila art up in the restaurant. He looked at a couple of photos of my work, and said, “You painted that? Absolutely! I’ll give you this entire wall.” I asked how many pieces he wanted me to bring in, and he said, “All of them!” That began a whole new friendship between me and John, and a new relationship between me and Los Dos Molinos.

A few months after selling some of my prints, John asked if I’d be interested in displaying in another restaurant–one he owns in Gilbert–called La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar. Of course I agreed, and soon visited his son, John Jr., bringing with me a number of pieces to display there. And that John also began selling my work. Needless to say, I am so grateful to these folks for what they do to promote my work without expecting anything in return, I’ve donated a couple of pieces to them here and there. I would never have the exposure I enjoy today without them. So a HUGE thank you to both John Gabaldons and the crews at Los Dos Molinos and La Ristra. Your support and encouragement means a great deal to me.

If that weren’t enough, those two restaurants also deliver some of the best New Mexican cuisine in the Valley. Please help me return the favor and have lunch or dinner there if you haven’t already. Their food is excellent, and the salsas (Hatch chiles) are exquisite.

Some Like It Hot!

Posted by Jerry Cave

Jerry Cave Art Prints on Display at Los Dos Molinas Mesa, ArizonaThe kind folks at Los Dos Molinos in Mesa, Arizona have re-decorated the restaurant during their summer vacation, and given me new space to display my tequila prints on the bar side. It makes sense to have my prints in the bar, where Los Dos’ many tequilas are available, and the BRILLIANT red walls are a nice backdrop for the prints.

Thank you to John and Maricella for accommodating me, and for selling Jerry Cave Art at one of the best restaurants in Arizona!