The king of painting and I

It’s been a long time now since I worked for the Legaspi family, recording and cataloguing the artworks of the late National Artist for Visual Arts Cesar F. Legaspi. He would have celebrated his 85th birthday last April 2.

I attend a bible church, Christ’ Commission Fellowship, where Tito Cesar used to worship with his ever smiling wife Tita Betty and some of their children. There I met Evelyn Legaspi, Tito Cesar’s only daughter-in-law who initially hired me as accountant. She later introduced me to Tito Cesar who hired me as his external auditor. During tax season when I did my annual audit visits, I showed him some of my early watercolor paintings. He would graciously comment and encourage me to do more. Then when Tita Betty’s health started to deteriorate the Legaspi family decided to ask me if I want to work for Tito Cesar as his art custodian on account of my being an accountant who was also interested in art. Who would decline this kind of offer? It was a privilege! Imagine, working for a National Artist. Having upclose and personal dealings with the master himself, I enjoyed my work so much that I eventually let go of my other accounting jobs so that I could work in his studio twice a week.

Tito Cesar was very generous. He would offer me his materials for free so that I could practice painting more at home. Not wanting to take advantage of his kindness, I would either decline his offer or just get a little para hindi siya mapahiya. Some of his clients would visit him and bring gifts. In return he gave huge discounts, which shocked me. When his visitors had left we would kid him. "Tito Cesar, ang mahal ng regalong ito, kalahati ng presyo ng painting ninyo," and we would laugh together. One time he offered me one of his art proofs, but I was so shy that I rejected it. Now I realize that I was not really shy, I was actually a fool because after he died I would have to pay for his works, to own them.

Even when he was in pain brought about by his illness, Tito Cesar still cracked jokes. When he was already having difficulty walking and needed an alalay to go around his studio, he still tried to do some simple dance steps.

Tito Cesar is so orderly and neat he emerged from his studio without a stain of color on his trademark pajamas.

Sorting out his pencil or ballpen studies for recording, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the patience and discipline of this man. Almost all his finished works were based on beautifully done studies. One painting done in oil on canvas would have more than five studies. That’s how much of a perfectionist he was. Sometimes in a series of studies you would see the development of a final study. His supply of paper couldn’t keep up with his artistic energy that he even drew on both sides of the paper, giving me difficulty to catalogue them! Making studies before finally going into actual painting was one lesson that I still practice faithfully.

He had confidence in me that he entrusted to me his business dealings with various galleries, his prices and most specially the keys to his vaults.

I am thankful that God was with me throughout the time I was working for Tito Cesar. Being a self-taught painter, I knew nothing of paints and mediums but he introduced me to Winsor and Newton, to Grumbacher, to Arches… to expensive yet quality materials. Now, I do not use cheap materials as I clearly remember him say, "Sayang ang trabaho mo kung cheap ang materials mo, student materials are for student artists" Wow! For me that’s encouragement. He also lent me books from his library, from his collections of "No longer available" books and this satisfied my being a bookworm.

I know that there is no accident in a believer’s life, that God, whatever happens, is in full control. I always wanted to be a painter ever since I was a child. Financial issues, however, prevented me from taking up fine arts, but God had a better plan. God did not allow me to study in a formal art school but He gave me the privilege of knowing National Artist Mang Cesar Legaspi. God allowed me to learn from him, to behold his works for almost seven years. Tito Cesar taught me through his examples, his discipline. and his patience that one does not become a good artist over night. That it will take practice, lots of practice, and determination in order to excel. God also moved Tito Cesar’s heart to introduce me to The Saturday Group of Artists, a group of known artists which he used to lead, where I am now the finance director.

I continue to remember and learn from Tito Cesar even after he went back to God, the Master Artist.

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The author, is a certified public accountant, who worked for National Artist for Visual Arts Cesar F. Legaspi. She is an active member of the Saturday Group of Artists.