Article by Alex Stowell
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Reynolds Cruz is the real deal Venice boardwalk artist. While some folks try selling their creations for a weekend, a month, a season, or a year, Reynolds has been on Oceanfront Walk doing henna tattoos since the late 90’s and selling his paintings since 2006.
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Also known by his artist name, Cacaguat, Reynolds likes to listen to Metallica and Sepultura and watch James Bond movies. After a day at work Reynolds either grabs a cold beer and some sushi or heads to the gym for a boxing workout..
As part of the original boardwalk henna tattoo crew, Reynolds is plenty skilled in the art of the temporary tattoo. It is his paintings, however, that he is most renowned for. Fusing bright colors with pre-hispanic subject matter, Reynolds’ style is all his own. And, folks love the originality. In a place where much of the ‘art’ is iconic photographs of celebrities reimagined with tattoos, Reynolds paintings are a one of kind breath of fresh air.
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Venice Beach Boardwalk guests pose with Reynolds
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Reynolds has two children, Angela, 18 and Saul, 14. And, he has a brother, Alfredo, who also creates pre-hispanic art, usually painting his ideas on miniature plaster skulls.
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The greatest virtue is to be yourself is Reynolds favorite quote. And, he lives by it daily, turning his visions into reality on canvas.
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Go see Reynolds and pick up a painting or get a henna tattoo! He sets up on the west side of the Venice Boardwalk at 17th ave.
You can also view more of his work here on www.facebook.com/cacaguat.art.
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