Luis Miguel Anaya’s “Cayendo”

The artist’s debut book features his unseen paintings and poems.

Oil painter Luis Miguel Anaya pours all of his love and emotions onto canvases. He began painting over five years ago because of Vincent Van Gogh. Growing up in a Mexican family, Anaya says art was not a career option, but Van Gogh made him defy this rule. Now, his upcoming book, “Cayendo,” explores the world through his lens as an artist.

“Cayendo” is named after Frank Ocean’s song, which Anaya notes is one where he can visualize the lyrics cinematically— the twelve writing pieces aim to paint and write a love story — the joys and pain. The book has evolved with Anaya, telling various stories through paintings and poems of the haves and have-nots of memories.

“I think what I and other artists do matters,” Anaya says. “It is our responsibility to share what we feel as humans to let others know they are not alone. I found purpose through painting, and I want to use that to help others.”

You can preorder “Cayendo” now and purchase it on April 1.