Like the master Mexican modernist Rufino Tamayo, Tovar's works seek to break down perceptual paradigms and preconceptions about Mexican art.  His strong use of colors is used to convey pure, often elated emotions, whereby the subject matter becomes absorbed by color, volume and space.  it is this uncanny ability to use color and space that elevate the works out of provinciality and towards a modernist international realm.  This vision is enhanced by the artist's extensive travels in Europe, South America and Africa.