Fernando Amorsolo (1892-1972)

- He is the first National Artist of the Philippines for painting in 1972 and
the so-called "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art
- He was one of the most important artists in the history of painting in the
Philippines.
- He was a portraitist and painter of rural Philippine landscapes.
- He is best known for his craftsmanship and mastery in the use of light.
- He is said to have painted more than 10,000 pieces. He continued to
paint even in his late 70s, despite arthritis in his hands.

 Amorsolo was born May 30, 1892, in the Paco district of Manila.
 Married twice, he had 13 children, five of whom became painters.
 He died on April 24, 1972 at the age of 79.

Early life and Education

 At 13 he was apprenticed to the noted Philippine artist Fabian de la
Rosa, his mother's first cousin.
 Amorsolo earned a degree from the Liceo de Manila Art School in
1909 and entered the University of the Philippines' School of Fine Arts.
He graduated with honors from the U.P. in 1914 and got study grant in
Madrid, Spain.
 After working three years as a commercial artist and part-time
instructor at the university, he studied at the Escuela de San Fernando
in Madrid. For seven months he sketched at the museums and on the
streets of Madrid, experimenting with the use of light and color.
 He was also able to visit New York, where he encountered postwar
impressionism and cubism, which would be major influences on his
work.
 To make money while in school, Amorsolo joined competitions and did
illustrations for various Philippine publications. He also illustrated for
the religious Pasion books.
Career
 He set up his own studio upon his return to Manila and painted
prodigiously during the 1920s and the 1930s.During this period,
Amorsolo developed the use of light—actually, backlight—which is his
greatest contribution to Philippine painting.
 During World War II Amorsolo continued to paint and he also painted
Japanese occupation soldiers and self-portraits.
 His wartime paintings were exhibited at the Malacanang presidential
palace in 1948.
 After the war Amorsolo served as Director of the College of Fine Arts
of the University of the Philippines.
 Amorsolo was noted for his portraits. He made oils of all the Philippine
presidents, including the revolutionary leader Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo,
and other noted Philippine figures. He also painted many wartime
scenes.
 He said he hated "sad and gloomy" paintings, and he executed only
one painting in which rain appears.

Works
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