CEBU, Philippines — When it comes to depictions of the Philippine countryside, the name Fernando Amorsolo easily comes to mind. His paintings have been collectively been described by art lovers as “the true reflections of the Filipino soul.” It’s only fitting, thus, that he was accorded the title of National Artist in the Visual Arts field in 1972, making him the very first to formally receive the honor.
Amorsolo, as he is simply referred to within the country’s visual arts circle, is known for his detail-rich paintings of traditional Filipino celebrations. The national honor he got is in recognition of his significant contribution to the growth and development of the arts in the country. His works remains an inspiration to budding artists who came only decades after him.
The use of natural light is noticeable in Amorsolo’s paintings. He is being credited to have developed the backlighting technique called chiaroscuro, which became his artistic trademark and his greatest contribution to Philippine painting. In a typical Amorsolo painting, figures are outlined against a characteristic glow, and intense light on one part of the canvas highlights nearby details.
The master painter is also remembered for being generous with his talent. Many painters that followed him have had been mentored by Amorsolo himself. And yet admiration for the man is not limited from among those with whom he had interacted while still alive.
Recently, Rustan’s – the department store chain – has launched a promotion as a tribute to the legacy of Amorsolo. It’s an Amorsolo capsule collection, dubbed “Rustan’s For The Arts: Amorsolo.” The promotion features a curated set of Amorsolo paintings digitally printed on various home accent pieces and apparel.
The limited-edition collection consists of various items ranging from commemorative plates to hard-bound notebooks, all in Amorsolo’s characteristic style – his play on colors, his application of the prisma-coloring principles, and the scale and balance he observed in his compositions. The items are, in a way, “the good Amorsolo put to better use.”
Through the Amorsolo collection at Rustan’s, homenakers don’t only get to have their own Amorsolo pieces at home, most of the pieces can also be put to practical use. These are not only good conversation pieces but also good stimuli for arts appreciation. as they also get to familiarize themselves with the inimitably that of Amorsolo’s – to have a firm grasp on the maestro’s creative diction and mastery and understanding of light, and the shades it molds.
During the 1950s until his death in 1972, Amorsolo would finish 10 paintings a month, on average. However, in his later years, his works had been affected by diabetes, cataract, arthritis, headaches, dizziness and the death of two sons. Amorsolo underwent a cataract operation when he was 70 years old, after which he continued drawing and painting.