The Painter's Painter

Diego Velazquez (1599-1660) is considered the painter's painter because he (among many other things) was a master of technique and had a highly individual style.

He began an art apprenticeship at the age of 11.  And I wonder how sad it is these days that public education is structured the way it is and how many children with special talents are not giving many opportunities to develop them.  Perhaps the subject of another blog entry?

He is considered to be one of the most influential artists in European history.  This is his most famous masterpiece, Las Meninas (The Maids of Honour) which you can see first hand today in Madrid's Museo del Prado.

This photo from the Wikipedia entry about the painting itself.  There is a lot going on in this amazing work of art.  The little girl in it is simply watching Velazquez paint her royal mom and dad while her handmaidens are tending her...along with some little people. 

You can see a reflection of the people he's painting in the mirror behind him.  And check out the huge canvas he's painting on!  I am going to see if I can find some close ups of some of his work tomorrow so we can check out the brush strokes and get a better idea of his technique.

Hope you all are enjoying your 4th of July weekend and are making some time for looking at art.  If any of you are in Jackson Hole, Tubac, Fredericksburg, Texas or Estes Park, Colorado (special showing) go check out my sculpture!  The galleries are a beautiful AND air conditioned place to visit. 

Talk with you tomorrow!

~Alex