Featured Artist - FERNANDO FLORES
A product of the multi-cultural heritage of the southwestern border region, paintings by Fernando Flores manage to combine the sophistication and attention to detail of the Old Masters, with the warmth and simplicity renowned in this region. Born in 1950, Flores was raised and educated in his native city of Juarez, Mexico. His love affair with art began early, and by the age of ten, he had already produced his first oil painting. As a young boy, Flores received instruction and encouragement from his uncle Juan who ran a printing shop, and it was he who gifted Fernando with his first set of paints. During his teens, Flores worked with Luis Enrique Lujan a highly regarded Mexican artist who trained him in the style and techniques of the European Masters. By the time he had graduated from high school, the young aritst's work had already begun to receive wide-spread attention. Because suitable opportunities for further training were not available locally, officials from the City of Juarez arranged a grant for Flores to study in Mexico City at the Academy of San Carlos. He trained under the tutelage of a German instructor, Aurora Alvarado, a former student of the great Mexican Master Jose Maria Velasquo. Having grown adverse to the earthquakes which frequently shook the capitol, Alvarado eventually chose to move to the calmer environs of Juarez, and Flores soon elected to follow his mentor. He continued his studies under her for another three years, becoming accomplished in a variety of mediums including oils, pastels and watercolor. Following this period, Flores chose to seek further training by contracting with his former employer Luis Lujan for a four year apprenticeship. Flores received instruction in exchange for his work, and it was during this period that he became especially skilled in the art of portraiture. Becoming a full time artist in 1970, Flores also worked with several El Paso artists including Hal Marcus, James Drake and muralist, Carlos Callajo; working with the latter to help design the large murals which appear in the El Paso County Courthouse. Over the years Flores has exhibited a special affinity for figurative work. Drawing upon his own cultural heritage and his natural love for people, the artist especially enjoys painting works which portray the unique facial features and colorful costumes indigenous to the various states of Mexico. Interesting faces are everywhere, when seen through the eye of the artist. Relatives and neighbors, and even the local plumber, may soon find their way onto a Flores canvas. As the old adage says, "The eyes of a person are the window to his soul", Flores relates, "and each face tells its own fascinating story."
|
