Jose Royo

“I have always wanted to be an artist, or better said, I never had a choice. It was predetermined. My eyes, my brain and my hands translated everything into drawings, shapes and colors. It was a game of infinite dimensions, which gave meaning to life. Painting is a privilege, you must earn it.” Born in 1941 in Valencia, Spain, Jose Mateu San Hilario, "Royo", began demonstrating his artistic talents early. At the age of 9, his father, a prominent physician and avid art enthusiast, employed private tutors to instruct Royo in drawing, painting, and sculpture. When Royo turned 14 he entered the San Carlos Academy of Fine Arts in Valencia and at 18, continued his artistic studies privately with Aldolfo Ferrer Amblat, Chairman of Art Studies at the San Carlos Academy. His frequent visits to Museums throughout Europe allowed him to study the famous masters such as Velasquez, Goya, Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet and Sorolla among others. In 1968 he began to exhibit in Spain, specifically prestigious galleries in Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona. With a large positive response of his works in Madrid, Royo received commissions to paint the royal portraits of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia. He received subsequent commissions to paint the Judges of the High Magistrate and the Court of Justice as well as prominent political and society figures. From 1989 to today we see the development of Royo's "matured style". His dramatic usage of color and "texturing" capture his subject matter with unique flair. Critics have concluded, "If the artwork of Renoir were blended with that of the 'Valencian painters' you would arrive at the canvasses approaching the uniqueness of the impressive work of Royo." Jose Royo work breathes “classic renaissance”. His trademark mainly entails young women, dressed in flowing garments and sitting in floral gardens.. His original oil paintings, chalk drawings, sketches and limited editions can be found at select fine art galleries.