Fernando Botero Angulo is the artist I came across this morning while looking for a couple of paintings to illustrate the theme ‘celebration’. I’ve found a lot more of his paintings and they have something ‘different’ about them.
His preference seems to be for large women with small breasts and double chins, sometimes accompanied by men of the portly godfather type. But in their own weird way, these people have a certain appeal; they remind me of prehistoric fertility figures.
They are quirky; do you notice how the lady in green has one eye that looks inwards?
And the way all of the faces in the family group look virtually identical? I know it’s a family group and there would be a family resemblance, but even the dog has the same face!!
Here are some of his paintings plus a little informationm.
Information from From Wikipedia,
More information here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_Botero
Fernando Botero Angulo (born April 19, 1932) is a Colombian figurative artist.
His works feature a figurative style, called by some "Boterismo", which gives them an unmistakable identity. Botero depicts women, men, daily life, historical events and characters, milestones of art, still-life, animals and the natural world in general, with exaggerated and disproportionate volumetry, accompanied by fine details of scathing criticism, irony, humor, and ingenuity.
Self-titled "the most Colombian of Colombian artists" early on, he came to national prominence when he won the first prize at the Salón de Artistas Colombianos in 1958.
Working most of the year in Paris, in the last three decades he has achieved international recognition for his paintings, drawings and sculpture, with exhibitions across the world. His art is collected by major museums, corporations and private collectors.
His early life and education
Fernando Botero was born the second of three children in Medellín, Colombia. His parents were David Botero and Flora Angulo. David Botero, a salesman who traveled by horseback, died when Fernando was four, and his mother worked as a seamstress.
An uncle took a major role in his life. Although isolated from art as presented in museums and other cultural institutes, Botero was influenced by the Baroque style of the colonial churches and then the rich life of the city.
In 1944, after Botero attended a Jesuit school, Botero's uncle sent him to a school for matadors for two years.
In 1948, at the age of 16, Botero published his first illustrations in the Sunday supplement of the El Colombiano daily paper. He used the money he was paid to attend high school at the Liceo de Marinilla de Antioquia.
This will be quite brief today. I was out last night, it was the 50th birthday of the school where I work. I don’t normally ’do’ formal do’s, but for this I made an exception. Copious amounts of wine, a three course meal, little boxes of chocolates on the table, balloons in the school colours and strong black coffee and chocolate mints to follow. What’s not to like?? Besides which; in this neck of the woods ‘formal’ doesn’t mean black tie and ballroom dancing; it means full kilt get up, The Gay Gordons and various ‘reel’ dances. Guests included teaching & non teaching staff past & present, and head & deputy head boy & girl past and present. 
A jolly good time was had by all. My eye has healed as much as it’s ever going to and I’m back at work tomorrow. It’s a beautiful autumnal day today and I have stuff to do in the garden, so like I said, this is brief.
Today’s Art Sunday is………………..Celebration.
Wedding Candles by Marc Chagall
The next one is about the festival of Batukamma from here.
http://www.newsonair.nic.in/bathukamma.asp
Centuries ago, King Dharmangada of Chola Dynasty used to rule South India. He was childless for many years after marriage. After performing many pujas and rituals, his wife gave birth to Goddess Lakshmi. Baby Lakshmi survived many accidents. So, her parents named her Batukamma Since then, Batukamma festival is celebrated by women in Telangana region.
Next; Leonid Afremov, Before the Celebration
from here
http://www.paintinghere.com/painting/BEFORE_THE_CELEBRATION_28393.html
Next one from the Colombian-born Fernando Botero, Latin America’s most popular living artist.
from here
http://www.hispanicprwire.com/News/in/8761/1/blockbuster-botero-exhibition-to-visit-san-antonio-inspiring-community-celebration/
I'm not sure who painted this last one but its from here.
http://chimac.net/2012/01/08/colorful-painting-of-dancers/
