This week’s postcard, a gift from the lovely Arlene over at I Love Postcrossing, is a true treasure. It features a stunning oil painting by the renowned Filipino National Artist (the first ever!), Fernando Amorsolo. The postcard, showing one of his masterpieces, is a nostalgic window into a bygone era of the Philippine countryside.
Imagine a bustling rice harvest scene, painted with lifelike detail and bathed in warm sunlight. Women work side-by-side, tirelessly in the fields, their laughter mingling with the gentle breeze. Amidst the hardworking farmers, there’s a tender moment with one woman pausing her labour to nurse her baby. This simple act captured beautifully, speaks volumes about the heart of Filipino life. This was a time when communities came together to celebrate the fruits of their labor with feasts, music, and dance.
It’s fascinating to learn that Amorsolo’s journey to becoming a master began humbly. His mother’s embroidery helped support him, and young Fernando even sold his own watercolour postcards!
Amorsolo’s genius lies in his ability to capture the essence of Filipino. life. He was a master of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), using his signature backlighting technique to create scenes that feel almost ethereal. His works are a beautiful blend of realism and impressionism, drawing you into the heart of the painting. It’s no wonder he is nicknamed the Grand Old Man of the Philippine Art, a true National Treasure!
A big thank you to Arlene for sharing this piece of Filipino heritage with me. It’s a reminder of simpler times and the enduring beauty of our country.
It’s a beauty! Thanks for sharing it. I have looked for more of this painter on the net, whom I didn’t know.
I’m glad you’re interested in learning more about him! While Fernando Amorsolo is undoubtedly a beloved figure in the Philippines, his international recognition might be less known. Nonetheless, he achieved significant acclaim in his time and was honored with several international awards.
This is a painting that one could lost in, as if I was dreamily laying just out of view, watching. But forgetting that they are labouring in the hot sun.
I couldn’t agree with you more! That dreamy quality you mentioned is a result of his masterful use of light and shadow, especially his signature backlighting technique.
Such a peaceful and tranquil scene. And the colors express the warmth.
His paintings beautifully portray the idyllic charm of the Philippine countryside as it was in his time.
A very pretty postcard. The painting must be quite nice to see in person. I like the slightly blurred look to the postcard.
Thanks, Lisa! You’re right, the painting is even more breathtaking in person. I’d love to see some of his works at the National Museum of the Philippines someday. The postcard does capture the dreamy quality of Amorsolo’s style, but with the quality of the scan, it’s difficult to fully appreciate the rich colors.
Lovely painting of a agricultural community. I like how he draws your eye into the scene everything perfectly placed. The sturdy tree with its welcoming shade to those beneath it, the cart points to the cook and then one is out out to those labouring in the sunlit field.