warwickstudios
Master Graphics and Jose Royo..
Updated: Mar 20, 2021
It was in 1985 that our former art director was browsing through some Spanish art catalogues when he remembers reading about the international artist Jose Royo.
David remembers he was completely taken back by the impressionists use of colour texture and impasto effects he created using oil ,palette knife and complex brushwork,
"the works were to me reminiscent of the great Spanish impressionist artists Goya and Sorolla."I was instantly attracted to the works and knew i had to take the leap of faith to try to acquire works before his presence was felt in the U.K. art market."
Soon after Royo was signed by a Birmingham based publisher in the early 90's and his intricate silkscreen prints started to adorn the walls of collectors in this country, the rest is history as Jose went on to become the leading Spanish figurative painter here ,whilst attracting huge attention from major galleries in Mayfair and Birmingham. Soon there was a flurry of of international interest in the heart of the capital with Russian and middle eastern investors keen to secure pieces for their own art collections.The pieces that were sold had a certain air of Master painting about them and would not have looked out of place aside the great impressionists in the London Museums.

Born in 1941 in Valencia, Spain, Royo began demonstrating his artistic talent 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 Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Valencia. Upon turning 18 Royo continued his artistic studies privately with Adolfo Ferrer Amblat, Chairman of Art Studies at the San Carlos Academy. He also visited the major museums in Europe at this time to study the famous masters-Velasquez, Goya, Renoir, Monet, and Sorolla among others.
During the mid-60’s-early 70’s Royo added more dimensions to his skills creating theatre sets and doing graphic illustration and restoration work. He also participated in prestigious competitions gaining major distinctions. In 1968 he began to exhibit in Spain, specifically Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona. With positive reception 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 Magistrature and the Court of Justice, as well as prominent political and society figures.