“Contrastes”, Oil on Canvas, 24” x 15”

F

or over 20 years I have had the great privilege of working with my friend Royo. As such, I have learned much about him. As his agent and publisher, this talented painter and I have spent countless hours together at shows, travelling, interacting with clients and gallery owners and staff, and simply conversing over drinks or meals. As close as our friendship is, our conversations have taken many turns. I know him to be one of the most genuine, honest and interesting people I have met in my life. I learn from him constantly and I am inspired by his knowledge, his commitment, and

by the fact that Royo is the most disciplined person I have ever met.

As I have related in other writings, he begins each day knowing exactly what he is going to paint. The painting for a specific day will be the culmination of exhaustive consideration through drawings, studies, watercolors or other preparatory exercises prior to this work. He knows where he wants to stage the composition, what size canvas he will need ready and primed, the palette he wishes to employ and the poses and geometry of the work. Royo works calmly with sublime confidence, so familiar with his tools and his environment. He paints for himself, not for an audience, constantly learning and innovating. There is a discernible intensity when he paints, though he smiles through it. Intensity and struggle are familiar to him from years of discovering his “voice”.

“Cesta de Flores” Oil on Canvas 24” x 15"

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