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Villa Lobos, Albert J.
Albert Joseph Villa Lobos, born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, received his degree in Fine Arts from the California Institute of Art/L.A. Conservatory of Music (Chouinard), where he studied with such renowned artists as Watson Cross, Jr., Leonard Cutrow, Bernard Garbut, Edward Reep, Emerson Welfer, and Herbert Jepson. He also attended Oregon State University where he studied with Imanuel Piladakis. Throughout the career of Villa Lobos, critics and viewers alike have been quick to point out the "Turneresque" quality in his work. High praise indeed, yet the similarity of technique and overall appearance is purely coincidental, as Villa Lobos never studied the work of master, William Turner. However, in 1973 Villa Lobos was exposed to the work of a student of the 19th century Russian seascape master, Ivan Constantino Aivasovsky. Up until that time he had very little interest in painting the sea because of the highly conventional tradition of seascapes, i.e., a seashore bordered by two rocks with a large wave centered "picture perfect". He became inspired to paint more than just the sea. And, as a result of this exposure, he developed a highly imaginative and individualistic style of seascape - a seascape created from within the mind. Since then, the dominating influence of Turner and Aivasovsky have greatly manifested themselves into his works, to the point that a Villa Lobos marine painting is instantly identified as having the vivid and distinct qualities of these highly poignant masters. Music is Villa Lobos' main inspiration as a starting point for images that he transforms into impressions, and impressions into what critics refer to as "pervading mysticism", the term given to his works by Los Angels Times critic, Robert Lawrence Balzer. Although his medium is oil, the colors of his palette are highly translucent, almost like watercolors which give a light, airy feel to his canvases: classical seascapes with contemporary styling. From a light and mystical "Turneresque" style, Villa Lobos has transcended barriers of the traditional seascape. And, in doing so, has created a new seascape. Portuguese Bend and "The Executive Seascape" Series The genre or new school of art known as "The Executive Seascape" was created by marine painter Villa Lobos. The series is a unique collection of marine oil paintings of museum quality. A far different tradition than corporate art in that is it purchased for its ability to serve as a vivid expression of the owner's personality. "Portuguese Bend" is the first painting in the "Executive Seascape" series depicting the late afternoon moods of the coastal area of Palos Verdes, California. An array of light and dark tones abound with classical highlights throughout the canvas. These feelings were transcribed through Villa Lobos' mind and give the viewer a wonderful sense of grandeur and old world charm. "I wanted to create a series of large, dramatic seascapes that would complement the power of achievement," Villa Lobos said. And, with what better vehicle than with the power of the sea? Achievement, success, grandeur, and above all, beauty, were all symbols of what was to become the beginning of a series of "achievement" paintings. |