Local residents had an opportunity to meet one of the art world’s noted stars Jan. 20, when acclaimed Spanish painter ROYO visited Ponte Vedra Beach for the grand opening celebration of the Cutter & Cutter Fine Art gallery in Sawgrass Village.
The artist, who traveled from Valencia, Spain for the event, participated in the gallery’s ribbon-cutting ceremony before visiting with guests and art collectors, who came to Ponte Vedra to view a special exhibition of works the artist painted especially for the occasion. In addition to attending cocktail receptions held Jan. 20-21, ROYO also signed copies of his book showcasing his works.
“It’s significant for Cutter & Cutter to have an artist such as ROYO, a world-class master, join us all the way from Valencia, Spain,” said Len Cutter, founder of Cutter & Cutter. “The art world and its collectors know well the impact he has had on our business, and we predict the impact he will have on Ponte Vedra and Greater Jacksonville is about to unfold.”
Throughout the gallery’s grand opening weekend, guests perused ROYO’s works while enjoying the opportunity to speak with the artist through an interpreter.
“He has a certain aura about him when he comes to town,” said gallery partner Mark Cutter. “He has such a knowledge of and love for art history. (Collectors) really come out because they know there’s something special about him.”
In addition to the portraits for which he is well known, ROYO created a number of landscapes specifically for Cutter & Cutter, many of which depict the cherry, almond and orange trees that adorn his home in Spain.
ROYO is also a collector, Mark Cutter added, noting that in many of the artist’s works, his models display antique fans and 150-year-old silk shawls.
“They’re not props,” he said. “They’re a part of his life.”
That sentiment was echoed by the artist himself during a gallery talk with collectors and guests. When asked about his inspiration and reasons for painting, the artist gave a brief answer in Spanish, which his interpreter translated.
“It is his life,” she said simply. “He has to do it.”
