Félix Aráuz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Félix Aráuz
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Félix Aráuz
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| Born | 2 May 1935 |
| Died | 28 February 2024 (aged 88) |
| Education | studied under César Andrade Faini at the School of Fine Arts |
| Known for | Ecuadorian painter |
| Spouse(s) | Nila Villafuerte Estrada |
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Félix Aráuz (born May 2, 1935 – died February 28, 2024) was a famous painter from Ecuador. He was part of a group of talented artists in Guayaquil, including Enrique Tábara, Aníbal Villacís, José Carreño, and Juan Villafuerte.
In 1957, Félix Aráuz started studying art at the School of Fine Arts. His teacher was César Andrade Faini. During his second year, his father passed away. This made Aráuz feel sad and alone. He put all these strong feelings into his artwork. This led him to create some of his most beautiful and dreamlike paintings.
Aráuz was known for using strong colors and interesting ways to arrange things in his paintings. His art often showed surreal (dream-like) flowers, innocent children, faces, "trees of life," landscapes, and abstract shapes. All his works had a unique, dreamy style that made them special.
Life and Travels
In 1967, Aráuz married Nila Villafuerte Estrada. She was the older sister of his good friend, Juan Villafuerte. Félix Aráuz, Juan Villafuerte, and José Carreño were very close friends. They had met and become friends at the School of Fine Arts.
In the same year, Aráuz received a special scholarship from the government. This allowed him to travel to the United States with another master painter, Gilberto Almeida. Almeida was part of the VAN group, an art group started by Enrique Tábara, Aníbal Villacís, and Jaime Villa. Aráuz and Almeida visited many art galleries and museums in big cities like New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami.
In 1970, Aráuz showed two of his paintings in important exhibits. One was at the Pan American Union in Washington, D.C., and the other was at Gallery Kromex in New York. Both shows were very successful. The next year, in 1971, he won the Great Prize at the Julio National Hall in Guayaquil.
Later, in 1987, Aráuz traveled to Basel, Switzerland, to show his art with his friend Eloísa Melo. From there, he went to Brussels and exhibited with Víctor Mideros. Finally, he met up with his longtime friend and fellow artist, José Carreño, in Paris.
Teaching and Legacy
Félix Aráuz started teaching at the School of Fine Arts in 1966. He continued to paint in his studio in Guayaquil, Ecuador, for many years. His art left a lasting impression on many people.
Aráuz passed away on February 28, 2024, at the age of 88. He is remembered as an important Ecuadorian painter whose unique style touched many hearts.
Awards and Recognition
Félix Aráuz received many awards for his amazing artwork throughout his career. Some of his notable awards include:
- He won the First Prize at the National Hall in Guayaquil twice, in 1963 and 1972.
- He also received the Great Prize and a Gold Medal at the National Hall in 1968.
- In 1971, he won another Great Prize at the National Hall.
- In 1981, the city of Guayaquil gave him the Gold Medal of Artistic Merit for his contributions to art.
- In 1996, he was honored by the Gold Brush Cultural Association.
Images for kids
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Figura by Félix Aráuz
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Niña con Elemento by Félix Aráuz
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Florero, oil & sand on canvas, 2001
See also
In Spanish: Félix Aráuz para niños
