"Roman Ruins of Merida, Spain." Painting

José M. Blanco, a Spanish-American artist, draws inspiration from both his vibrant birthplace of Seville, Spain, and his adopted home of Austin, Texas. He lived in Spain until the age of 37, immersing himself in the country's rich artistic heritage. During this time, he studied at various art schools and shared a studio with his brother, Juan A. Blanco, a renowned Sevillian religious sculptor. In Austin, José initially designed and created mosaic art, crafting pieces for custom home builders and homeowners. However, after a decade of balancing mosaics and painting, he ultimately dedicated himself to his true passion: oil painting. His work reflects the profound influence of Sevillian masters like Murillo and Velázquez, as well as the luminous style of artists such as Sorolla and Sargent. Jose's canvases are alive with light and color, capturing the essence of both the Texan and American landscape, and the sun-drenched beauty of his native Andalusia.