National Artist Fernando Amorsolo was recently honored with the launch of an exclusive illustration book entitled "Love and Passion".

He is the first Filipino to be distinguished as the Philippine National Artist in Painting. He received this prestigious award in 1972 and was named the Grand Man of Philippine Art in 1969.

I'm actually a big fan of his style of realism. I love most of his popular works on traditional Pinay women picking fruits and bathing. He is also widely known for his rural country landscapes illuminating with classically influenced styles of light.

Bryle Flores showcases some popular Amorsolo works in his YouTube animation tribute to the Filipino master and his expression of Filipina beauty.

Numerous reports state that Amorsolo's supporters consider his portrayals of the countryside as "the true reflections of the Filipino soul."

It has also been reported that the most expensive auctioned work of Amorsolo was sold for about Php20.3 million. It was auctioned on May 30, 2010 in Christie’s auction of Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary Art.

Love and Passion at Rustan's

Love and passion for the arts brought together patrons, artists and society friends together to celebrate the launch of Amorsolo's exclusive two-volume-set book entitled "Love and Passion."

The event, emceed by Mr. Johnny Litton, was graced by Amorsolo's daughter Sylvia Amorsolo Lazo, who was happy to sign some books for the patrons who attended the event.

According to Ms. Lazo, maestro Fernando Amorsolo had an eternally youthful perspective. It's probably why his illuminating works continue to be immortalized with grateful appreciation.

"My father had a view of the world that was remarkably youthful - the world is always fresh and bright, as depicted by his artworks contained in these coffee-table books."

About the books

"Love and Passion" is a two-volume set published by Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation Inc.

The new volumes delve deeper into the stories of the subjects behind the famous portraits, with Amorsolo’s daughter herself, Sylvia Amorsolo Lazo, recounting the memories behind each piece.

Fernando Amorsolo was best known for his masterful illuminated landscapes and portraits. He was able to integrate the chiaroscuro style of Renaissance art into the soul of Filipino traditional culture and history.

Numerous critics have written about how Amorsolo's work helped formed the national identity of Filipinos by nurturing a sense of nationhood. His works have successfully added artful celebrations to culture, traditions and Filipino ideals. The evidence of these works and his art's influence on personalities and historical culture are documented in the two- volume book.

The mini-coffee-table books are sized at 9.5 x 12.75 inches. The first volume showcases his Portraits, which features 309 Amorsolo paintings and photos in the compact 188 pages. The second volume showcases Landscapes & Other Works, which includes 193 images by the renowned maestro.

Volume 1: Portraits features his works on prominent portrait subjects like Senate President Manuel L. Quezon, Enrique Zobel de Ayala and General Douglas MacArthur among others. Daughter Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo narrates the incredible stories behind each art work.

Volume II: Landscapes & Other Works features works from some of his popular collections. The book is a collector's piece and is a great kick-off point for modern art discussion and for art fans to know more about the great master. In the book, young writers Carlomar Daoana and art critic Cid Reyes tackle the genius of the artist through the point of view of a millennial.

Through the help of editor Krip Yuson, the mind, passion and heart of the creative master is revealed. “As writer Jane Allinson shares in her commentary Infinite Variety: Themes and Variations: “Fernando Amorsolo y Cueto put his soul on canvas. Each composition was a creative celebration — not a repetition — of the way he saw the world. An accurate assessment of the artist’s oeuvre confirms his statement: ‘My paintings are all original,’” describes Yuson.

"Amorsolo: Love & Passion" is now available at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Gateway, and Rustan’s Alabang. For every purchase, portion of the proceeds will go to EPCALM (Erwin Piedad Cabanag Adult Leukemia Ministries), a non-profit organization which reaches out to leukemia patients, as well as their families.

For other inquiries, you may also visit Fernando Amorsolo Foundation online thru http://www.fernandocamorsolo.com .

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John Paul C. Tanchanco is a travel, food, party, film and music aficionado. He is also an economist, businessman, MYX/Awit award-winning media producer and Kala guitarist.

"ThaGoodLife" is a blog/opinion piece for news.abs-cbn.com about pop culture, travel, music, entertainment, business, food, luxury, clubbing, shopping and events.

For questions, features and comments, e-mail him at jptanchanco@yahoo.com or tanchancotrimediaproductions@yahoo.com