Alma Delos Santos

Contemporary Art
Assessment No.4

Planting Rice
 Fernando Amorsolo was one of the most important artists in the
history of painting in the Philippines.Amorsolo was a portraitist and
painter of rural Philippines landscapes.He is popularly known for his
craftsmanship and mastery in the use of light.Amorsolo was born on
May 30 1892,in Paco Manila.At the age of 13,he became an
apprentice to De la Rosa,who would eventually become the advocate
and guide to Amorsolo’s painting career.
 His work titled “Rice Planting”which was made in 1992 was one of his
most famous works.This was when the Philippines was under the
American colonial rule and it is impressive that Amorsolo consistently
painted pictures reflecting the true Filipino soul despite the
colonization.
 This “Planting Rice”,a typical theme to paint by many Filpino
Artist,but beyond that,the several versions proves that it is not only
painted because of the simplicity but the underlying significance to
our culture.
 Planting Rice (1951) in which it is created to appreciate more its
overall beauty.
 The seven most common elements include line,shape,texture,form,
space,color and value,with the additions of mark making, and
materiality.Overall the painting is set on a rice field wherein farmers,
male and female,are on with their usual work under a bright sunny
day.Its visual weight is light because the colors used were mostly
pastel in nature.The painting made it look like a simple work and fine
day to be out.
 I choose this painting because it presented an image to the formation
of Filipino national identity.I think this painting basically captures the
Traditional Filipino occupation of the farm life of men and women in a
hot sunny day.It depicts how enduring they are and how the farmers
work together.It was an ideal picture of provincial life.