Diego Rivera Photograph of Diego Self-Portrait of Diego

Childhood:  Born December 8, 1886  At the age of 10 he began studying art formally at The Academy of San Carlos in Mexico City  There is where his rebellion began. He hated Military School and left to attend the Academy full time.  As a teenager Diego received a scholarship to study art in Barcelona Spain.

 He went on to study in many places such as France, and Italy.  In France he followed the steps of Picasso but realized only the well to do people were enjoying his work.  His belief was that Art should be enjoyed by everyone, ESPECIALLY the working class.  In Italy he began painting MURALS which were often painted on churches and town walls or all to enjoy, this suited him best.  From there he was know as a muralist

Examples of His Art:

Mexican Renaissance  After moving around Europe for 14 years he returned to Mexico and participated in what was called the Mexican Renaissance.  Other muralists were Vasconcelos, Siqueros, and Clemente Orozco  Al Fresco Painting is the type of Mural painting he did.

Mexican Renaissance  “The Big 3” David Alfaro Siquieros Diego Rivera Diego Rivera Jose Clemente Orozco Jose Clemente Orozco

Al Fresco Paintings  Method of wall painting in which water- based pigments are applied to wet, freshly laid lime plaster. The dry-powder colours, when mixed with water, penetrate the surface and become a permanent part of the wall.  All paints are made from all natural items such as limestone and other minerals

Fresco Paintings