Often called "an artist's artist", Joaquin Sorolla (1863-1923) is one of the painters I most admire. He was born in Valencia Spain on February 27, 1863.
At 2 years old, he and a sister were orphaned and raised by extended family. Showing artistic promise at a young age, he was winning awards for his work at age 15 at the Academy of Valencia. Married at 25 to Clotilde Garcia del Castillo, they had 3 children. By the age of 30, he was showing his paintings internationally.
You definitely need to know his work - and hopefully see it in person!
There is a quote - "Sorolla paints like a pig eats." Obviously, a very fast painter, known for painting beach scenes, plein air on large canvases.... AND dressed in a suit!
This is the resulting painting from the above plein air session on the beach...
His work captures the light in the scene remarkably with brushstrokes that are bold and assured, giving his paintings movement and freshness.
Hard for photos of his work to do it justice. I've been fortunate enough to see his paintings in person many times. Represented in major museums throughout the world, with the largest collection at his home and studio (now museum) in Madrid.... that one is on my "bucket list".