Boterowas born in Medellin, Colombia, in 1932.

Upon losing his father at age 4, his uncle took his family under his wing.

His earliest artistic influences were Mexican muralism and cubism, of which he appreciated the sweeping dramatic aspects.

Fernando Botero’s “Guerrilla” painting

Photo: markpittimages.gmail.com/Depositphotos

This connection to his homeland inspired the self-appointed title of the most Colombian artist of them all.

I have been fortunate to always make a living from art.

I just want to continue working, until the last day of my life.

Fernando Botero

Photo:Culturespacesvia Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

I have been fortunate to always make a living from art.

I haven’t had to do anything different and that’s what I’m most grateful for.

Botero’s painting “Couple dancing”

Photo: markpittimages.gmail.com/Depositphotos

Statue of woman lying down by Fernando Botero

Photo: oscarespinosa/Depositphotos