Felix Mas was born in 1934 in Barcelona, Spain. His interest in art developed as a child, and he honed his skills as he matured into adulthood. He attended the San Jorge Academy of Fine Arts in Barcelona, where he received traditional training. He also studied at the School of Arts and Crafts in Barcelona and later at the school of Sant Jordi.
In 1972, Mas was hired by the American company Warren Publishing, where he drew a total of 17 horror stories for their magazines "Creepy" and "Vampirella" until January 1975. The story "The Vampiress Stalks the Castle at Night" from "Vampirella" #21 was included in a list of the 25 best Warren stories in David Roach's book "The Warren Companion."
Mas held his first solo exhibition at the Galeria Jaimes in Barcelona, and others soon followed throughout Europe. His works rely on bold colors used in concert with provocative body language. The gaze of his subjects is often diverted, allowing the viewer to apprehend his paintings without engagement. Each woman in his paintings is dressed in rich fabrics that are elegantly draped, achieved through the pigments that he creates himself.
In 1974, Mas and his family moved to Caracas, Venezuela, where they lived until 1979. During this time, he exhibited his work throughout the country and into the United States. After leaving Warren, Mas chose to focus on painting and later moved to Florida.
Mas's work finds inspiration from many different cultures and appears to be deeply influenced by Japanese woodblock prints, the fashions of India, and the historical grace of ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. His paintings often feature beautiful women as the central subject matter, exuding elegance and enhanced by their own backdrops, which are carefully thought out to add individualized flair to the central figure.
Since 1992, when he returned to live in Barcelona, Mas dedicated his time to working for galleries in Spain, Europe, and Russia. He remained in full contact with the United States, continuously sending his artwork and traveling for numerous exhibitions throughout the country. His dedication to his craft and his ability to capture the elegance and grace of his subjects never waned.
Felix Mas continued to create stunning pieces of art, working diligently and passionately until his final days. On October 25, 2024, Mas passed away, leaving behind a legacy of exquisite art. He remained fully in his faculties, painting as beautifully and masterfully as ever, right up to the end. His contributions to the art world are celebrated and remembered for their unique blend of cultural influences and timeless beauty.
