José Clemente Orozco was born to Rosa de Flores Orozco on November 23,1883. He was born in Ciudad Guzman, Jalisco. When his father died he had to get a job to help support the family. José got a job as a political cartoonist and draftsman. He worked as an illustrator from 1911-1924. When the violent military period of the Mexican Revolutionary War ended, Orozco decided to start his career as a muralist. He had extensive training at the Academy of San Carlos, the same as Diego Rivera. It was Dr. Alt, a teacher, that inspired Orozco at the academy. His first mural was painted on July 7th, 1923.

From 1917-1920 he lived in the U.S. He moved to New York to test himself without the support of his family. His left hand had blown off in an accident with gunpowder. While in New York he searched for himself and the path the rest of his life would take. Orozco also got the opportunity to paint some murals in California.

Once again back in Mexico, he continued to paint. Hands were an important part of his paintings. He drew heavy muscular figures that stood out from the geometric backgrounds. José used dark colors to represent human cruelty and the reality of war. Orozco craved uniqueness and didn't want to be put in a category. He rejected attention from the press. He avoided the gallery market because of its commercial emphasis. He ended up settling in Guadalajara after his seven years in the U.S.

Facts:

1. He was born in Ciudad Guzman, Jalisco, on November 23, 1883.

2. He died in Mexico City on September 7, 1949.

3. Married Margarita Valladares, in 1923. They had three children.

4. He attended Agricultural College of San Jacinto and National University in Mexico City.

5. In 1904 he studied at the National Academy of Fine Arts in Mexico City.

6. He was a cartoonist for El Imparcial and El Hijo de Ahuizote newspapers.