BORN

1927 – 2013

Sebastian Capella Obituary

Early in the morning of Friday, March 15, 2013, Sebastian Capella, world renowned Spanish impressionist painter and highly acclaimed portrait artist, passed away at Scripps Memorial in La Jolla while surrounded by family and close friends. A resident of La Jolla for over 40 years, Mr. Capella has been called a modern 17th century master and is considered one of most distinguished and talented portrait painters of the last century.
Born and raised in Sagunto, a historic town in the Province of Valencia, Spain, Mr. Capella received extensive academic training in the School of Fine Arts of Valencia, being awarded the title of Professor of Fine Arts in 1955. After further studies in Spain and at the Paris School of Fine Arts, Mr. Capella relocated his family to the United States in 1966 when offered the opportunity to teach Fine Arts at the University of San Diego, which he did until 1973. In the early 1970's, he began holding classes at his private studio in La Jolla, and continued to do so for over 40 years, building a loyal following of students while continuing to paint still lifes, landscapes and portraits daily. He also traveled back to Spain each year, spending the spring or summer painting in his Spanish studio in Valencia.
Heavily influenced by Velasquez, Sargent and Van Gogh, his work is most often compared to another brilliant impressionist Spanish master, Joaquin Sorolla. Mr. Capella is known widely for his portraits, including the King and Queen of Spain and other members of the Spanish Royal Family, as well as local and international dignitaries, celebrities, families, and individuals. His work has been shown in exhibitions around the world, where he received dozens of awards and commendations, including being awarded First Prize at the National Portrait Seminar in Washington, DC, in 1983, being given the title of Master Painter by the San Diego Portrait Society, and being named to the Royal Fine Arts Academy of San Carlos in Valencia, one of the highest commendations given by Spain.
Mr. Capella is survived by his wife, Margarita; sister, Rosa; three daughters, Rosa, Margarita and Thais; two sons, Sebastian and Rick; and eight grandchildren, Toni, Thais, Cayetano, Shea, Julia, Kristen, Sofia and Sebastian. His family resides in California and Spain.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 22, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. in The Immaculata Catholic Church at the University of San Diego.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (www.nationalmssociety.org).

Published by La Jolla Light from Mar. 21 to Apr. 19, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Sebastian Capella

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I studied only briefly with Mr. Capella, yet his kindness left an indelible impression upon me. I have admired his work immensely ever since seeing the painting that won the top award at the 1983 National Portrait Seminar- it reminded me of Valazquez, it was so beautiful and powerful. Mr. Capella's kindness and willingness to help his students see more and express more beauty has impacted many of us. You certainly have left a great legacy, Mr. Capella. Thank you.

Timothy Chambers

Student

March 24, 2017

We will like to extend our sincere condolences to the entire family of Sebastian. He will be missed by many.
“God's purpose is that the whole earth be made into a paradise. So the dead will not be raised to life in a world filled with war, crime, and sickness. They will have an opportunity to live forever on this earth in peaceful and happy conditions”

Jacqueline

April 18, 2013

My sincere condolences to Margarita and the entire family.

Roberta Greene

March 31, 2013

Amazingly talented! Awesome on the tennis court as well! Will always remember you and your family!

Monica Martinez

March 24, 2013

My sincere condolences to Margarita and her family on the death of Sebastian. a friend I met on the tennis court forty plus years ago. He was humble, joyful and generous. I will miss his presence. Rev. Joe Sandven

March 21, 2013

Perdimos a un gran maestro que enseño a una generación
a superarse y ser mejores artistas profesionales.
Su enseñanza más profunda para mi fue: Mientras mas ayudes a personas a lograr sus sueños ,el mundo abre por el mejor de la vida.
Los memorias del gran alma de Sebastian Capella viajes siempre en mi corazon y alrededor de nuestro mundo de pinturas.

We lost a great teacher who taught a generation to excel and become better professional artists.
His teaching was more profound for me: The more you help people achieve their dreams, the world opens for the best in life. The memories of the great soul of Sebastian Capella travels forever in my heart and about our world of paintings.

Jacqueline Soraya Warfield

March 21, 2013

An incredibly gifted and generous man, teacher and friend, Sebastian was truly a gentleman -- and a brilliant painter. His work speaks for itself, my prayers and thoughts are for his family in this difficult time. What a legacy.

Jeff Yeomans, Artist/Student

March 21, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to the Capella family at this difficult time. The loss of Sebastian will be deeply felt by not only family and friends but to the members of the House of Spain,Casa de Espana, in San Diego. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.

jesus benayas

March 21, 2013

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