KNOW DALI & His Art Influenced by Sigmund Freud * Lecture & Slideshow

EVENT DETAILS
Monday, October 27, 2025
17:00 H - 5pm
10€
BENITACHELL 
(Boardroom of Benitachell Properties SL)
Carrer Pare Plácido, 57, 03726 


INTRODUCTION 

DALÍ & FREUD

In this lecture, you will discover how Salvador Dalí became the first visual artist of his era to seriously question and pictorially document Sigmund Freud’s groundbreaking theories of the mind. Dalí’s fascination with psychoanalysis shaped the very foundations of his Surrealist style, offering him a language to explore hidden desires, fears, and the dreamlike states of the subconscious.

This presentation will trace Freud’s influence on Dalí, with special attention to concepts such as Free Association, where random thoughts and images are allowed to flow unfiltered, and Dream Painting, which Dalí used to capture the bizarre, illogical, and deeply symbolic world of dreams. Along the way, Karla will dive into Dalí’s playful yet profound experiments with Freud’s ideas, illustrated through his unforgettable stories, eccentric personality, and of course, his spectacular art.

By the end, you will see how Dalí transformed Freud’s psychology into a vivid visual universe—where melting clocks, burning giraffes, and dreamscapes became portals into the mysteries of the subconscious.


REVIEWS 

"I didn’t appreciate Dalí’s artwork before, but now, oh my God, I see it with completely different eyes! Karla is an amazing teacher with a beautiful, engaging presentation. I can’t wait for more lectures; they are truly nourishment for the soul. What do I love about Karla’s teaching style? Everything!"

* Veerle Vermoesen, Javea


"Salvador Dalí: Madman or Genius?
His paintings may appear chaotic and psychedelic to my untrained eye. Karla clearly explains his obsessions and phobias, which manifest as symbols within his artwork. As the 20th century's progressed, so did his creativity.

His obsession with Freud and finally adopting a scientific outlook changed his approach to his work. Karla is knowledgeable and enthusiastic, effectively conveying that passion to the class participants.
The lectures are enlightening and enjoyable. I highly recommend Karla's classes."

* Hilary Coward

 

" Yet another fascinating and inspiring lecture where I became fully immersed in the life of another artist this time, Salvador Dalí. Karla introduces him like a long-lost friend, sharing personal anecdotes with infectious enthusiasm and excitement. I am now a dedicated follower of hers and cannot wait for the next lecture! I love her teaching style, especially her enthusiasm, and I would absolutely recommend her to everyone!"

* Sue Martin 



"I learned quite a few fascinating facts about Spanish history and how it is reflected in Dalí’s paintings. It was enlightening to discover how and why Dalí became the artist he was, where his symbols came from, and what they mean—giving me a deeper understanding of his work.

I am also looking forward to Karla’s next lecture, which will explore Dalí’s evolving worldview, his interest in metaphysics, and how these ideas influenced his creations.

Karla’s teaching style is clear, personal, and engaging, with concise explanations of the historical context and circumstances of the era.

We would definitely recommend her educational sessions!"

* Genevieve & David Lawrence



"The Dalí lecture was both fascinating and highly engaging, introducing many little-known facts. I learned a great deal about Dalí and can now more fully appreciate his art throughout his life and I never knew that about cherries!

The slides greatly enhanced the learning experience, and I really enjoyed Karla’s enthusiasm and evident love for the subject. I would highly recommend her educational sessions."

* Helen, Alcalalí


"Karla's lecture gave me a huge insight into the life of Dalí and his art. The session was held in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere with excellent visuals, surrounded by people genuinely interested and drawn in by Karla’s enthusiasm, deep knowledge, and love of fine art. I would definitely recommend her lessons!"

*Diana Santiago – Jávea



"I learned that Dalí was greatly influenced by Freud, and Karla clearly explained the symbolism in his art. I enjoyed both the style and content of the lecture, and it left me eager for the second part. Karla’s teaching style is relaxed and accessible to everyone. I highly recommend her educational sessions."

*Laura Aldridge, Benidoleig



"Today I learned all about Dalí and the various influences on his life. The lecture was delivered in down-to-earth language that anyone can understand. I enjoyed learning not just about his art, but also about the artist himself—his friends, his family, and the people who shaped his work—all shared with enthusiasm and a touch of dry humour. I would absolutely recommend Karla's lectures."

*Jean and Chris Gray, Benitachell


"Excellent course on Salvador Dalí! Karla’s teaching was top-class and full of enthusiasm, set in a very welcoming atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable and included. I signed up partly because art is interesting and inspiring, and to meet new people but I received far more than I expected. Highly recommended!"

*Janni Warrer Hansen

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APPRECIATE ART & CULTURE * LOVE SPAIN
Resource Books written by
Karla Ingleton Darocas 
and published by
SpainLifestyle.com 

CLICK  HERE *

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Joaquín Sorolla Exhibition at the Fundación Bancaja, Valencia

Recently, I had the great pleasure of visiting the Joaquín Sorolla exhibition at the Fundación Bancaja in Valencia with nine of my students. It was a truly remarkable experience. For me, it was especially thrilling to encounter several paintings that have long remained in the Sorolla family’s private collection, works that earned recognition and awards in academic exhibitions not only in Spain but across Europe and the United States.

KNOW DALI & How Science Influenced his Art * Lecture & Slideshow

EVENT DETAILS
Monday, November 3, 2025
17:00 H - 5pm
10€
BENITACHELL 
(Boardroom of Benitachell Properties SL)
Carrer Pare Plácido, 57, 03726 


INTRODUCTION

MASKS OF THE YOUNG PICASSO


I AM STRUCK by the composition and spatial distancing of the characters in Picasso’s 1900 painting, "Pierrot and Colombina", which creates an interplay that seems to mirror his own sense of being an outsider. Pierrot and Colombina, the central figures in this work, are not inventions of Picasso’s imagination but rather theatrical archetypes from the Italian Commedia dell’Arte, which migrated across Europe and became immensely popular in Paris by the late 19th century.

Picasso’s Child with a Dove

IN 1901, PABLO PICASSO was barely twenty years old, brilliant, ambitious, and already restless. He had left Spain to chase success in Paris, where modern art was reinventing itself in the cafés and galleries of Montmartre. But that same year, his closest friend, Carlos Casagemas, took his own life, a loss that left Picasso heartbroken and profoundly changed. Standing between youthful optimism and personal grief, he created Child with a Dove, a painting that captures both innocence and the first shadow of sorrow.

FALL 2025 LECTURE AGENDA

Mondays @ 5pm 
(Boardroom of Benitachell Properties SL) 

JÁVEA Historical WALK


Explore and Learn About JÁVEA by visiting its historical architecture and monuments 
* Guide * Arts Historian, Educator & Author - Karla Ingleton Darocas, B.A. (Hons) 

BOOKING INFO & FORM

ANTONI GAUDI * Part One * Lecture & Slideshow

 
EVENT DETAILS 
Monday, November 10, 2025
17:00 H - 5pm
10€ Donation
BENITACHELL
(Boardroom of Benitachell Properties SL)
Carrer Pare Plácido, 57, 03726



INTRODUCTION


ANTONI GAUDI * Part Two * Lecture & Slideshow

 
EVENT DETAILS 
Monday, November 17, 2025
17:00 H - 5pm
10€ Donation
BENITACHELL
(Boardroom of Benitachell Properties SL)
Carrer Pare Plácido, 57, 03726



INTRODUCTION


Spain’s Arts & Architecture Appreciation Classes

📬 Join Now & Get Updates, FREE Educational Arts Articles and Lecture Invites Directly to Your Inbox!
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Discover Spain’s Arts & Architecture with Appreciation Classes by Karla Ingleton Darocas, BA (Hons)

Unlock the beauty and stories behind Spain’s most iconic artists and architects — from the bold brush strokes of Velázquez and Goya to the visionary designs of Gaudí and beyond.

These inspiring classes take you on a visual journey through Spain’s great art movements, masterworks, and architectural marvels.


🏛️ What You’ll Experience

✔️ Explore the lives and works of Spain’s legendary artists

✔️ Decode the symbolism, styles, and techniques of major art movements

✔️ Learn how architecture reflects history, power, faith, and innovation

✔️ Enjoy captivating full-screen slideshows and passionate storytelling

✔️ Join a friendly, curious community of culture lovers


📍 Class Info

🗓 Mondays at 5:00 PM

📌 Venue: Boardroom at Benitachell Properties SLC
Carrer Pare Plácido, 57, Planta Baja, 03726 Benitachell, Alicante, Spain

📚 Classes resume in September 2025

Instructor: Karla Ingleton Darocas, BA (Hons)
📧 Email: info@SpainLifestyle.com
📱 WhatsApp: +34 648 156 066


🌟 Art comes alive when you understand its roots.

Join to see Spain through a new lens — insightful, inspiring, unforgettable.


Discover Sorolla: Bancaja Foundation


THIS OCTOBER 2025, we have a very special opportunity to continue our exploration of Joaquín Sorolla’s art outside the classroom. As many of you know, the Sorolla Museum in Madrid is temporarily closed for renovation and expansion. Because of this, an extraordinary collection of Sorolla’s masterpieces will be traveling to Valencia for a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition at the Bancaja Foundation, opening on October 3, 2025.

The exhibition will bring 60 of Sorolla’s most representative masterpieces, including two of my all-time favorites such as Paseo a la orilla del mar (Walk by the Sea) and El baño del caballo (The Horse’s Bath). These are rarely shown outside the Sorolla Museum, so to see them in Valencia is truly fabulous. 

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APPRECIATE ART & CULTURE * LOVE SPAIN
Resource Books written by
Karla Ingleton Darocas 
and published by
SpainLifestyle.com 

CLICK  HERE *

*******

The Silent Suffering of Childhood in Sorolla's Spain


DURING THE PERIOD of the great Valencian painter and humanist Joaquín Sorolla (1863-1923), children's health and social problems were an important issue, and his artwork reflects the harsh realities faced by the most vulnerable members of society. Sorolla's compassionate and often stark portrayals of sick or impoverished children, such as in "Sad Inheritance" (1899), served as a powerful form of social commentary, bringing to light the devastating effects of diseases like polio.