JOSÉ de RIBERA: The Baroque Master of Grace and Grandeur

This class will cover the complete works of José de Ribera, along with the history of the artist and his times. Ribera is considered one of the finest late Spanish Renaissance painters who didn't even live in Spain.

Ribera was born in Xativa, near Valencia as Jusepe de Ribera (1591-1652). He studied with the Valencian painter, Francisco Ribalta (1565-1628) before heading to Italy; first Parma, Padua, and probably Venice and then Rome from 1613-16.

DIEGO VELÁZQUEZ

In this class, students will explore the complete works of Diego Velázquez's as well as his time in history as the most prestigious court painter for Spain's Habsburg King - Philip IV. Students will discover why he became the leader of the Spanish Baroque period and is still celebrated as Spain's most revolutionary portrait painter today. 

ISABELLA I * SPAIN'S GOTHIC WARRIOR QUEEN

In this class, we analyse, investigate and marvel at the life and times of this Gothic warrior Queen of Castile, Isabella I.

She was the driving force of 15th-century Spanish culture and politics. Also known as Isabel la Católica, a title granted to her by Pope Alexander VI, Isabella reorganized the governmental system, brought the crime rate to the lowest it had been in years, unburdened the kingdom of its enormous debt, completed the "Reconquista" by taking the rest of Spain for the Spanish crown, ordered the conversion or exile of Muslim and Jewish citizens, and financially supported Christopher Columbus's in his 1492 voyage that led to the opening of the New World establishing Spain as the first global superpower, which dominated Europe and much of the world for more than a century.

TRIBUTE TO VICTORIOUS VALENCIA CITY

This class explores the vast array of architectural treasures in the grand city of Valencia making it a very special place since the time of the Romans. It really excels with the wealth of traders, nobles and royalty in the medieval era.  The marvelous manifestation of man and creation come to life in the facades and interiors of churches, convents, monasteries and secular buildings and palaces of Valencia city branding it as the 2nd most important city in Spain. 

UNDERSTANDING SPANISH ROYAL RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE !

In this class, students will learn how Spain in the late 1400'a and all of the 1500's century grew both politically and economically making it viable to construct remarkable buildings. Explored will be the details of the different styles that evolved as well as the motivations and philosophies, even secrets and scandals, behind their developments.

MEET THE ARTIST EVENT * Robert E Sapsford *

THANK YOU TO ALL who came along to the MEET THE ARTIST EVENT * with guest artist ROBERT E SAPSFORD on Friday 10TH at Darocas Studio.

Robert shared his humble journey as a youth with desires to be an artist but he faced many challenges. His presentation slideshow was very impressive with a vast array of complex paintings in oils and acrylics.
We all mingled, drank coffee and ate sponge cake too.

Make sure you JOIN the SpainLifestyle.com mailer to get your invite to the next event.

Report About Robert E Sapsford by Karla Darocas for SpainLifestyle.com

THE DEVELOPMENT AND PRIDE OF VALENCIAN GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE

This class explores the most well preserved and famous examples of Valencian Gothic temples and civic buildings in the province. Valencian Gothic architecture developed during the 14th century and reached its maturity and maximum expression in the 15th century, showcasing its own artistic style and characteristics, which developed and grew based on existing Mediterranean constructive systems and architectural arrangements already used by the Romans and Arabs rather than adopt the novel architectural styles from northern France.

CLOTILDE: Sorolla's Cornerstone / Tribute - BOOKS

PAPERBACK 

About the Book

Clotilde García del Castillo (Valencia, 1865 - Madrid, 1929) was more than just the wife of the famed Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla (Valencia, 1863 - Cercedilla, 1923). 

She was the mother of his children, his social secretary, and his emotional support person. She was his painter's model, business partner, and marketing manager. Clotilde was the mastermind, compass, and keyholder to his social elevation and success. 

It is through letters, photographs, and paintings, that Clotilde’s personality shines. Laid bare are her commitments to her family, society, and business, while never losing her passionate love and belief in her husband. 

This biographical story highlights Clotilde as a 20th-century Spanish woman living a life that many women of that era, could only dream of. She was loved and adored by her husband. She was his cornerstone.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karla Ingleton Darocas is Canadian married to a Spaniard and based in Benitachell on Spain's Costa Blanca. She is an educator with a passion to inspire and facilitate a lust to learn. Her love of Spanish art, architecture, and history is infectious, and she attracts art lovers to her lectures. 

Her websites are 

SpainLifestyle.com and KarlaDarocas.com.

INDEX

• Introduction 2
• In The Beginning 4
• Love United 5
• Family Time 5
• Responsibilities 7
• Travel 9
• America 13
• New Home and Studio 18
• The End of An Era 26
• Life After Sorolla 29
• In Conclusion: 31

BENISSA HAS A NEO-GOTHIC TREASURE

Discover Benissa, a hidden gem tucked away on the Costa Blanca. To truly experience its charm, park your car in the lot behind town, step out, and let the adventure begin.

At the heart of Benissa lies a true architectural marvel: the Iglesia de la Puríssima Xiqueta. This neo-Gothic masterpiece, proudly called the "Church of the Pure Girl," stands as a testament to the town's deep-rooted faith and collective effort. While its name poetically references the Virgin Mary, its structure tells a story of revival and resilience.

For architecture enthusiasts, this is no ordinary Gothic church—it’s a neo-Gothic interpretation. Built between 1902 and 1929, its towering spires and intricate details reflect the community's dedication, both spiritually and financially.

The neo-Gothic style, inspired by medieval Gothic architecture, emerged as a romantic response to the rapid industrialization of the 19th century, idealizing the simplicity and unity of medieval society. Why did Benissa embrace this nostalgic style over others, like the Renaissance? Perhaps it was a deliberate nod to tradition in a changing world.

Whatever the reason, the Iglesia de la Puríssima Xiqueta now stands as a beacon of Benissa's rich history and enduring beauty, waiting to captivate all who visit.

Report by Karla Ingleton Darocas, Hons. B.A.
(c) No part of this text or photographs may be reproduced.

Many of the church’s external decorative elements stay true to the pure Gothic style, lending it an air of medieval splendor. Look closely at the pinnacles, those delicate, tower-like structures that grace the edges of the building, adding both elegance and a sense of verticality. Above it all, the crown completes the façade, a striking symbol of architectural ambition and devotion. These intricate details make the Iglesia de la Puríssima Xiqueta a feast for the eyes and a treasure for those who appreciate the artistry of neo-Gothic design.

In true Gothic tradition, the Iglesia de la Puríssima Xiqueta, with its twin bell towers, soars toward the heavens, a testament to both faith and architectural ambition.

The church’s structural integrity relies on a series of buttresses, which gracefully support the rectangular, three-nave design, combining functionality with aesthetic beauty.

Dominating the façade is a magnificent rose window, a hallmark of Gothic cathedrals. This intricate feature serves as both a source of light and a spiritual symbol. Below the rose window lies a decorative blind arcade, an elegant series of arches applied to the surface of the wall purely for ornamentation, adding depth and texture to the structure.

Each of these elements, from the reaching towers to the delicate masonry, contributes to the timeless allure of this neo-Gothic masterpiece.

One of the most captivating features of the Iglesia de la Puríssima Xiqueta is its striking octagonal crown, a design steeped in symbolism. The number eight, often associated with renewal and harmony, lends a mystical quality to the structure. This crown is further adorned with elegant pinnacles, adding a touch of Gothic grandeur.

Illuminating the church's dome in the transept are eight stunning Gothic windows, their light casting a celestial glow during ceremonies. This dome, a unique architectural element, becomes a visual and spiritual centerpiece, symbolizing the divine music that resonates through the church during sacred events. It’s a harmonious blend of light, sound, and faith that leaves a lasting impression on all who enter.

The lancet windows are a classic feature of Gothic design, characterized by their tall, slender form and pointed arches at the top. Their name, "lancet," derives from their resemblance to a lance or spear, evoking a sense of elegance and precision. These windows not only enhance the verticality of the Iglesia de la Puríssima Xiqueta but also allow light to filter through in a way that feels both serene and transcendent, creating an atmosphere of divine grace within the church.

The video below tells the story of the altar and the relic that guides the Church's mysterious traditions. It also shows some impressive aerial views of this cathedral and some of the painted polychrome sculptures.

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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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PICASSO'S PERVASIVE MOTHER AND CHILD PAINTINGS

The most frequently reproduced motif throughout the history of art, especially in Western art, is the subject of the mother with child. The earliest recorded depiction and the best known Mother and Child is the Byzantine icon of Mary and Jesus. These icon images were venerated by both the Catholic and Orthodox churches.

Picasso was raised Catholic and knew the emotional power of the image of Mother and Child. These works, which run throughout his life, are some of my favourites. They are all different, depending on which visual form he was experimenting with at the time.

Let us take a look at a few of them and consider Picasso's different styles that he added to this powerful, universal theme of mother and child.

** Report by Karla Darocas, Hon. B.A. (KarlaDarocas.com)
** Stay Connected : Learn More Appreciate More -  Join  SpainLifestyle.com

*FRANCISCO GOYA* History, Views & Visions of an Enlightened, Romantic Master Artist - tba

"INSPIRATIONAL & INSIGHTFUL TRIBUTE TO A GENIUS" 

TRIBUTE TO TOLEDO * PART 2

TRIBUTE TO TOLEDO * PART TWO

is a presentation (lecture and slideshow) about the Renaissance - Golden Age history of Toledo explored through its cultural evolutions, arts and architecture. 

Presented by Spanish Fine Arts & Architecture Historian, 

Karla Darocas, Hons. B.A. (KarlaDarocas.com)

TRIBUTE TO TOLEDO * PART 1

TRIBUTE TO TOLEDO * PART ONE

is a presentation (lecture and slideshow) about the Antiquity & Medieval history of Toledo explored through its cultural evolutions, arts and architecture. 

Presented by Spanish Fine Arts & Architecture Historian, 

Karla Darocas, Hons. B.A. 

(KarlaDarocas.com)