More than Ordinary

In Robert Henri’s classic book “The Art Spirit,” he speaks of “more than ordinary moments of existence.” A spontaneous trip to Madrid with my artist friend Jim Aplin led to such a moment. Actually it was a series of moments over a period of three days. The setting was the Sorolla Museum. This is no ordinary museum. It is the artist’s home and studio. It almost feels as if he might step back in the room at any moment.

There is nothing so inspiring as standing in front of a great work of art and studying every brushstroke. Joaquin Sorolla filled his canvases with skillful drawing, rich color and juicy brushwork. A feast for the eyes.

His materials and supplies offer an intimate and fascinating view of the man and his methods.

At the age of 57, while out in the garden working on this portrait, Sorolla suffered a stroke. Although he lived another three years he was never able to paint again. But what an extraordinary body of work he left for the world to enjoy, and what an inspiration he continues to be.

“My only ambition was to create an honest picture that would interpret nature as she really is, as she ought to be seen.” -Joaquin Sorolla (1863-1923)