After two years abroad, the Sorolla paintings from the Hispanic society of america are back in their home in west Harlem. Although I'd only seen them once, they had a profound impact on me at the beginning of my painting career and I was excited to see if they held the same impact. I wasn't let down. Firstly, these paintings are massive, multi figure compositions. 12-15 feet tall, totaling 227 ft long! How one man did this, I have no idea, but it did take him 8 years. Secondly, they were done ON SITE in the various parts of Spain they depict. Once you get over the sheer magnitude of this accomplishment and take a look up close, a whole other world awaits . So much color! So simply drawn! And the brushwork! The light and energy that radiates from these paintings is impossible to reproduce; like all great paintings, they must be seen in person to fully experience them. For those who can't though, here are some details to tide you over.
