Inspiring and Interesting ArtBY KELSEY BARES

EL GRECO

“VIEW OF TOLEDO”

General Information Title: “View of Toledo” Artist: El Greco (actually named Doménikos

Theotokópoulos, but took on the name “El Greco” because this means “the Greek” in Spanish and he was one)

Date of Composition: 1596-1600 Artistic Era: Baroque/Mannerism Toledo, of which this landscape was made, was El Greco’s

home for quite a few years; this is where he produced many of his major works.

WHAT IT MEANS TO MEFor me, this painting is very emotional and full

of feeling painted in by the artist, for the viewer to experience. The raging sky reminds me of

the clashing of emotions, thoughts, or decisions in one’s own head; this violent sky also

contrasts beautifully with the calm of the land and buildings. The sweet green of the grass and

the lazy, inviting creek provide a calm and respite from the warring occurring in the sky, as well as the many buildings; between them there are a few houses and a church. For me a church has always represented a place of refuge from any type of conflict, as well as houses could

possibly be places of shelter.

JAOQÍN SOROLLA Y BASTIDA

“THE SKIPPING ROPE”

General Information Title: “The Skipping Rope” Artist: Joaqín Sorolla y Bastida Date of Composition: 1907 Artistic Era: Impressionism Bastida created this painting of his daughter, Elena,

skipping rope with other girls while on vacation in La Granja in the summer of 1907.

WHY I CHOSE ITThis playful painting of young girls conveys to me the carelessness and joy of childhood. As Bastida painted this of his young daughter, he must have understood children’s nature perfectly; he depicts the carefree girls prancing around in the summer

heat, oblivious to any problems, and this allows me, in turn, to slip into this frame of mind. This painting

allows me to let go of my worries, as these girls undoubtedly are, and be contented with the world and everything in it I can observe for a few short

seconds.

MARIÁ FORTUNY

“AFRICAN BEACH”

General Information Title: “African Beach” Artist: Mariá Fortuny Date of Composition: 1867 Artistic Era: Realism Mariá Fortuny was born in Catalonia, Spain, and would

go on to record the Spanish-Moroccan War by sketch and painting, and he also instructed many successful art students.

WHAT IT MEANS TO METhis painting, for me, shows all the colors and images of the bleak and seemingly hopeless colors, shades and moods of life everyone goes through; pale tan, white, brown, black, yellow, gray, pale blue and black are all colors that generally do not represent any feeling in general other than bleakness or even remorse. Yet it also gives light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. The horses riding off through the water symbolize, to me, ‘riding’ away from life’s troubles at some point, letting go of grudges, and moving on, allowing yourself to succeed in whatever your sadness or grudge was holding back.