I'm taking with me the guy who first introduced me to the work of Velazquez, my teacher Ray Berry. I'll be leaving my paints at home as I will need to pack light to better survive what will likely be an ugly airline experience, so no paintings will be posted next week.
When I return I'll post an account of my trip. Meanwhile, if you want to read a little about "Las Meninas," an OK place to start is here.
Have a good trip Duane it'll be cold so wrap up warm and leave plenty of time for the Thyssen and the Sorolla museum is also a must- there's a wall of little postcard sketches.
ReplyDeletejulian
I have been in Prado last Feb. The reason I was there was also for that paintining - "Las Meninas". That was a nice visiting. I wish you have a good trip!
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy and are inspired by the Velesquez Duane! I know I certainly was when I was fortunate to study it about ten years ago. I dont think anyone has quite matched his fluent brushwork, before or since.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy your time in "old Europe"..."Las Meninas"... Velasquez...very inspiring, I'm glad for you. It's a good way of starting the new year! Wish you the best!
ReplyDeleteElaine (from France)
Oh that is so cool, have a wonderful time! I went there when I was 14, before I had any aspirations to be an artist, and with no art training whatsoever, but they battled to drag me away because i was just over-awed by the work. I was especially blown away by Goya, no amount of pictures can prepare you for the visceral impact of his huge works, seen in real life!
ReplyDeleteDuane
ReplyDeleteYou are gonna' have at least one "religious experience" at the Prado, when viewing "Las Meninas!"
I was there in the late 50's, when I knew absolutely ZIP about art. There was a huge mirror on the wall across from the painting. When you stood looking into the mirror, seeing the painting behind you, the light from a nearby window was the same as that on the figures in the painting! The illusion was one of being part of the painting! AMAAAAAZING!
....Just to say I recently found 'On Painting' and keep dipping in with interest - have been encouraged to pick up oils again.
ReplyDeleteNot visited Prado, but near London so have opportunity to visit major Galleries. Hope you enjoyed your visit!
Eagerly awaiting Las Meninas post...not knowing you were going to Madrid, I coincidentally went to the Meadows Museum here in Dallas last Sunday to see the Velasquez... a truffle, to your banquet...but a nibble of Velasquez is a meal.
ReplyDeleteAll best, Jan
Duane
ReplyDeleteHave you ever seen Eve Sussman's video recreaction of Las Meninas?
It's amazing! Paige West showed a clip of it at her lecture at the Corcoran several weeks ago.
Cindy
Duane, I had to come by an comment on that rocking oyster and lemon painting. Now I'm riding the links here to all these fabulous old master paintings.
ReplyDeletePlease share the airline experience with us. Can't the paints be packed into checked luggage?
and Sorolla...what can I say? Can't imagine what they look like in person if they look so good in books.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
Wonderful post Duane!
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