Robert Henri (1865 –1929) was an American painter and teacher. He visited Spain six times in his adult life to teach his students there, as well as to paint for himself. The San Diego Fine Art Museum just had a show of his work from Spain, and it was inspiring.
The bright colors and black eyes of Spanish gypsies, the dark, brooding gypsy mother holding her small child, the bullfighters in their gold and black toreador outfits, and the old, weather beaten men in overalls, all gave a sense of how moved he was by these people. The full figures and portraits he painted of those children, men, and women inspired in him the life of those places and times. Standing before them gave you an understanding of how he was captivated. His talent oozed from the paints, and was a gift to those who came after him.
Rex Brandt (1914-2000) was an amazingly talented California watercolorist whose work is now being shown at the Laguna Beach Art Museum. It is a wonderful look at the landscapes and people he loved to paint. One of his paintings called “Wind after Rain,” actually makes you feel the moisture hanging in the air, and the windblown clothing of the figures by the sea portray the motion of the air, as rain drops settled into the ground. These are real and tactile sensations that can be experienced just looking at a painting.
What a beautiful enrichment for one’s life. Art at its finest is available to us all up and down our state. It is such a treasure, and can be shared with our children to open their world to other places and people. Travel through time with art, and travel to so many locations. Bring your children to art museums, and talk to them about the art before them. Who were these people, what were they doing, how did they live? One need not be any kind of expert to appreciate art. You only need a set of eyes, and the art will inspire the rest.
Visit our art studio at 23300 Cinema Drive, Suite 103 in Valencia. We are in the Stone Fire Grill center, and offer a free introductory art class with no obligation. Call us at 661-260-1774 or email us at kidsartvalencia@sbcglobal.net to schedule a trial class. For more information visit our website at www.kidsartclasses.com. Make art a part of your life!