BOOK REVIEW - Spanish DOGS - History Book




"Spanish Dogs is a fabulous journey. The author, Karla Darocas, had me look at dogs in Spain from the Stone Age through to Modern Day. Along the way she showed me cave drawings, artefacts, pictures and portraits from great masters, depicting man's interaction with dogs. The result is a fascinating adventure with dogs intertwined with Spanish history and humans. The sad part was the shocking realisation that in many parts of Spain, dogs are not protected and are often badly treated.

This book tells of many interesting and diverse facts that I had never considered before like how Egyptians worshipped a dog-like god, Anubis, and how the Roman legions trained dogs to be warriors and wear fighting armour.

It also explained how both the Greeks and the Romans kept small dogs as pets for their children and often buried the pet dog along with the child, enabling them to be together in the afterlife.

I also learned how the Muslim Conquest of Spain introduced the Berber water dogs that would assist them in fishing and bringing in the nets.

I didn’t know that in Spain during the Renaissance, companion dogs were kept as sleeping partners in order to attract the fleas that were common on Catholics who did not wash because they might be mistaken by the Inquisition as a Muslim and tossed in prison.

It was interesting to see what kind of dogs the Spanish Habsburg Kings kept for hunting and how dogs would aid beggars and blind street performers.

Even into the 19th and 20th centuries, dogs took their place in the portraits of famous people.

I found the whole of this book informative and engrossing. I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good read and interesting humanist knowledge."

- Judy Dicken, Scotland


https://spanisharthistory.blogspot.com/2023/08/spanish-dogs-story-of-dogs-in-spanish.html 

TOLEDO History & architecture in 3 parts


"I attended all three of the Toledo lectures and was glad I did. Although I knew a little about the subject, Karla always brings more depth to the subject and you walk away knowing so much more then you imagined. I love learning about Spanish artists and architects, and this is the class to gain that knowledge. I feel fortunate that Karla is doing Zoom, otherwise I would be too far away physically to attend the classes. I am eager and look forward to attending more lectures. Karla always has a backstory or two that adds so much to the subject she is discussing. I definitely would recommend Karla Darocas as a teacher of all things Spanish."

* Mimi Carrera, Valencia, Spain



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TOLEDO History & architecture in 3 parts


"Goodness! So much information about architecture, art, Toledo... These lectures are a fascinating history of the city. Karla introduced us to many architectural styles and terms, illustrating everything with excellent photographs. I can't wait to see Toledo again after learning so much more about the history and architecture of the city. Karla's lessons are informed organised, and enthusiastic. I absolutely recommend her classes."

* Denise Bayes, Barcelona


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TOLEDO History & architecture in 3 parts



" I recently attended a 3 part class about Toledo, and its history and architecture and its Cathedral.

Why I took this class is difficult to sum up in a few words. Basically, I decided to take the course because I knew Toledo was a special, unique place but did not really know exactly why. I had visited Toledo and yet really knew very little about it. 

The teacher, Karla, led me on a trail of historical adventure through the high points of the city and that really helped put everything into perspective. I think what surprised me the most was the layers and layers of history that she revealed.  

What I found especially interesting was how things were built up and upon by the changing cultures and people in power. There was an incredible wealth required to do that much restoration. It surprised me to discover just how much I had missed on my trip or had looked at with out understanding what I was looking at. 

The course was totally fascinating with just the right balance of information and photos. I particularly like the group chat after when we could clarify any points or express ideas with other course mates and Karla. I am hooked and look forward to taking some other classes! 

I am impressed by the teacher's own passion for the subject and her ability to bring an event from the past back to life with humour so that you get it! 

I would happily recommend taking a class. "

* Rhonda Jager, Switzerland

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TOLEDO CATHEDRAL


"I just attended the SpainLifestyle lecture on Zoom about the Toledo cathedral. Karla gave us a very privileged guided tour of the cathedral, which is one of the most ornate cathedrals I have visited. Her knowledge of its history and architecture (inside and out) is immense. Karla's teaching style is easy and natural without elitist, hard to understand language. I would recommend you try her lessons."
* Jo Jouas, Denia



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Karla Darocas as Educator

 










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TOLEDO CATHEDRAL


"I just attended the lesson on the Cathedral of Toledo. I learnt to appreciate enormously the beautiful art portrayed in the Cathedral, the history behind every facet..all very interesting particularly when described in Karla's inimitable enthusiastic and knowledgeable way. Karla always puts her vast knowledge and enthusiasm into every class or lecture. I absolutely 1000% recommend her lessons."

* Diana Santiago, Xàbia

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International Gothic Collection in Valencia Museum


"This lecture was a real eyeopener into an area of art that is often overlooked. As Karla said, many of us walk past these works in galleries. However, when we discovered the many skills that different guilds brought together in these works, it was fascinating. Karla showed us what to look for in the early Italian influenced works, both in churches and in galleries. Later she explained that the Flemish influence that followed changed the style. As well as showing us many works, Karla explained the processes used to create them. 
Karla talks with enthusiasm and shares many interesting images. I Absolutely recommend her teaching and lectures."

* Denise Bayes - Barcelona

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International Gothic Collection in Valencia Museum


Studying 14th and 15th century  International Gothic art through retablos was extremely interesting. I had never realized that so many people, working in guilds, were involved to create one retablo. They were true artists. And to think that 99% of these creations from this era were destroyed or sold! Karla presents us with the artistic side to these works and the historical side: the social, economic, political context of the time; why things came about, and how they evolved.
- Jo Jouas, Denia


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Sorolla: THE NAKED TRUTH of Academicism, Social Realism & Costumbrismo


"Another fascinating lecture from Karla on Sorolla's work. It was fascinating to learn about the need to produce popular regional paintings to make money while developing his professional reputation through social realism paintings. As Karla talked us through the paintings, I learned about the links between the sciences and arts in the period. As the world adjusted to the discoveries of Darwin, artists began to focus on naturalism. Sorolla walked a tightrope between this new world and the traditions shown in his costumbrismo works. Another fascinating talk leaving us with much to reflect on." - Denise Bayes, Barcelona

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Sorolla: THE NAKED TRUTH of Academicism, Social Realism & Costumbrismo


"Karla's lecture are so full of the historical context of Spain. I enjoyed the Costumbrista style masterpieces of Sorolla. His academic work was beautiful too and when you keep in mind of his young age when he was painting these works, amazing! The historical philosophies of Spain and Europe at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century comes to life in the absolute master works of the great and unique Sorolla. He formed a unique style with inspirations from master painters from Velazquez to the modern era of Monet." 

-Trudi van Dorp, Benitachell

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Sorolla: THE NAKED TRUTH of Academicism, Social Realism & Costumbrismo


"Fascinating lecture by Karla. I almost felt like an insider to the paintings presented, most of which I had not seen before. I became fascinated with the "Costumbrista" era of Sorolla's Spanish paintings. I absolutely loved them. I appreciate the way Karla presents the information. Her knowledge gives you a wonderful perspective and you are grasping for more. I feel fortunate I ran across Karla on the internet, because living in Valencia, I didn't have the opportunity to "attend" her classroom sessions until the Pandemic, when she started on Zoom. In situations like this I always go back to my favorite Haiku: Barn's burnt down -- now, I can see the moon. - Mizuta Masahide Muchas gracias Karla, can't wait for the next one." 

-Mimi Carrera, Valencia city

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Sorolla: THE NAKED TRUTH of Academicism, Social Realism & Costumbrismo


"I thoroughly enjoyed the lecture. The detail and amount of information you covered was enormous. As you know I am a Sorolla fan and have painted many of his works, but do enjoy the early paintings. They have a different style and show what a talented painter he was. I look forward to your next lecture." 

- Best wishes, James, Javea

Sorolla: INTO THE LIGHT of Impressionism & Luminism


"With a keen eye for details, Karla makes the paintings of Sorolla come alive. This time we were able to capture the action, the expression of extreme movements and the joy in the making of a painting, using vigorous brush stroking, but mixing this with dabs/ little blobs light. What a unique style Sorolla developed and his work became known all over the world. And how great to admire his naturalistic and impressionist style with themes from our own Jávea beach, reflecting the sunlight on the water, capturing intimate scenes of the maritime community. Sorolla lets us see the wind, feel the rain and sunshine. Fantastic. Karla teaching style is full of clear information and interaction." 

 -Trudi van Dorp, Benitachell

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Sorolla: INTO THE LIGHT of Impressionism & Luminism


"What a wonderful lecture from Karla this morning! Her understanding of Sorolla, his style, subjects was fascinating to hear. Karla is passionate about this great Spanish painter with his close ties to Javea. The vast array of paintings she used to illustrate his work was greatly appreciated and I finished the lecture feeling able to appreciate the work of this painter better in the future. Many of the pictures used in the lecture are not available to be seen in Spain. I look forward to hearing more from Karla." 

 -Lorna Ainsworth

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Sorolla: INTO THE LIGHT of Impressionism & Luminism


"Fascinating lecture on the progression of Sorolla's style. Loved his mixture of naturalism and Impressionism to create his own Illumination. Karla has a great understanding of his works and you leave the class feeling stimulated. Looking forward to the next one! " 

 -Mimi Carrera, Valencia

TRIBUTE LECTURE TO CLOTILDE: Sorolla's Cornerstone


"After attended this lecture on Sorolla's wife, I feel like I have "met" his model. In this lecture, I got to know Clotilde as a mother with her children, as a learned woman who traveled with her husband to many fascinating places, and as an elegant woman of fashion. She must have been an interesting lady to speak with.

Karla's lectured are very well documented and I recommend her teachings."

* Jo Jouas, Denia


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TRIBUTE LECTURE TO CLOTILDE: Sorolla's Cornerstone

"I learned a lot about the way Sorolla's portrait paintings were used almost as adverts to get commissions. I enjoyed the discussion about fashion details and the links with Paris. I learned a lot about paint techniques as well, especially how Sorolla moved from the baroque styles into luminosity.

Karla was well prepared and explained the slides clearly.

Definitely recommend Karla's teachings! Really interesting and look forward to more talks."

* Denise and Michael Bayes Javea and Barcelona!



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TRIBUTE LECTURE TO CLOTILDE: Sorolla's Cornerstone

"The lecture about Clotilde, the wife of Sorolla was fascinating. First, the beautiful paintings and portraits with her as a model and the explanations helped to place Sorolla’s work in context with his married life and the era in which his work was done. 

I loved the way Karla explained the way Sorolla worked with the new fashion in those days and photography. How he integrated this new art form into his work. Karla also explains about paint brushe techniques and how Sorolla managed to manifest the different shades of white in dresses, garments, and sheets. When one listens to Karla, her passion helps you to ‘see’ the work of Sorolla with different eyes. I cannot ever get enough of it

The ebook that accompanied the lecture was a must for me. There were so many extra details revealed, for example the death and funeral of Sorolla in Valencia (my goodness, what a story!) and even more lovely photos in full colour. The lecture complements the book (which I consider homework and loved to study it) and all in all it complements the appreciation of Clotilde, who was not just Sorolla’s wife, but also his manager, the mother of his children, his coach and motivator. The person and influence of Clotilde came truly alive after reading the book and listening to the lecture.

I also like the way Karla answers questions, every answer has so much more details. It shows a very well prepared, professional art history teacher. Warmly recommended once again!

Karla's teaching style is full of clear facts, clear sentences, and overall clear communications."

* Trudi van Dorp, Benitachell


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JAVEA WALK

photos by Monique Heijboer

"This is an amazing, eye-opening walk through the Old Town! Karla's knowledge is seemingly never-ending, fueled by her love of the arts and Spain itself, which she shares with so much love, enthusiasm and humour! Definitely worth a repeat performance for me! Can’t wait for the next one!"

* Monique Heijboer, Cumbre del Sol

JAVEA WALK


"My friend and I spent a great morning walking the streets of Javea Old Town with Karla. I’ve done the walk before but was really excited to do it again. Karla has a great sense of humour and makes you look at the town in a completely different light. I now walk around looking up and the amazing buildings rather then just in the shop windows. She has so much information to tell that you really could do the walk numerous times and still not learn everything about Javea’s old town history. We then topped off the morning with a lovely lunch! All evening my friend kept saying what a great morning she had and Karla really made the walk interesting.

* Lisa Wood, Javea

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TRIBUTE TO VALENCIA CITY


"I recently attended Karla's tribute to Valencia city's jewels of architecture class. Coming from France where the "outside" is as beautiful as the "inside", I was wary of Spanish "jewels of architecture". But Karla opened my eyes to the extraordinary richness of Spanish heritage - as always combining history and artistic culture. Of course, I always recommend her teaching."

 * Jo Jouas

ISABELLA * WARRIOR QUEEN




"Going through paintings, statues, and polychromes of Isabella was an excellent way of learning about her life and her reign. History, in general, becomes a little bit clearer with the visuals.
As usual, Karla's knowledge of the subject just flows naturally. Of course, I recommend her."
* Jo Jouas, Denia

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BOOK REVIEW - JÁVEA



Karla's latest book was an absolute thrill for me! It's a challenging task to select a favourite essay from this remarkable collection. Each story embarks on a historical voyage, and every chapter unfolds as a trove of exceptional insights, unveiling the awe-inspiring history that graces Xàbia.

Karla's writing style is truly captivating, which explains why I devoured this book in a single sitting. Her passion shines through her words, much like in her engaging lectures.

* Diana Santiago, Xàbia