KARLA DAROCAS, B.A. (Hons) Freelance Educator Since 1990

  "I have always been interested in Frida Kahlo as an artist. I have a couple of paintings of the artist, and I have been adding flowers and adornments to bring out the character of the artist. I didn't know much about her until I attended this lecture. Karla explains and gives details in a very easy way so you can understand. She makes the artist come to life, you feel as those you are living the moment." - Amanda Jane Rosser

"I discovered an important artist of the surrealist period that I had never heard of before. Dali, Andre Breton... Yes, but not Remedios Varo. How can such an artist, who had followed the same paths (Freud, Jung) not be known better than that? Thanks to Karla's enlightenment, we learned to interpret Varo's inspirations and her personal preoccupations. Karla linked this artist to her times, the context which is so important to understanding an artist's state of mind. I would recommend this lecture and Karla." - Jo, Denia

"I have been familiar with Javea old town for 25 years and know quite a lot about it but, when I saw the walk advertised and thought about the lectures of Karla’s that I had attended and thoroughly enjoyed pre lockdown I decided to take advantage. With Karla it’s the little details that stand out and display her research into and passion for her work. I loved learning about the indoor market, the poor mother superior who acted as look out, the hard wearing wood from Mobil, Bolufer and his super sailing boats, Sultan, diaphanous arches, tri lobe windows, the local artist influenced by Degas … the list is endless! Karla's teaching style explores the everyday details that bring the history to life." - Jean Halse, Javea

  "I loved the Sorolla lectures. We heard about his whole life from being a young boy. With the connection to Javea, you can recognise our local beaches. Sorolla was a very empathetic man paying tribute in his paintings to the way women worked very hard in all kinds of jobs. His very clever use of white paint in a lot of light and shade images was amazing. He invented his own unique style. I love the very clever method of being able to almost walk through the gardens and out through the wall onto the outside. His wife Clotilde was an amazing woman and a huge influence in his success. Karla has so much knowledge which she shares with you." - Glenys Graham, Javea

"Salvador Dali, for many years I have wondered about this artist and visited his museum in Barcelona. It's such a pity that Karla wasn't with me to explain the wonders of his work. Karla told us how to look into the paintings and see what he was thinking about when he painted, what most call, strange. Dali was influenced by Sigmund Freud, and many of his pictures depict his strange dreams. Dali was not only a surrealist artist, his paintings tell stories - some not so pretty - but really make you think differently. In Karla's lectures, we are encouraged to ask questions. Without a doubt, I recommend Karla Darocas teaching." - Glenys Graham, Javea

  "Karla guided us around Javea with so much enthusiasm. She loves it when you ask questions. Although I had done this walk a few years ago Karla has found even more knowledge to share. Now when I go into Javea I think this is where all those years ago people fought to save the church and themselves. Even the door knockers' explanations are interesting. You could say Javea is battle scared but that makes for a story or many stories and only by doing the walk, you will hear them from Karla. Things are changing in Javea and not all for the good, some artifacts have been removed. The history in Javea is very important so let's hope it stays that way. Recently Javea town hall announced that there will be a life-size bronze sculpture of Sorolla in a realistic style. I love my hometown even more now. Karla's teaching is full of enthusiasm and a little fun too This walk is a 'must do'!" - Glenys Graham, Javea

"Having attended the lecture the night before, the field trip made me pretty excited. The lecture was a lot to take in but it all fell into place once seeing everything. It was a very easy walk, with no hills to climb. Gandia is another fascinating place and a very important city having a palace, which we toured. In most of the rooms/halls, there are so many artefacts and again Karla described everything really well. I loved the art museum which has a huge collection of paintings and statues. I'm hoping to revisit Gandia and go into the art museum and palace again. Thank you Karla for the tour. I love how detailed Karla's lectures are." - Glenys Graham, Javea

"I learned things that I never knew about Javea. I also saw the architecture from a different perspective. I am interested in learning about where I now live and this walk helped me to understand this town's history. What I like about Karla's teaching is that she allows laypeople to understand architectural styles in context" - Rhona Wells, Javea

  "We enjoyed a beautiful weather walk in Jávea, October 8th 2021. We wanted to do the walk because my husband and I were curious to find out if we could learn anything new about the history and the old town since we have been living here for 40 years. Well, no disappointment there! After the walk, we spent most of the afternoon at home going over the very interesting details in history, architecture, art and even streets & chapel that we had never seen or been before in all those years! Absolutely worth the walk and visit to this precious historical centre of a town that we cherish in our hearts. Karla cannot stop explaining and answering questions. She is a super enthusiast and a living encyclopaedia!" - Bruce & Trudi McNeely-van Dorp, Benitachell

  "Fascinating learning about Sorolla, his wife, his great achievements with snippets of info on Javea that I didn’t know. I took the class because my friend Glenys told me about it and it sounded right up my street! Surprised I didn’t know about it before. The features that I liked about this experience were the relaxed atmosphere, great slides, and Karla is extremely knowledgeable. I would most definitely recommend her classes!" - Sally Marsden. Javea

"Again through paintings, Karla has shown what history was at a certain period of time. In this lecture, we saw how at the end of the 19th-beginning of the 20th century, women were judged. In Spanish society, they were supposed to be well into their role of wife and mother. If something happened like becoming an orphan or widowed, they did not have many choices on how they could return to their society. They could go to a nunnery or become a prostitute. A certain number of painters denounced this situation and tried to open people's minds to this. I learned that painting is not only decorative but informative and can educate. Karla's art lectures also reflect history." - Jo, Denia

"A revealing series of paintings with academic social realism where I saw shocking scenes of social injustice indeed like women sold as slaves, women used to produce babies for rich families, child pornography, and other forms of social horrors. We talked about nudes and the effect it had and has on men. How certain paintings were refused because their themes were too close to the truth and also how female painters were regarded as less capable of producing art. It was explained how these themes continue into our present-day society. The chosen paintings in this lecture's slideshow became 'alive' because of our discussions. One forgets they are paintings and not photos. Wonderful lecture." -Trudi van Dorp, Benitachell

How did you hear about SpainLifestyle.com and Karla Darocas?  * word of mouth What was the name of class or book that you wish to review?  * Picasso REVIEW TIPS... what did you learn? was there anything unique that stood out? why did you take the class or read the book?  * I learnt a lot about Picasso that I never knew and thought it was fascinating What features did you like about Karla's teaching or writing style?  * I like the informal yet extremely informative teaching approach Would you recommend Karla Darocas teaching and books to others?  * yes FULL NAME & LOCATION  * Rhona Wells. Javea

How did you hear about SpainLifestyle.com and Karla Darocas?  * A friend introduced me many years ago. What was the name of class or book that you wish to review?  * Picasso  REVIEW TIPS... what did you learn? was there anything unique that stood out? why did you take the class or read the book?  * I had always wondered what kind of man Picasso was so when I saw that Karla was doing the lecture I had to signup. We were taken on a very descriptive journey through his childhood to his death. We found out who influenced Picasso and why he changed his styles so many times. Karla showed us how he was a good businessman he gave the people what they wanted. Karla showed us so many images, how she remembers all this knowledge I'll never know. I could hardly wait until the next lecture, I was excited. Now I have more free time I will be attending lots more lectures becoming a regular student. What features did you like about Karla's teaching or writing style?  * Karla made us comfortabl

"I just took a class in Andalusian romantic period paintings. The Andalusian Romantic myth, Yes, I now know why, how and where it started and still exists today. Through the paintings of the 19th century, Karla clearly illustrated this truth. And lo and behold, tourism and tourists (again) helped create this truth. Thanks Karla. Your lecture illustrated the close link between history and painting. I recommend your lectures to everyone!"  * Jo, Denia

"A fascinating lecture from Karla on Neoclassicism. It is not a genre I had ever really thought about but once you start to see the art, so much of it is familiar.  As ever with Karla’s lectures, as you are taken on a tour of the art, you also learn about Spanish history and it seemed this art was especially a product of its time. Neoclassical artists prided themselves on reproducing accurate representations of the people being painted so we got up close and personal with Spanish royalty during a really important time for the country. Also, these artists were amazingly talented when it came to painting the costumes of the day, which especially with the Queens and Princesses, were incredibly beautiful.  We also got an introduction into Goya and we could see how he straddled this phase as it moved into Romanticism – the subject of the next lecture." * Chris Wood, Javea

"As we can't travel to Javea at the moment, we went to MNACC, Catalunya National Art Museum in Barcelona, the other day to look at the Baroque galleries. They have been redone and have a lot of paintings on loan from the Thyssen collection from Madrid. I was happy to see many El Greco's, Titian, Tiepolo, Canaletto. Having studied with you, the Zurbarán were particularly amazing. His Saint Francis of Assisi and Crucified Christ were incredible as was the Still life with Vessels. I remembered from your lecture. I kept telling Michael to look at his fabrics! Anyway hope you are having a good week and see you at the next Neo-classical talk next weekend." Best wishes Denise

"In her book "Spanish Dogs", the historian and teacher Karla Ingleton Darocas, leads us through the fascinating history of dogs in Spain from the Neolithic to modern times by means of her extensive background knowledge and a companionable illustrative style.  I was particularly impressed by the role of dogs during one of the darkest chapters of Spanish history, the Conquista (conquest), when the Conquistadores used dogs of war as cruel and brutal weapons against the local populations. A large part of the book illustrates the history of dogs in Spain with examples from paintings by Velázquez, Murillo, Goya, Sorolla and other well-known Spanish painters. Although we are familiar with many of these paintings, we may have hardly noticed the presence of dogs there, if at all. Karla directs our attention to these dogs and creates a picture of their role and importance in their respective epochs. The last chapter, "Dog of Love", tells us about the intimate relationshi

  "I am a regular student. I took the class on the Evolution of 17th Century Spanish Classical Landscape paintings.  I've always taken "landscapes" for granted - they're there in the background, OK. But I learned that they were NOT always there, they've got a history. I knew that landscapes give paintings "atmosphere", but I learned that you can read a landscape to understand the feeling of the painting.  I am now looking forward to seeing the evolution of the landscape and how it can give importance (or not) to the people, objects or actions depicted. Karla opens my eyes to things we take for granted. I recommend her classes." - Jo Jouas, Denia

  “A fascinating lecture from Karla on 17th Century Spanish portraits. As ever the listener learnt as much about Spanish history as Spanish art so making these lectures a must for anyone keen to learn more about Spain as their chosen home. Karla is a great fan of the Spanish painter, Velasquez, and by the end of the lecture we were in agreement. We were shown how Velasquez’ style evolved over time and was shaped by the influences of the 17th Century Spanish court he lived in and by the developments in painting, especially from Italy where he studied in Naples. Like his contemporaries he began by showing his mastery of painting the textiles his sitters were wearing. However, at his height his skill was much more about showing the soul of his subject which is so affecting today as they gaze out at us hundreds of years later. Karla took us through the work of several other Spanish artists of the time and it was here in particular we learnt so much about the fashions of the 17th Centur

 "I feel I learn something new at each lecture - not only the painting and artists, of course, but some cultural or historical point. In this lecture, I learned about damascene artwork used on the armors worn by royalty - typically Spanish. Karla opens up new doors each time. Always a pleasure." - Jo Jouas, Denia

"I took the class because I have always had an interest in the history of art - so always keen to learn more. I liked the way that the lecture gave an insight into history generally interspersed with the history of the paintings and artists. The following points were interesting like how in the portraits the Royals are leaning on chairs, the importance of dwarfs, the strange facial features caused by the Habsburg interbreeding, and about how Velasquez’s son-in-law worked with him, and so much more.  I like Karla's depth of knowledge of the subject and all of the surrounding non-art facts. I also appreciated her informality and the fact that she didn't just read from notes. I will recommend her classes and speak to a friend." - Michael Atkinson, UK

We see them sitting under chairs in cafés, popping out of handbags and catching frisbees at the beach. If you are lucky enough to have a dog as a pet then they are there to welcome you home. We see them in today’s modern world and accept them just so.  However, reading this book opens up one's mind to a greater appreciation of these animals. Spanish DOGS by Karla Ingleton Darocas gives readers a new understanding of where dogs came from, their roles throughout Spanish history, social culture and their relevance in the development of humanity.  Perhaps you have been in an art gallery and admired a painting and noticed a dog in the scene and then walked on without a further thought? After reading Karla's book, this won't happen again. In this book Karla cherry-picks the best of Spanish artwork and reveals that dogs are often more than just a decorative element.  Karla brings the art scene to life, answering the questions: What kind of dog it is? Who is it with, and why

"This time the selection of profane paintings by masters such as: José Ribera, Diego Velazquez and Francisco Zurburán impressed me because of the clear Baroque elements like dark backgrounds and the engagement of the persons with the public. Many of the paintings looked like photographs in their stunning details of the human body, scenes in themselves, clothing and hairstyle ( mustaches). New in this lecture was the Still Life slot or 'Naturaleza muerta' in Spanish.  Karla pointed out the items and it was great that she zoomed in on such details like wine being served, where we could see, if not 'hear and smell' the wine pouring in the cup. Brilliant! We saw the creases in the table cloth, vegetables hanging from a rope in the window pane. All scenes so real and still... Still Life. Absolutely fantastic.  As always Karla explains and teaches with an endless knowledge of her subjects. The illustrations are well chosen and the whole lecture makes one long for the nex

"Excellent illuminating lecture as usual. Informative and interesting, with excellent visuals. Great to be able to join in from the UK via zoom. Karla teaches with accessible language and her lectures are packed with information. I recommend her lessons.  * Nicola Clark - U.K.

"I was absolutely overwhelmed with this art we saw today in Karla's class. The still life particularly I found beautiful and lifelike. The history behind these paintings was enlightening and very interesting.  I learn so much from these lectures, very fulfilling. Karla's incredible depth of knowledge and exciting teaching style makes the whole experience very memorable . I Absolutely recommend her classes."  * Floradiane Santiago - Jávea

"Karla's lecture on 17th century Spanish baroque profane painting opened my eyes on painters known for their religious art (Velazquez, Ribera...).  We learned about other themes developed at the time: "everyday" life, poor children living in poverty because of the plague, still-life paintings popular with the "tourists" of the time.  A combination of art and history makes for an interesting and informative lecture. Bravo Karla." * Jo Jous, Denia

"It is timely indeed that Karla should write a book re-evaluating the role of dogs in Spanish art and culture.  This current Covid lockdown has led to many of us deciding that we need dogs in our lives for companionship and for exercise.  Yet again, the role of the dog in our society is being looked at afresh.  Karla’s book traces how the symbiotic relationship between human and dog goes back at least to Neolithic times.  There is much evidence such as the careful and dignified burial of owner and dog together in many ancient cultures to suggest that dogs were, as Karla observes, seen as part wild, part human and part divine.   Some ancients saw dogs as having healing powers leading to dogs being laid on to the bodies of sick people or to lick wounds.  Small dogs were bred to be companions to children whereas 90 kg mastiffs in armour performed a valuable role in battle.  The Romans at least were not averse to dog sacrifice to ensure a good harvest.   In many ways Karla demonstrate

Karla’s latest book Spanish Dogs is an extensive history of dogs from prehistoric times until the present day.  A couple of things stand out in my mind, after having read this book. For example, I never knew that dogs, mainly Mastiffs, were used during times of war during the Middle Ages. Clad in armour they would charge at the horses during cavalry brandishing on their backs canisters of burning resin which would spook the horses and bring them down along with the enemy soldiers on their backs. I also found the origin of the lapdog, or toy dog, at the end of the Middle Ages to be very interesting. Because of their small size these dogs would be welcomed in the family home and be depicted in portraits. They would also be used as bed warmers and to attract the fleas away from their very unhygienic owners for whom a bath was a rarity and related to prostitution.  Here’s a fun fact from this book! The winter months made it too cold for bathing, therefore being delayed until the Spring, wh

Karla Ingleton Darocas is based in Benitachell on Spain’s Costa Blanca. On her website, SpainLifestyle.com , she describes herself as: An educator with a passion to inspire and facilitate a lust to learn. Karla has a BA (Hons), and is also a photographer, author and Spanish Fine Arts Historian. She’s also a self-confessed dog lover, with two rescue dogs, Venus and Mars.  Her latest book, Spanish Dogs: The Story of Dogs in Spanish History, Culture and the Arts, is a testament to Karla’s love of dogs, the arts, and all things connected to her adopted homeland, Spain. From the first sentence, I was hooked, because I share Karla’s passion for dogs and Spanish culture. I also firmly believe that once you stop learning, you stop living, and there’s a lot of learning packed into the 70 pages of this book. Don’t let that put you off though – Karla has a wonderful way with words that makes absorbing knowledge a pleasure, and she also has a great sense of humour. Describing how court painters Ve

"It is because Karla cares so much that she was so worried about how her lectures would work in the new virtual environment - well she needn't have.  Her Sacred Baroque lecture delivered over Zoom was just as engaging and thought-provoking as any other I have attended.   In fact, Karla made good use of the technology by going close up on features of the paintings so we could see and learn more about what some of the symbols and icons meant. We otherwise might have missed these details.  She also put paintings side by side so we could compare them and see how different artists tackled the exact same subject, showing us how artists evolved in terms of their skill and to reflect changing trends.   As always, we saw history through the eyes of the artists and given that many artists she covered were painting at the time of their own pandemic hundreds of years ago - this had a particular piquancy.   Highly recommended and I can't wait for the next one." * Christine Wood -

"As usual, Karla combines history, to explain the context of the times, and the pictorial techniques, to help us better "read" a painting. She talks about the painters' lives, their travels, motivations and influences.  Altogether, this makes for a very interesting and informative lecture. In this case, the evolution of Spanish baroque religious painting.  I am looking forward to the next lecture on Spanish baroque profane painting. Karla is very knowledgeable in Spanish culture and history. I recommend Karla Darocas teachings" * Jo Jouas, Denia

"Well, I must admit that I have never given any thought to the representation of dogs in art. As the owner of two Spanish dogs, I will now.  From prehistoric through to the 20th century, Karla guides us in interpreting the art, and also engages us to understand better the roles that dogs played in daily life.   Karla writes in an engaging fashion, and brings the subject to life very well. I often judge people based on how they treat their animals; now I’ll be both noticing, and interpreting the dogs I see in art.  I always enjoy the opportunity to increase my appreciation and understanding of art, and this book has opened a new window for me to look through." Chris Newkirk * Las Peñitas, Nicaragua https://spanisharthistory.blogspot.com/2023/08/spanish-dogs-story-of-dogs-in-spanish.html  

"There are tons of books on "Dogs", so what makes Karla's book stand out? I would even say, what makes it exceptional? It is the first book on dogs in Spanish history and culture. How she chooses to present them appeals to me greatly - through artefacts and Spanish Art. Her time period spans from the time of the Neanderthals to modern times. She speaks of the working dog, the dogs of war, and lapdogs. Her illustrations go from religious art to court paintings. We discover famous painters and their relation to dogs (from Goya to Picasso). Her book is very detailed. What makes it interesting to read are the many stories and anecdotes that accompany the information. With her artistic background, Karla leads us into a painting, draws our attention to something we would not necessarily see by ourselves, and explains the "why and how". I strongly recommend Karla's book for those who love dogs, Spanish history and culture, and/or Spanish art. Her writing style