KARLA DAROCAS, B.A. (Hons)

VELAZQUEZ

Another interesting and informative lecture. Outlining his life and working through his paintings, looking at style, use of different elements ie. portraiture, still life, positioning of characters etc. Excellent explanations of many of his works. Karla has a style I find very easy to relate to. She certainly opens my appreciation of the paintings. I definitely recommend her events.

Wendy Loxley, Javea

SOROLLA

I am always completely absorbed in what Karla says. I love the way she brings her presentations alive with anecdotes so that we get a feel for the artist as a person. Her teaching style feels very casual and natural but in fact you learn a huge amount. I absolutely recommend her events.

Jane Cobb, Javea

SOROLLA

"I learned so much!! I have lived in Jávea for many years, had heard about the famous painter Sorolla, met people who took painting classes about Sorolla's pieces, and saw paintings by him. In Karla's lecture, I learned so many details about Sorolla's life, works, where he lived, and saw the beautiful colours in many of his paintings. What stood out to me was to realise how much Sorolla must have loved Jávea - with all its beautiful beaches, the light, people, and landscapes. Karla's knowledge is huge, and I just love her teaching in every way. I absolutely recommend her!"

* Angelika Goette, Benitachell

SOROLLA

"I love the Sorolla paintings and it was nice to hear and to see how much Sorolla painted in the place where we live... We even could recognize some places because you told us Karla. Thanks for this. I enjoyed it!"

* Heidi Weiss Benissa

SOROLLA

"We have attended a number of Karla's talks in the past and like to come back for more. We learned about Sorolla's journey from young painter to wealthy exhibitor; his need to paint for the masses to enable funding for more adventurous projects to be funded by the well-healed and nobility; the social consciousness that drove him to use art as a means of communication to enlighten those in the wider world and his wonderful use of light, color and texture. We examined his style comprising a juxtaposition of 'true life' painting within an impressionist nest of light, color and strong brush strokes. The sad end of Sorolla's life was brought into sharp focus at the end of the lecture. What stood out for me was the incredible warmth that this painter imbued in his art and the ways in which he invited participation from the viewer in understanding the messages he was clearly using his art to convey. Karla teaching style is enthusiastic and she is knowledgeable about her topics and clearly very moved by the subjects of her talks. Her studio atmosphere is relaxed and inviting of interjection and comment.Yes, I recommend her."

* Christopher H.A. Bell, B.Sc., M.B.A., M.Sc, Benissa

SOROLLA

"Loved it. It was the quickest 2 hrs I've known for a long time. We didn't appreciate before hand how he pushed the boundaries for his time. Karla's teaching style is down to earth & not 'high brow'
I recommend it."

* Helen Ellis, Cumbre del Sol

SOROLLA

I have learned lots and lots and lots! Very grateful for all the information and interesting anecdotes you imparted. Lots of lovely images which expanded enormously my knowledge of Sorolla's huge canon of work and his developing techniques. Loads of thanks. Recommended."

* Trevor Colgate, Benidoleig

SOROLLA

"I discovered about Sorolla's life and career path. His development as he progressed. Great illustrations of his developing style. Karla speaks in a way which is so expressive and exact in meaning. I find her information so easy to remember as she so pictorial with her words. I absolutely recommend her lectures."

* Wendy Loxley

ISABELLA

"I was keen to learn more about Isabella after attending a Javea Walk with Karla. Isabella was linked to the architectural styles of some of the buildings. Karla's lecture was really interesting. She told us about Isabella's life before showing us portraits to explain about the woman herself. I learnt a lot about the history of Spain as well as about the Queen. I have attended many of Karla's lectures - she has a vast knowledge of art that she kindly shares with her students. She makes the lecturers really interesting. I am so impressed that she lectures without notes.Yes, I would definitely recommend her teachings."

* Karen Stephens, Javea

JÁVEA WALK

"I learned about the 'Isabelline’ style church being a ‘joya’ and about importance of the expulsion of the mozarabes/moriscos in 1609-1613. I also learned about the important families of JÁVEA like the ship owners and the difference between a palace and mansion style house with or without ‘patio’ and direct sunlight. I learned about Roman fundamentos, Franco’s removed coat of arms at the patio Loreto, painters, Sorolla, and so much more!
Karla's teaching style is all about knowledge, dedication, and Energy! I would definitely recommend her teaching."

Ellen M.Stijn
Breukelen/Jávea

ISABELLA

"Karla has a knack of grabbing your attention from the off. This lecture on Isabella was no different. Delivered with a rich tapestry of anecdotes and knowledge that comes with a wealth of experience. Without realising it, I found that I was soaking up history like it was blotting paper. Much more interesting than my school lessons. Karla's teaching style is Informative and fun. "

Well done Karla.
Helen Baxter - Benitachell

ISABELLA

So much enjoyed this presentation about Queen Isabella with a new theme: one historic figure illustrated and coming 'alive' by paintings, architecture, revivals and stories, stories, stories from current research and traditional history books. Brilliant. Fascinating and, as always, most pleasantly presented by Karla, who has a unique style of teaching. She is a down to earth presenter and a walking encyclopedia.

***** Trudi van Dorp, Benitachell

JAVEA WALK

"I have lived in Javea for many years but did not know much about the history of the town. Karla brought the past to life and linked the history to art and architecture of the times. I will now revisit the places we visited during the walk, particularly the museum, to learn even more. Karla is really good at explaining history and making it interesting."

Thank you Karla,
Karen Stephens, Javea

JAVEA WALK

"The walk opened my eyes to look in depth at many buildings I walk past all the time. The talk was absolutely fascinating and highly detailed. Karla communicates in a friendly and accessible manner; answering questions in an enthusiastic way that demonstrates her depth of knowledge and willingness to share her knowledge and encourage interest to those with her. Karla's teaching method is friendly and easy to understand. I recommend her lectures and walks."

Nicky Clark - Javea

JÁVEA WALK

"I learned about the history of the major buildings in the old town. I have been on similar walks in the past but I felt this was more informative and spontaneous. I like the way Karla uses modern phrases that are succinct with their meaning. I would certainly recommend her teaching."

***Wendy Loxley, Javea

JÁVEA WALK

"We had a very enjoyable morning with Karla wandering the streets of the pueblo that we have walked many times before, but this time with fresh eyes and ears. We learnt so much on our walk, about Valencian Gothic, including Isabelline architecture. We also learnt about the three great periods of prosperity in Javea. Each period contributing to the architecture that surrounds us in Javea, the reason why Javea is considered to be an architectural gem.. the use of tosca stone, unique to this area.... and why a raisin or pasa , became known as a sultana!

We love Karla’s art lectures and now we love the walks as well. Karla has an inimitable teaching style that raises smiles at the same time as educating. I would definitely recommend her teachings. "

Gladys and Ian Cummings

JAVEA WALK

"I learned many interesting facts about the life of Javea - the importance of raisins etc in the wealth of this town. The difference between palaces & mansions, use of tosca, Franco’s memorial & more. Karla's style of teaching is knowledgeable & enthusiastic. I would recommend it"

Jo Connell, Moraira

JAVEA WALK

"I learned about the origins of the building that is now the covered market and more about the 'Franco' memorial and the Bolufer and Arnauda mansions plus loads more. I had always wondered why the churches in American cowboy films looked like those in our small Spanish village and now I know why! Karla has a relaxed approach to her teaching with plenty of interesting facts. I definitely recommend her classes."

James Ward in Javea

JAVEA WALK

"I learned a lot about architecture in the Old Town of Jávea. I have lived here now for 13 years and have discovered a lot of treasures over time, however, Karla's tour opened my eyes even more to historical details and the beautiful architecture (e.g. the church, the market hall, and the numerous mansions and palaces with an inner courtyards). What a 'rich' place we live in. I appreciate Karla's huge knowledge about art and architecture as well as her ability to draw attention to details. I absolutely recommend her teaching."

Karla - thank you for this wonderful tour!
Angelika Goette, Jávea

JAVEA WALK

"Being new to the area, Karla is opening up a whole new culture for me. I feel I'll be "more at home", more comfortable with my Spanish surroundings. She's so natural with her knowledge. She's a pleasure to listen to. I definitely recommend her"

Jo Jouas, Denia

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