Children on the Beach (After Sorolla)

I enjoyed this exploration of Joaquin Sorolla’s techniques in reproducing his "Children on the Beach." Sorolla, known as the Spanish master of light, influenced this painting where I captured the nostalgic moments of childhood while exploring his distinctive style.

On the advice of my art teacher Liza Visagie,  I approached the painting with a sense of bravado, allowing the brushstrokes to be visible and energetic, much like Sorolla himself.  This direct approach was essential for capturing the bright sunlight, the shimmering reflections on wet sand, and the joyful movement of the children.  I focused on the interplay of light and shadow, using a fairly high-key palette to convey the brilliance of a day at the beach.

In this reproduction, four children take centre stage in the foreground, three splashing joyfully in the water.  The fourth child, very close to the viewer with only her upper body showing, becomes a vibrant focal point with her golden blonde hair and billowing blue blouse.  Sorolla cleverly uses her to lead the eye deeper into the painting, where a wooden sailboat can be seen.  Further back, more children are splashing in the foam of a wave that is gently rolling in.

The scene portrays the light of a bright, luminous day.  The water itself is a beautiful mix of warm pinks mingling with cooler blues and mauves, painted with broad, loose brushstrokes that convey its movement and transparency.  The wet sand is rendered in a mix of bright and muted ochres, reflecting the abundant light.  The process was an exercise in capturing this light with confidence.

I’m pleased with how this reproduction expresses the spontaneity and delight of Sorolla's original.  Viewing it, I hope you feel the warmth of the sun and the carefree joy of childhood.

Note: Canadian copyright laws permit sales of reproductions following 70 years after the artist’s death.