You may have noticed I used the word stumble in my title to speak about the art studio I had the privilege of seeing yesterday. Stumble is the correct word. I am not the type who goes actively looking for art. I like it, sure, but I don’t know much about it except that when it’s in a museum, I’m supposed to like it and sometimes I do. I have never actually talked to an artist, though, until yesterday.  I met this wonderful artist in Seville, Spain, in a guitar studio one day, and she told me about an art exhibition she was having in Seville. I, of course, could not go, because I was busy. What else is new? I think I had a barbeque to go to or something. Fortunately, she invited me to her studio at a later date.  Meet Antonia:

Like most really amazing people I meet, I found myself feeling glad I had met her before I knew how truly talented this woman happens to be. Antonia is friendly and down-to-earth; I liked her instantly. However, if I had seen her art first, I might have been too intimidated to write this article! I know nothing, and she has dedicated her life to art in many forms, is well-studied, talented, and, well, she seems magic. As she explained some of the history of what she has done and showed me the evolution of her work in ceramic, sculpture, and painting, I could see, hear, and feel the way her art has changed through the years. When she first started seriously painting, she started with Flamenco themes. Check these Flamenco paintings out as examples of this particular genre.  Look for movement, energy, emotion, strength, and passion communicated through colors…

Every one of Antonia's paintings has its story, but for now, let's settle for looking at Flamenco dance as seen through her eyes...

Look at the motion in the feet of this dancer...

Antonia has also painted nudes. My favorite is titled Fluir. This indicates a flow, a blossoming, a beginning of thoughts or emotions, and renewal. Many of us can recognize this experience: there are moments in our lives when we are somehow closed-in emotionally, unable to realize what we want or need in life, and unaware of the possibilities that exist for us….and then…..we begin to leave that state! It is a freeing feeling. This painting depicts leaving a blocked state and moving towards freedom and discovery.

Antonia’s latest paintings are landscapes. Check these out, too. If I could, I would buy all of her paintings and give them to you each of you as gifts. (Nah, on second thought, I'd be more likely to keep most of them:) They are so beautiful!

Well, folks, I haven’t done Antonia Jaen’s work justice, but I’ve tried. I just wanted you to meet her and see her paintings, like I did yesterday. I wish you could have come with me to her studio yesterday. It was so great! If you want to see more, check out her website at www.antoniajaen.com and her blog at http://antoniajaen.blogspot.com/.   Her next art exhibit is in Menorca in April. Love to see you there…

Dr. Debra Payne Chaparro is the Living in Spain Editor for Wandering Educators.