Joaquín Sorolla: Beach Scenes

Joaquín Sorolla once said, “I could not paint at all if I had to paint slowly. Every effect is so transient, it must be rapidly painted.”

To create each of his bright paintings, Sorolla would spend hours in the full glare of the sun, painting happy beach scenes in his native East Spain. These vibrant, vital paintings make use of a blonde palette—lead white and pastel colors that together create a sense of shimmering, dazzling sunlight.