El Greco's Toledo really reminds me of Santa Fe. Driving up into the mountains and coming upon the city - this was my impression - even though in reality I was looking down at the city - or just a few buildings. Otherwise the city was enshrouded in clouds, as I had written awhile back, which created the illusion that the city towered into the clouds, since it seemed the mountain tops poked through the fog as well. Why didn't I try to photograph it? So that I could paint it. In my mind, I continue to imagine it looks like Toledo. I drove by Toledo years ago, and the Spanish city does look like the painting, although the day was crisp and clear, and very sunny - not at all as nostalgic as El Greco's composition.
Searching for photos, I came upon this painting by Beverly Decker, entitled "Sunlit Hills" which happens to be a view of Santa Fe. This comes close to my impression, although I was in New Mexico in February, and there was snow cover. I think I must have been having a mystical experience as I drove. New Mexico is very spiritual and enchanting you know.
I love El Greco's work. I first became aware of his art a number of years ago when one of his paintings inspired the work of a well known composer.
ReplyDeleteI like the painting you posted of Beverly Decker. Both Toledo and Sunlit Hills remind me of one of the greatest opening lines from a short story in all of literature. Poe's Fall of the House of Usher: "DURING the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country; and at length found myself, as the shades of the evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher."
Spiritual & mystical...book me a ticket please!
ReplyDeleteI love El Greco, but am not sold on Beverly Decker.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to visit NM. Almost went there one year for their hot air balloon festival.
I grew up with an inexpensive copy of El Grecos Toledo in our family room. It was the frequent setting of all my scary dreams as a child. I look at it now and think that its beautiful and romantic.
ReplyDelete