Joaquim Vayreda facts for kids

Joaquim Vayreda; portrait by Antoni Caba (1870)

Joaquim Vayreda i Vila (born May 23, 1843 – died October 31, 1894) was a famous Spanish landscape painter. He was first inspired by the Barbizon school of art. Later, he helped start the important Olot school of painting.

About Joaquim Vayreda

Joaquim Vayreda was born in Girona, Spain. His family was originally from Olot, but they had to move to Girona. This happened because their home was destroyed during the First Carlist War. A year after Joaquim was born, his parents moved back to Olot. They tried to rebuild their lives there.

Early Art Lessons

Joaquim's father loved drawing. When he saw that his son had a talent for art, he encouraged him to copy drawings. Joaquim started his first art lessons at just nine years old. He went to the drawing school in Olot, run by Narcís Pascual i Sala.

In 1860, Joaquim went to Barcelona to study philosophy. But he spent his free time learning to paint with Ramon Martí Alsina. Martí Alsina taught him how to paint landscapes outdoors, a style called plein air. This means painting outside, directly from nature.

First Exhibitions and Success

Joaquim had his first art show in 1865. The next year, he started showing his work regularly at the Sala Parés. He began to attract many customers from wealthy families.

He had to live in France for a short time after the Revolution of 1868. While there, he learned about the Barbizon school of landscape painting. He also met Josep Berga i Boix, who would later work with him on several projects.

Starting the Olot School

When Joaquim returned to Spain, he and his brother Marian started a new art style. This style became known as the Olot school.

In 1872, Joaquim became the Deputy-Mayor of Olot. But he resigned after only three months. This was because the Third Carlist War began. He went back to France and stayed there until 1877.

Three years later, he joined with Josep Berga i Boix and others. They created a special workshop for religious images called "Els Sants d'Olot." He also worked for the city again from 1881 to 1883. From 1891 until he died, he was a Provincial Deputy in Manresa. He helped write the Catalan Regional Constitution. He also wrote articles about politics for local newspapers. Joaquim Vayreda died in Olot when he was 51 years old.

Joaquim Vayreda's Artworks

Vayreda's early paintings were mostly religious scenes. He also painted costumbrismo, which shows everyday life and customs. Later, he focused only on landscape painting. His art is seen as an early example of avant-garde art in Spain. Avant-garde means new and experimental ideas in art.

Olot Landscapes

His "Olot Landscapes" look like a Catalan version of the artist Camille Corot. This was especially true after he learned about the Barbizon school. His paintings often use colors like browns, ochers (yellow-browns), greens, and other earth tones.

Some of his famous works include Procesión de colegialas (Procession of Schoolgirls), La siega (The Harvest), La primavera (Spring), Los primeros pantalones (The First Trousers) from 1871, El bautizo y el verano (The Baptism and Summer) from 1877, and Flores de abril (April Flowers) from 1881. Besides oil paintings, Vayreda also made ink drawings, watercolors, and etchings. Some of his works were painted together with his brother, Marian.

Selected Paintings

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  Sorrow

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  The Beginning of Spring

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  Summer Blooms

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  Procession of Schoolgirls

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  On the Terrace

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  Spring

See also

In Spanish: Joaquín Vayreda para niños

• Marian Vayreda i Vila, Joaquim's brother