The People

Romani — Percent Christian: 82%, Percent Evangelical: 1.5%

Originally from India, they were originally called Dom, which evolved into Rom. Today they prefer the name Romani. They are scattered throughout the world, especially in Europe and the Middle East. Flamenco originated from the Romani people.

The Painting

Oil on canvas, 30 x 30 inches

Flamenco dancing is the epitome of exotic romanticism. This art form derives from a fusion of Gypsy culture with the Moorish and Sephardic cultures of Andalusia. As such it was the art form of the perpetual outsider in Christianized Spain. This popular subject has captured the imagination of realist painters such as Sargent (El Jaleo, Capri and Spanish Dancer).

In painting the peoples of the world, I usually have to seek out the subjects. I regularly paint at the Art League in Alexandria, Virginia and in the spring of 2024 I took a plein air course. Unfortunately the on the first day of classes, it rained and we had to paint from a photograph.

During the class, I heard the sound of flamenco music and dancing in the class next door. Providentially Mariana and her guitar player were performing and posing for another class, and they allowed me to observe and take some reference photos.