Practically on your first step into the Catalan capital, you'll find that the architecture here is truly out of this world. Or at least, out of this time! A lot of the most impressive structures that draw in visitors from around the world still showcase the gothic style. Painstaking symmetric yet completely ornate, they harken back to a more opulent time. And yet, even during these modern times, they still feel right. Very memorable and definitely Instagrammable! Now, drawing the same gothic style isn't the same as merely marveling at it in Barcelona. Challenge yourself and see if you can accurately draw the intricacy and symmetry of the style on paper!
One of the more famous people to ever have stayed in Barcelona was definitely Salvador Dalí. Known for his mastery of surrealism, he was one of many artists who changed the game during the early years of the 20th-century. And at that time, he spent a lot of his days traveling and walking through the streets of Barcelona. When making art inspired by the city, you shouldn't forget this icon. His style is so distinct and familiar, it'll be fun trying to imitate it and doing your best to copy it at home. Try it and see: are you a surrealist like Dalí?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Arguably, however, the artist most associated with Barcelona was Pablo Picasso. He lived here. He showed his first exhibitions here. And he helped transform the city from a mere capital of Catalonia to one of the art capitals in the world. Such is his fame here that many people flock to Barcelona just to walk in his footsteps. And if you're one of them, why not attempt to paint like him as well? While you're at home, with your own paintbrush and canvass, see if you can capture the cubism of the great artist. Perhaps it's here where you'll really appreciate how he really impacted art as a whole.
When you're in Barcelona, you'll find that there's a certain type of design that's all over the famous city. In fact, it's this design that you'll often see in people's social media posts about visiting Barcelona. What are they? They're mosaics. Practically the signature of Antoni Gaudí—arguably Barcelona's most famous architect—the colorful designs have defined the beauty of the city throughout all these years. And the best part is you can make some at home. Get pieces of stone and paint them, or smashed bits of colored glass, or even cut up some art paper, and make a whole new image out of 'em. Now, this craft will really test if you have a good eye for design!
Did you make a mosaic out of bits of smashed-up glass? Do you still have a few big pieces left? Don't throw them away! You can actually make another arts and craft project inspired by Barcelona: a stained-glass window! In fact, there are loads of ways you can do this. One is, of course, with the bits of glass you already have now. Or if you want a mater that's easier and safer to work with, you can cut up bits of multi-colored cellophane as well. And if you want to transform your entire home into one of those famous Barcelona churches, paint your windows away with the brightest of translucent colors!
Spain is known for its crafty cities and Barcelona is no exception. Beyond the famous monuments and legendary artists that used to walk these streets, there are many artworks both in the country’s many museums and even on the street! the city's residents also know a thing or two about art. And you can learn from them too, even from your own home. To get the feel of Barcelona in your own house, why not do pottery? Barcelonians have been doing it since the olden days and it continues to be one of their main crafts. As for you, all you need is some clay, your oven, and a pottery wheel and you're good to go!
Though it's not as popular a hot spot yet, the Babalà museum in Barcelona is one where you should go if you love art. Here, fascinating drawings, paintings, and sculptures offer a stunning look into the quirky artistic styles of Barcelona's modern-day art scene. And you know what? Copying their sculptures makes for a great arts and crafts project as well! With paper-mache, you can copy their almost Rodin-like stick figures and turn your home into a Babalà museum too. Just don't make them life-sized, else you want to always get scared at night when you walk past them going to the bathroom!
Source: Babalà
More than just the beauty of the city, Barcelona will inspire you to make all sorts of arts and crafts projects. You'll want to copy and reimagine all of what you've seen and read about here when you get home!
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