Friday, January 28, 2011

Chapel Dulcinea

Chapel Dulcinea, L. Daniel, 9 x 12

Yesterday our Plein Air Austin painting group met up at Chapel Dulcinea, a free, open-air wedding chapel in the hill country. The chapel is named for the love interest in the story of Don Quixote. Dulcinea is the peasant woman who unknowingly inspires all of Quixote's exploits (the "impossible dream" and "unreachable stars" are all for her). 

The chapel owners must be total romantics. They explain their connection to Cervantes' story this way (from their website):

"Don Quixote sees himself as her knight and champion, 
and Dulcinea as the most perfect woman on earth. 
Every groom is Don Quixote. And every bride, his Dulcinea... 
It is our hope that every visitor to Dulcinea will leave with a 
fresh commitment to see the beauty rather than the flaw, 
and the courage to follow the dream that whispers to the heart."

So inspiring... I love it that a place like this exists.

9 comments:

Marian Fortunati said...

That IS nice!!!

rosa said...

It´s VERY NICE. I am spanish, and y know the stroy of Dulcinea.

Pam Holnback said...

And I love that a piece like yours exists. (Ok, a little corny, but I had to say it!)

Marilyn Flanegan said...

Your lovely painting and message...pure romance.

Jerry Stocks said...

The painting is beautiful and the story wonderful.

Denise Rose said...

Very nice Laurel. I love the architecture of this. The roof color is fabulous too. Looks like it was fun to paint!

Barbara Muir said...

A gorgeous painting Laurel, and sweet story. It's important in marriage to see beyond the flaws. Especially our own. Lovely work.

XOXOXOXOXOXOBarbara

Debbi Smith Rourke said...

This is SO amazing and serendipitous. My dear friend Connie Moore Johnson got married there today to Ronnie Volkening!!! We just got back from their wedding reception held at the Thurman's Mansion next to the Salt Lick. The fact that you posted this on their actual wedding day is incredible. I will forward this to them. Is it sold???? xoxo

Angie said...

Very nice painting