Of course, I painted almost up until the time we left San Miguel, so I show here some of the sketches I brought home to either refine or repaint in my more comfortable larger sizes. I did get out with Frank Gardner a couple of more times--always great--and Bonnie visited his studio with me and fell in love with a print which we bought and which Frank is shipping home for us.
Atotonilco Gato
Oil on canvas panel 9X12
Frank took me over to this small town not far from San Miguel where there is a church that is visited by pilgrims from all over Mexico. The entire interior--walls, ceiling were painted by a preist who devoted his life to the effort. I took a number of photos including one of this church cat which emerged from the shadows to get some sun and pose for us. I haven't done many animals, but the contrasts here were so complelling, I couldn't resist.
Path to the River
Oil on masonite 8X10
On the way to Atotonilco, Frank took a back road which ran along a river. We stopped a couple of times to take photos. The wild flowers were still in bloom affording some interesting views. This is one that I found particularly attractive as there was a path apparently to the river just behind the treeline. I imagine this was used by farmers to lead cattle to a watering place.
Path to Santa Julia
Oil on masonite 9X112
I came across this while wandering around my colonia(neighborhood). Here was a field loaded with wildflowers which were so profuse that they almost hid the pathway to the adjacent colonia, Santa Julia, further up the hill. The roads are pretty steep over there, but the views back toward the city are spectacular. This means that the Americans will soon buy up the land and start moving in. Progress, I guess...
I have a lot of work ahead of me here, so I hope to be posting more regularly than I have been. The yen to get back to San Miguel will recur as the winter deepens. But that's OK--I have all those paintings started or in sketch form, so I shall revisit often, and bring you along, too.
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