Blog

This past Friday, Lorie, Ric and I drove to Juan Gonzalez and painted Capilla del Señor del la Piedad. The only entrance to this little pueblito was to cross the river in Ric’s truck. The day was sunny and we were treated to unique and different architecture with interesting wall designs and church tower.

I was intriqued with the surrounding wall and  shadows.

 

On the gate of the wall, it says “El Corazon del Jesus” written in a combinatión of words and sculpture.

We were surrounded all afternoon with interested bystanders, children, sheep, goats and horses. This all adds to the charm of the Plein Aire experience.

 

I am getting more pleased with looseness and light.

Another set of classes has started with newbies and experienced painters….Successful outcomes with new techniques and Concentration!

   

 

I also used an example of 2 paintings as a lesson in composition.: one I started and realized the focal point was dead center, a nono. The second is more successful.

New classes will restart early February and all of March.   Join us.

As you know, my neighbor and friend , Lorie Topinka, and I paint every Friday. She updates our adventures on www.capillasma.org.

This past Friday we visited Vivienda de Arriba and found Capilla de Senor Ecco Homo. We painted plein air while many caballeros came riding through the town on their way home from several days at St. Martin.

St. Martin has become one of the most familiar and recognizable Christian saints and he is honored in the Roman Catholic Church on November 11th of each year. In Central Mexico, St. Martin’s Feast is an annual religious celebration and pilgrimage of thousands on horseback coming from all four corners of the state of Guanajuato as well as the neighboring ones to receive special blessings for both horse and rider after the long trek.

      Capilla de Senor Ecce Homo

This painting I did on site.

However, I was not happy with the tightness of the piece. The front stone wall was also too dark. So I painted the scene again at home.

Personally, I am happier with the looseness and lightness of this painting.

Below is a little painting of children which I found endearing and could not pass up the chance to paint.

 

Watercolor classes have been successful and busy. Almost painting everyday. Here are some recent paintings to share that are now in the San Francisco Gallery in centro and at the Fábrica Aurora Annex.

 

The focus above was a limited palette and strong shadows. Textures of aging walls and cobblestone streets of San Miguel  are always fun to paint.

 

 

Another painting of Calzada de La Presa. Cool shadows on warm colors is a complimentary palette.

 

Day of the Dead celebrations filled San Miguel November 1 and 2. I completed a few paintings of scenes from the cemeteries to commemorate these important dates and events. Again, the color field  is warm ; marigolds are the dominant flowers used for decorations.

In this painting I tired to use the warm and cold color scheme again: purples and oranges. The Abuelita in the foreground is arranging the flowers for her ancestors.

Lorie and I and a painting student of mine, Rick Wendling, recently visited this bridge, San Rafael, to paint. Soon after Saul and I kayaked there to see it from the water. Nothing replaces Plein air for a wonderful, meditative afternoon.

Visit Lorie’s Blog capillasma.org for more details about the importance of this bridge and the Camino Real.

I will frequently be posting more paintings for sale and exhibit at the gallery.

Best,

Linda

It is an exciting time in San Miguel..Day of the Dead celebrations  November 1 & 2 and pre- events and post events. Susann Santiago posted a wonderful opening at Fabrica Aurora for the traditional, well-atended Art Walk. The gallery featured works from all represented artists as well as an altar honoring her mother.

 

It is my pleasure to offer sales of our book Capillas of San Miguel de Allende: a Legacy of faith, watercolor classes, Tours of the Capillas from our book and computer graphic design for your book or brochure. Please check frequently for news and updates on workshops and tours.

I am now represented at the San Francisco Gallery in Centro San Miguel and the San Francisco Annex at Fabrica Aurora.

You can usually find me at the annex teaching on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Please stop in to say hello.

Linda