Artist are different...yes,,they are...

I began to seek my artistic abilities while living in England. Years had passed since I had "pen in hand" , so to speak, and besides I was bored out of my mind.  I had left two businesses and needed a challenge. I decided to stretch myself and talents and try to hone a talent I had long admired. What better place to pursue a "certificate" in watercolor, but England...the birthplace of some of the greatest watercolor artist.

My first instructor was a beautiful and talented lady that went from instructor to friend.....she was amazing and I loved her. I left shortly after I finished the program , but she was instrumental in making sure that all my work was presented to the board and that I received my certificate. Her style was flowing and soft, but she gathered punch by accentuating with dark.  We work set on wet and I will always remember her saying....."I feel a need for more water".  I carry with me many of her words and style in my work.

Today I took a class here in Mazatlan from an entirely different style of artist. Her technique is more dry and had to work hard not to spread my color with just a touch more water.

Many teachers have come my way and I know that I have forgotten much of what they have shared, but I always walk away with a new bit of knowledge and a new technique to reach the end product....a piece of work that is my own.

I thank them all for sharing their knowledge, their work, their talent and mostly their time.

Today's work is another Mazatlan scene...the Pacifico building.

Yes, I do paint here.....ummmm, see

Recently a "blog reader" ask me to share some of my own work on the blog.   I laughed....
"what do you do in Mexico", a frequent question....followed by, "You must paint a lot"....ummm

Each year I diligently pack my supplies and vow that this will be the year that I am prolific......so far...not so much, but I vow to do more. Well, after all, I am pretty busy here.....why just look at the photo's I post.

There comes the day when I settle in and pull the paints out and get to work and when I do, I am heavily influenced by my surroundings.

I love the tattered walls with their multi layers of colors; the narrow sidewalks with trees jutting from street and walkway; the vines that seem to stream from nowhere.

Everywhere I look is an inspiration; some I can capture and others remain illusive, but such is the beauty of art..

The piece I am working on is a street in El Centro that I have walked many times, and yes, the tree is in the street. Perhaps it was once a courtyard?

Am I finished with this....just not sure yet....time will tell.

I

February,First Friday Art Walk.....

POP.....CRACK......BANG.....FIREWORKS?????

It is always a treat to watch the sun set in Mazatlan. For the most part we get cloudless, blue skies so often we get the chance to watch the "green flash".  Locals and tourist alike perch on seawalls, gather in cafe's or just stop on the Malacon,  to watch another day laid to rest. Applause and cheers often follow the setting sun.......I wonder if we are thanking the Gods for another beautiful day or just for making it through another day....no matter, it is always a joy.

First Friday Art Walk in El Centro (old Mazatlan), is always an adventure, but sometimes we get an unexpected treat. Last night ,as we watched the setting sun, we heard fireworks off in the distance...not a particular odd occurrence here.....but as they came closer, they began to battle for our attention. Music was blaring, horns were tooting, crackers are popping and beautiful senorita's came rolling by on all matter of transportation. .....candidates for Mardi Gras waved from Pulmania's to Arriga's while energetic youth danced in the streets to Bando music. Ah, the beginning of Mardi Gras.  (you will get more on this later)

Many Gringa's and Grigo's have moved to Mazatlan, brought their amazing artistic talents as well as their ability to restore some of the incredible homes in old town.   We feel honored to be able to stroll through their homes/studios , chat with the artist, drink wine and become a part of this amazing community. One of my favorite homes is that of David and Nan Robb. They moved here from Arizona, bought a home, renovated it and never looked back.  Their art is astounding and their home is amazing. I can just see myself taking a dip in the pool after a hard day of painting.....sigh....

As the sunsets, the streets get dark, the art lovers, (full of free wine), stroll the streets, chat about the art and homes, and look forward to another magical night in paradise.......I never miss a one.

I leave you with one more shot of a favorite studio and the atrium that beckons me to sit and enjoy a evening of the music of the frogs and maybe a little Sangria.