KenSwinson.com

Author: Ken

  • Watching the Lunar Eclipse in Soledad, Etla

    photo of moon rising with animated stars over soledad etla oaxaca mexico

    I  can’t take good photos of the moon…some things just have to be experienced, not necessarily captured in a photo…i did want to share the beautiful view of the moon rising over the valley in Soledad Etla. It was breathtaking. It’s going to be a perfect night for watching the #eclipse. 

  • que bonita es el valle de etla

    animation of different landscapes in etla oaxaca mexico

    I love to visit the cities, but I also enjoy the small towns and countryside. Here are a few photos from my morning walks in Soledad, Etla, Mexico.

    panoramic photo of green field and church pinetas in reyes etla
    view from las pinas reyes etla oaxaca mexico
    spanish style church on a hill in reyes etla oaxaca mexico
    field in soledad etla oaxaca mexico with horse and tall trees, with mountains in the background
    workers in a field with mule pulling a cart in soledad etla oaxaca mexico
    a dramatic sky with a rainbow over soledad etla, oaxaca mexico

  • people change. try new things: chaupalines

    the people of Oaxaca enjoy a snack, called chaupalines (grasshoppers). they are roasted with chili and lime. over the 5 years of visiting Mexico, I have not been able to aquire a taste for them; until now.

    hand with fried grasshoppers

    something switched with my taste buds, and now they are so delicious, I could eat a whole bag of them (like popcorn)!

    animated gif of Ken Swinson eating grasshoppers

    it just goes to show that people change, and don’t be afraid to try something again…even when it didn’t work for you the first tries.

  • día en el barratillo

    no se como describir este lugar maravilloso. el mercado de animales. había vacas, cerdos, caballos, chivas, borregos, guajolotes, pollos, conejos. en camiones y con carretas de caballos. un foto. no puede compartir la experiencia… para artista es cielo! mucho inspiración para cuadros.

    livestock market in etla ,oaxaca mexico
    young cowboy with a horse in etla oaxaca mexico
    pig and lamb at livestock market in etla oaxaca mexico
    lambs at livestock market in etla oaxaca mexico
  • ¡Que rico es Soledad Etla!

    ¡Que rico es Soledad Etla!

    Breakfast in my neighborhood’s cocina…mexican eggs, black beans and hand made tortillas (corn, of course)…a little different from the pop tarts I am used to eating for breakfast.

    men with burros and firewood in soledad etla oaxaca mexico

    I love how the old fashioned ways of cooking still live in soledad etla. these men bring the wood for cooking to the kitchen.

    mexican food
    there’s nothing better than a fresh cooked tortilla!
  • Soledad Etla – First Impressions

    Soledad Etla – First Impressions

    My friend Leticia Gomez-Salinas is a Spanish teacher, who lives in Soledad Etla, a small village north of Oaxaca. She offers her students a unique opporunity to live with her family, in her village.

    new years eve with friends in soledad etla oaxaca mexico

    This is going to be a different experience, because her village does not have as many english speakers visiting from all over the world (compared to the capital city, Oaxaca) So I find myself using Spanish more often.

    It’s also a small town, which has a different dynamic than a bigger city. As an artist, i love the art in a big city, but prefer the relaxed and tranquil small town life (i’m the same way in Kentucky)

    Here’s a short video I made with my first impressions of Soledad Etla. There will be more to follow! Enjoy!

  • México city – short video

    on my way to Oaxaca, I spent half a day in Mexico city. this place has a Lot going on, and I was road weary from traveling but made this short video (and a few sketches) to share with you all.

  • drink the water

    Travel Update: I’m still in. cdmx, waiting for.my bus to Oaxaca. I have noticed that a lot of USA people warn me to “not drink the water” when I tell them I’m going to visit Mexico. I always let them know that I love Mexican water.

    photo of mexican water

    this brand of naturally occuring carbonated water comes from a spring in Mexico. and is one of the most delicious waters I have ever had… plain or with the salt and lime. I have already had 2 liters, and I feel better than ever! so my advice if you ever visit Mexico is: drink the water!

  • packing light – 7 weeks in Mexico with only carry on luggage

    I’m starting the new year with a 7 week trip to Mexico. I don’t want to have to carry a big suitcase around, so I narrowed my items to fit in a backpack and briefcase.

  • Sketching With The Ipad – on Old US ROUTE 62 -Old Washington, KY

    Sketching With The Ipad – on Old US ROUTE 62 -Old Washington, KY

    Everyone has their own artmaking technique. Before I start a project, I draw with whatever tool I have available:

    • I like pencils and paper, for it’s tactile quality, the ablility to shade, and correct mistakes.
    • pens and markers for their lines, and no erasing keeps me from fiddling around
    • the ipad for the flexibility of digital…easy changes, video timelapse of workflow

    One tool i try to avoid is the camera. Regardless of what I am using, I want to draw from life. Years ago, I read a study about using a camera to look at art which suggested that we don’t fully experience a moment when we photograph it.Regardless of what I am using, I want to draw from life whenever possible. Years ago, I read a study about using a camera to look at art which suggested that we don’t fully experience a moment when we photograph it. I read another study that found drawing something helps us remember.

    For this drawing, I used an app, called procreate: THE best ipad app for drawing. It has a bonus feature of recording a step by step video…giving us a peek into my thought process while drawing.

    The finished artwork is going to be a woodcut–for my series about US Route 62.

    I love living in Old Washington. If I ever need inspiration, all I have to do is walk a few blocks from home. This row of buildings sit on the ORIGINAL US Route 62.

    The finished artwork is going to be a woodcut–for my series about US Route 62.