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.
que bonita es el valle de etla
ken
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.
something switched with my taste buds, and now they are so delicious, I could eat a whole bag of them (like popcorn)!
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.
¡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.
I love how the old fashioned ways of cooking still live in soledad etla. these men bring the wood for cooking to the kitchen.
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.
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.
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
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.
New Woodcut – Morning Run In The Bluegrass
US Route 62 goes through some beautiful parts of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region. The long views of fences, barns and horses, running in the fields are spectacular.
I wanted to capture that feeling with my latest woodcut.
If you’d like one of these hand pulled woodcuts (and also support my work!) you can order one through my online gallery, or with the button below
