Mexico travel sketches - Melaque

 These are some of the travel sketches while we were in Melaque Mexico visiting with Ken and Marg. The first is a sketch that I did in a small format to work out a larger one I was going to give as a thank you gift (see previous post).

The middle sketch is of a pickle ball tournament we were in (our first). As usual the players were gracious and inclusive. We had a great time especially as Gord and his partner came in first for the men. It was a fun tournament and the prize (besides bragging rights) was a jar of pickled asparagus! 

 The third sketch is of a beautiful beach Ken and Marg took us to (Tenacatita). I had to correct the spelling on my page. It was stunning, calm and great for snorkeling.

A Gratitude Gift in Melaque, Mexico

Gord and I joined my brother and sister-in-law (Ken and Marg) for a week in Melaque, Mexico. They had already been there for 3 weeks and we just did whatever they were doing including Spanish lessons. Juan Emmanuel was giving them private lessons for an hour each day so we joined in (I was way behind them but enjoyed trying to figure out what I could). I painted a small water colour sketch of their home in my sketch book. then painted a larger one and put it in a frame we brought. They were confused as to why I would paint their house, then extremely grateful when they realized it was a gift for them that I had personally painted. The bright white nose and marks on our heads is just the sunshine (great placement!). It was wonderful to get a photo with the whole family.

The painting on the right is the original ink and water colour sketch of their home, Our lesson was usually on the upper floor balcony. They also had rental units in the building and a laundry service.

We had a great time with Ken and Marg and the week flew by! Marg is also an artist so we were quick to bring out our sketch books whenever we could. 

Duck's View

"Duck's View"

16" x 20" Oil on 3/4" canvas with painted sides

#20114217

I love the look of bullrushes; how solid, fluffy and soft they look. I made the mistake of bringing some into my house once and I had the seeds (fluff) everywhere. They are definitely something to enjoy outdoors in their natural environment.

Holiday Reflections

"Holiday Reflections"

12" x 36" Oil on canvas with 1 1/2" deep painted sides

#20107217

This painting is of the channel view in front of the apartment we rented when we enjoyed a holiday in Edinburgh, Scotland. Lucy, Gord and I toured around for 4 days. Other than suffering colds we had a really enjoyable time travelling around the city enjoying the sights, sounds, scotch, castle, museums, walking and food. This painting is quite a bit darker, particularly the buildings but the camera keeps lightening it up. It is more of an evening painting but looks daytime tin this photo.