A few days in a cabin in Sierra de Álvarez, San Luis Potosí

Pen&ink and watercolor on A6 cotton Hahnemühle sketchbook 

 We stayed in a cabin in Sierra de Alvarez, one hour away driving from the city of San Luis Potosí. We’ve been very active socially and we needed to recharge batteries for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with family. From the balcony of our bedroom, on the lower floor of the cabin, we had this view. 

Pencil, watercolor and color pencils on HP watercolor paper 10 in x 7 in

We saw the fog pass by early morning, that is the humidity coming from the Gulf of Mexico on the East. The fog never crosses the Sierra Madre chain of mountains. Therefore this woody area remains green and the city of San Luis Potosí, which is to the West across the mountains is very dry. 

There are grey and white boulders and rock formations at the right of the sketch above, which gives this place the name “El valle de los fantasmas”, the valley of ghosts, because at night they stand out in the darkness. My brother brought his binoculars, we were prepared for the lack of internet and cell phone signal. We watched cows, horses, dears, squirrels and Mexican jays most of the days, Mexican jay is a bird from the family of crows with Celeste and grey plumage. We also saw bats at night!

Pen&ink and watercolor on A6 cotton Hahnemühle sketchbook

The firewood stove kept us warm. I made a sketch of the stove which was a night and morning savior. So I made a sketch of the cabin, the view and the interior, while we enjoyed the silence and peaceful time, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Repairing reading glasses

Pen&ink and watercolor on A6 cotton Hahnemühle sketchbook 

 After dropping the Christmas postcards that I sketched at the post office,

 I stopped at an optic store near by and asked if they repair glasses frames. I damaged the hinge of the only reading glasses I brought with me. A nice senior welcomed me in  the store and told me he could do it and asked me to return in an hour but I chose to stayed there. While I waited I sketched the place without my the reading glasses they were repairing and I needed to sketch, oh boy here it goes. The glasses were repaired in just 30 minutes for only 3 USD! I showed the inked sketch to the senior man, he was delighted. I was delighted also and told him about how nice it was of him taking the time to dress so nicely with suit and tie to work, I, as a costumer appreciate it. He humbly thanked me for the comment, there was pride on his face.

I left the store very happy with my repaired glasses, able to see world again and sketch it.

Meet up with USk of San Luis Potosí

Pitt oil base pencil and watercolor on A6 cotton Hahnemühle 

 Today I met with de urban sketchers of San Luis Potosí. It’s been a joy to watch the group grow through the years, with more members and more diverse. I felt welcomed by the group and by creator of this chapter Nadia Samarina. 

Pen&ink and watercolor on A6 cotton Hahnemühle sketchbook

The manager of the place asked the group to sketch upstairs, on the second floor. They view was limited so I focused on Luis Manuel and Isabel who were across the table from me. It took me 45 minutes. Then I went to the ground floor’s courtyard, it took me another 45 minutes to do the top sketch. It was a beautiful place, beautiful people, nice music and good coffee.

It was the farewell to this year 2022! Thank you USk SLP!

Atole and tamale vendor.

Fineliner and watercolor on A6 Hahnemüle cotton sketchbook 

 My appointment was 9:25 am but I was there at 8:30 am. The cold mornings in winter means business for atole and tamales vendors. They know where long waiting lines in downtown San Luis Potosi city, they are all over. Atole is a hot sweetened drink made with corn dough or corn starch flavored usually with fresh fruit. It is a convenient way to stay warm while you wait in line, service is fast, food is delicious and it’s easy on the pocket! How much you wonder? 0.75 USD each. That’s a steal!

Postcards

Watercolor over ink 

Ink over watercolor

 I sketched some postcards of the city of San Luis Potosí. I enjoy doing this and let someone we love or appreciate we are thinking of them. Unfortunately the post service in Mexico might take a long time, but still I would like to receive one, even if it arrives late. Well here they go!

Unwanted attention

Pen&ink and color pencils on A6 Hahnemühle cotton sketchbook 

 Laughter, loud laughter is a constant when we met with my Mexican family at restaurants. I got use to heads turning to us because we could be loud occasionally. It’s a good thing because we are enjoying each other’s company but people react differently to the laughter at our table, either they are surprised or they just smile at us. We can’t help it.

Jardín de Tequisquiapan in San Luis Potosí city

 

Pen&ink and watercolor on A6 Hahnemühle cotton sketchbook

This is one my favorite parks in the city of San Luis Potosí. It seems to be busy all Sunday long. After brunch with family and watching a World Cup soccer match on tv, we headed to this park and stay there for a while to relax and to sketch of course. I always though that those giant fountain flowers were oversized for the park but they are so “sketchable”! It is until I was sketching this view that I observed that there are so many especies of trees. The monument to the Mother was made of marble, it has a shade of blue and the light of the sunset was reflecting also on it, so it made it quite interesting.

The Kiosk of Musicians in Plaza de Armas, San Luis Potosí city.

 

Pen&ink and watercolor on A6 Hahnemühle cotton sketchbook 

I met with Nadia Samarina in downtown San Luis Potosí. Every time I visit this city she’s kind to find time to meet with me and sketch together. She let me chose the place, the Kiosk of Musicians in Plaza de Armas. I’ve never done this structure. As I was sketching I read one the names displayed on the side of the kiosk I was sketching, it shows Genaro Codina. It was the name of the street where I grew up in Zacatecas city, what a coincidence!

After sketching we went for a coffee where Nadia’s work is displayed and for sale. Her work is wonderful. It is at this Cafe were she gave me a book she published this year, a book of sketches of San Luis Potosí, sponsored by San Luis Potosí city’s government. What a gift! It was a pleasant surprise since I’m an admirer of her work.

Nadia Samarinda’s book.

Before leaving the place we took a selfie to remember our encounter. We’ll meet again for sure, Nadia is a very talented artist and always great company. And yes, we both cut our hair short without knowing each other did, great minds think alike! Ha!

Nadia and truly yours at the cafe. Her work displayed in the background.

Former Hacienda La Labor del Rio, San Luis Potosí

 

Pitt oil base pencil and watercolor on A6 Hahnemuhle cotton sketchbook

A man was fixing the light outside the church of the former Hacienda La Labor del Río, close to balneario de Lourdes Hotel. Inside the humbled decorated church, a woman was swiping the decaying stone floor. Only two people were in this place of what it seemed like the main square, perhaps the only one. The hollow building in front of me was actually just a wall, the front wall of what it used to be a building. 

The silence of this place is gold, of course it’s a matter of perspective. Perhaps for the inhabitants of this village, noisy festivals are welcome and look forward to, but for us, the sound of the wind and one single broom’s rhythmic sound was quiet enough. Sketching went fast. 

Pen&ink and watercolor on A6 Hahnemuhle cotton sketchbook 

We left the village. We found a herd of cows and calves on the road to the highway. They stopped one by one on the middle of the road while crossing it to take a look at us very curiously. A photo at home was used to make this last sketch on this mini getaway

. 

Lourdes Baths, outside San Luis Potosí city, Mexico

 

Pen&ink and watercolor on A6 Hahnemühle cotton sketchboook

After catching up with family and friends in the city of San Luis Potosí, we headed to Balneario de Lourdes outside the city. It has been one of my favorite spots to visit to have a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The former Hacienda is rich in history. The hotel was built after the discovery of hot springs which was and still it is believed to have healing properties. I sat outside our bedroom to this view in the early morning. The sounds of birds and a little fountain woke up my senses, the fresh air seemed to be a favorite of many butterflies of all sort of sizes flying by. The restaurant was already open but I asked for a cup of coffee to be brought to my seating area in this hallway. Breath in, breath out, sketch, go.

Centro Histórico CDMX, The House of Tiles.

 

Pen&ink and watercolor on A6 Hahnemuhle watercolor sketchbook.

This is the last drawing I did in Mexico city, for now. We stopped few days in this city before our final destination. We ate at the Sanborns de los azulejos, the house of tiles. A beautiful old building in downtown on Madero street. We sat at the central courtyard, and although the is a beautiful fountain on one of the walls covered with Día de Muertos ornaments and offerings, looking up there’s this view which shows part of the beauty of this colonial gem, one of many palaces in downtown Mexico City. Mexico city is known, after all as the city of palaces.

This is a wrap up for the first part of my sketches in Mexico City, all in downtown. On my way back to home, I’ll stay more days in this beautiful city in another neighborhood. I can’t wait. Stay tune.

Centro Histórico of CDMX, Palace of Fine Arts

Pen&ink and watercolor on HP watercolor paper 10 in x 7 in

 A cup of coffee that I forgot to drink while I was sketching, and overhearing the revealing confessions of a young gay boy to his friend, made this unbelievable view at the Cafe on top of the Sears store an unforgettable experience. I bought a book about the Palace of Fine Arts. I try to buy books of places I visit as souvenir whenever it is available. This book shares very interesting facts about the construction’s history and the meaning of some architectural elements. We also took the 1:00 pm free tour of the theater’s interior with an English speaking guide who mention two of the most visually beautiful elements, the stain glass dome and the Tiffany’s glass stage curtain, which make this building a work of art itself.

Very few popular artist have been allowed to perform here, it’s after all a venue for Fine Arts, but they have made some exceptions, for the joy of some and for the unfairness of others. 

Centro Histórico CDMX, Postal Palace

 

Pen&ink and watercolor on HP watercolor 10 in x 7 in

This building in downtown Mexico City is very beautiful but very overwhelming to sketch. This sketch doesn’t make it any justice. This is the side where all windows for mail and parcel are. I sketched just part of it. The stairways where the elevators are have a metal work so detailed, it remains me of the Rookery in the City of Chicago. It’s so worthy of a visit.

Centro Histórico CDMX, Monumento a la Revolución.

 

Pencil and watercolor on A6 Hahnemuhle cotton sketchbook

I did the self tour fast, very few people were there. The elevator takes you to the top tear and from there, if you want to go to the top of the dome, you have to use the spiral staircases, 132 steps. Mmhh, no thanks, how much different the view can it be, I was already in the top tear, the sickness of altitude was already affecting me in the past few days. After my visit, I found a corner where to sketch, I really wanted to sketch the whole monument but some trees and some canopies where there so they added a little bit of interest to the composition.

Centro Histórico CDMX, Zócalo

Pen&ink and watercolor on HP watercolor paper 10 in x 7 in

 Plaza Constitución AKA Zócalo in México City was full of tents from the events on the weekend. I also  wanted to sketch the Cathedral Metropolitana, this last one was all covered with scaffolding. So I found this view in a corner near Zocalo next to some police officers on watch, whom made me feel very comfortable. On the sketch from left to right, Torre Latinoamérica, one of the bell towers on the Cathedral and La Parroquia de la Asunción AKA Sagrario Metropolitano.

On the same spot 180°, I sketched quickly this was the view of Calle Moneda.

Pen&ink and watercolor on A6 Hahnemühle cotton sketchbook

Zacatecas city street view

Pen&ink and watercolor on CP watercolor paper 9 in x 6 in

This part of the city is consider the historical center of the beautiful city of Zacatecas. The Fountain in the sketch is the Founders Fountain. This is also the neighborhood where I grew up and lived in up to the age of 8 years. Many things have happened since then, but this neighborhood is preserved almost exactly as I remember it, except that where there used to be homes now there is eateries, stores or shops. When I was exploring the area online, I could see that the same ice factory remains open to this day! We didn’t have a refrigerator, so mom used to send us to the ice factory to buy ice which they always broke into smaller pieces with an ice pick and we carried back home in the pitcher we brought with us. Fresh drinks everyday! Good stuff.

Cafe

Pen&ink, watercolor and color pencils on HP watercolor paper 10 in x 7 in

I thought about doing this sketch with less intense watercolor washes. There’s something very agreeable about this. First I applied a light wash to set the ambiance of the place. I used yellowish wash on the right, the light coming through the big windows lighted the ride side on this view. And during the same wash I applied a bluish wash on the left and let the washes merged at the center. I used color pencils to fill the foods and drinks displayed, it seemed convenient. Few people were seated, most customers came in and out, that seems to be the pace of life here.

People’s feelings and behaviors.

NOSTALGIA

I knew I had a bunch of sketches of people I’ve done randomly in small sketchbooks, A6 to be precisely. I found them and put them together in this post. The sketches were sketched from different sources, tv, internet, photo and live but they all have something in common. I think I choose them because they show various feelings and behaviors.

FEAR

HAPPINESS 

LOVE

DECEPTION 

COURTESY 

RELAXATION 

Summer

Watercolor and color pencil on HP watercolor sketchbook 10 in x 7 in 

Public places are fun to sketch. Some people like the sun, to sun bath in the sand of a beach and some others like me prefer the shade. I sketched this view under the shade of a tree. I was particularly observant of a kid who has never jump from the diving board. He was subject of jokes from his friends who were encouraging to jump. Over the course of the sketch, the kid not only jumped from the diving board, he also learned how to flip over forward and backwards, in a matter of minutes. That’s what friends are for. 

Watercolor and color pencil on A6 Hahnemühle sketchbook.

The camping site had lots of big old trees with lots of shade. I aimed to sketch that and for reference I adding a couple of RV in the view. I made two sketches of typical summer.

The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge

Mixed media on A6 Hahnemühle watercolor book 100% cotton

 A walk by the Riverwalk next to the Ohio River led me to this spot, where the view of the  Roebling Bridge is amazing. I was on the Cincinnati side, you can see the Ohio State flag waving under the American flag over the closer side on the bridge, on the other end of the bridge the Kentucky State flag is also waving. I spend over an hour sketching the bridge under the shade of a tree, first with pencil and then ink. I watercolored it later. Cincinnati is an unexpectedly beautiful city, hot, but beautiful.

A photo of me and the view was taken.

The Fountain Square in Downtown Cincinnati

Mix media on HP watercolor paper 10 in x 7 in

 The Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati is the hub for public events. The old fountain in the new square is so beautiful, it’s known at the Tyler Davidson Fountain. I sketched it from the small tables and chairs next to it one morning. I could feel some mist from the water fountain in my hands but it didn’t affect the watercolor paint applied on my sketch. Sketching slows you down, I observed the elements of the European fountain, from my view I sketched 3 boys in the lower level, one riding a dolphin, one playing with ducks and another riding a turtle. The design was based on the pleasures of water but by today's society standards it looks like these boys are torturing animals, ha! The next level shows a farmer aiming to the sky for water and a mother leading his boy to the bath. At the top level is a woman generously giving water from her hands. I would say I accomplished the next image in 90 minutes on location. The background I finished later.

The Cincinnati Observatory

Mixed media on Hot Press watercolor 10 in x 7 in

 

It was our first stop in Cincinnati, the Observatory. I happen to sketch the old building where the newer telescope is (from early 1900’s), next to newer building that shows the older telescope. Yes, it can be confusing. Through the old telescope I saw the Sun, and there was a little dot that shows the relative size of the Sun compared to Earth. Shocking.

The two old big pines carefully trimmed and taking cared of, flanked the old Observatory, I was impressed of how beautiful there were.

The new 100% cotton Hahnemühle Watercolor Book

Pencil, Pentel pocket brush pen, watercolor and color pencil on A6 Hahnemühle Watercolor Book 💯 cotton.

 I have been using new art tools I was curious about. In this sketch (my hubby having breakfast in this month camping trip), I sketched everything in pencil, then I added watercolor and finally I used a Pentel pocket brush pen to highlight my husband figure. I wanted him to be the focal point and it kind of worked.

I’ll also mention that I’ve been using the A6 Hahnemühle portrait sketchbook. I used first the one made of cellulose but then I sketched in the newly released also Hahnemühle watercolor book100% cotton, and oh boy! What a difference. 

I used this last one to do the sketch above. The wet and wet technique came out nicely, just as expected, even though it is difficult to work with washes in smaller sketchbook sizes like the A6.

The size of this sketchbook is very comfortable, it’s 4 in x 5.75 in, a little bigger than the A6 Moleskine and A6 Stillman&Birn which both measure 3.5 in x 5.5 in but when it’s fully opened in feels considerably bigger that the last two, one whooping inch plus! Almost like sketching on and A5 size! Well done Hahnemühle!

Beware of raccoons, Starved Rock State Park

 We spent another couple of nights in a campground. First we stopped at the Washington Square Park in Ottawa, Illinois and I sketched these two statues, one of Lincoln and the other one of Douglas. They had a political debate for the seat of the Senate.

Pencil, pen&ink and watercolor on A6 Hahnemühle watercolor book

 Our destination was the Campground of Starved Rock Park State. A favorite park of locals and visitors out of state. We managed to score a reservation in mid of May, quite busy here. Since we had visited the park several times before, we opted for staying surrounded by trees and bushes in the campground watching and listening carefully to Mother Nature, breathing peace and resting.

Pencil, pen&ink and watercolor on A6 Hahnemühle watercolor book

At night, not later after we turned the lights off the lights, we could hear an animal sniffing so close, we were just separated by the thin wall of nylon (or polyester?) of the tent, both nights.

I asked the person at the register cabin an the entrance of the grounds if there were any recommendations, he said beware of raccoons, they know how to open coolers, they are very smart. So here it was, what I think it was a raccoon, looking for the food that it was safely locked in our car. 

I sketched the tent and the surrounding trees yesterday, then I added the strawberries and what was left of a raspberry cookie tart from brunch this morning. I thought the sketch needed red and it would go well with all that green of trees.

Garage band

 

Pencil and watercolor on A5 watercolor sketchbook

Is that time of the year when the garage band plays in the neighborhood. The band is formed by residents of the neighborhood and get together in the warm months to play for us. People line dance and have a good time. 

The green fire hydrant.

Pen&ink and watercolor on HP watercolor paper, 10 in x 7 in

The Fire Department in the neighborhood of San Marco in Jacksonville, Florida was one the sights I wanted to sketch. Today I did it from the comfort of my studio. This building is more beautiful than other fire departments I’ve seen in other places. It is located across the Balis Park. The location of elements is quite symmetrical, the building itself, the palmetto  trees framing the red door, and the  flag pole and the hydrant are located right in the middle. I liked how the two fire trucks are placed differently, one inside and other outside, and the tree in the right side of the sketch is darker in value than the wall in the left side, this adds interest to the sketch. However the man in dark blue balances the right side of the sketch. I didn’t  take the artistic liberty to change the color of the fire hydrant, I thought all fire hydrants were red, yellow and even orange, but this one was green blue-ish. That’s a nice change, so I let it be in my sketchbook.

Camping tent

 

Ink, pencil and watercolor on HP watercolor paper sketcbook 10 in x 7 in

It’s raining, and from the interior of our tent I’m posting this sketch done yesterday, before the rain. The first night I couldn’t sleep, all but unfamiliar noises, but last night I slept very well, the sound of the trees’ leaves was an excellent white noise to mask other sounds. This morning  the sound of the rain on our tent was so soothing. The smell of coffee made this morning quite enjoyable. It was however, the sight of a couple of deers, inked in white in the background of this sketch, the sight of a red head woodpecker, which we heard the soft sounds of it working day and night (how lucky!) and the visit of my sister in law were the highlights of our camping experience.