The studio is up and running and I have started a couple of new pieces. It feels weird to have so much space after my tiny old studio. The open house will take place on March 6th & 7th- 10:30 to 4:30 each day. Everyone is welcome to drop in if you are in the area. Alan will open his studio to visitors too.

We're home from Mexico for 2 weeks now and we hit the ground running. I've been painting floors, doors and woodwork for too long- very anxious to get painting on an easel again. I plan an open house weekend so the local friends can come and see the new studio but I want to do at least one new painting in the new digs before that. Once I will have a date I will let everyone know- all will be welcome.
We still have to paint the exterior of the studio but that will wait for warmer weather. I also need to build a paved walkway from the house to the studio doors before I end up with a mud path. I was going to work on that today but it's raining. Maybe a good day to start that new painting!

I did this little painting a few days ago. I have no idea what kind of fruit it is- inside is like jelly with lots of seeds. The produce is amazing here in Mexico. I love this striped plate and have taken a lot of photos with it.

We had a great model at life drawing yesterday. Here's a couple of 10 minute drawings I did. My drawing skills are definitely improving from doing these sessions regularly. It's something I hope to continue when I get home

Yesterday we went to the blessing of the animals at the church. There were hundreds of people there and a multitude of dogs, cats, birds, lambs, goats and one scared rabbit. Blue was fancy in his flowered collar and dozens of people took his picture. He told me he wants his own blog now and maybe an agent but I said no.

Here is our neighbourhod of San Antonio, in San Miguel. Also a picture of Diane, Blue and I on our way to the Saturday market.

We had a violent storm yesterday with thunder, lightening, and torrential rain. Today was glorious- sunny and warm. Rick and I painted on the terrance all afternoon. Alan was feeling under the weather with the flu bug that everyone but me has been fighting. Up on the terrace we were seranaded by the cacophany of sounds that are San Miguel- roosters crowing, dogs barking, doves cooing, Spanish music wafting from passing cars and the cockateil from the next street over who does the same wolf whistle all day.

Tomorrow there is a blessing of the animals at a local church. We are told there will be lambs, goats, burros and lots of dogs and cats. Blue will go and be among the blessed. Photos will be coming of that.

Here I am painting in the courtyard at our rented house in San Miguel. We have been here for one week now. It's beautiful here but the weather has been disappointing. Not much sun so far and quite cold. I've done a couple of paintings but nothing worth putting on the blog yet. We have been to life drawing sessions, flaminco dance, and several tours. The architecture is spectacular and there will be tons of good material once the sun comes out. Tonight I'm going to a Chopin piano concert with a couple of friends.Blue is loving being a Mexican dog as we walk for miles every day.