Art by Diane Knight

A wonderful friend of mine in Todos Santos came by my studio one day and purchased one of my favourite paintings. The one of my studio called Purple Door Studio. She also purchased a slightly older painting called Flower Pot and commissioned me to do this one. I haven’t painted buildings, doors & bougainvillea for awhile so it brought me back to a previous style and technique. I just may have to go back to this once I’ve finished my ‘Series’ as I had so much fun. Loved the colours, the bougainvillea dancing on the wall, the shadows and the flower pot. Ohhh, I like painting flower pots!! The painting is untitled as I thought I should let the new owner name it. It wouldn’t exist without her!!

Untitled – Acrylic 30 x 24

Did  I ever mention that I don’t paint landscapes.  On my return to Comox I decided to take a landscape painting workshop because that’s what a lot of artists paint up here and quite frankly, what mostly sells.  I did give it a “serious effort” and ended up with Purple Punk Pollo (chicken for those who don’t speak Spanish).  I must say she did stand out in the class photo of our finished paintings.   Goes to show, everyone sees things differently.  That’s a good thing, right!!

Purple Punk Pollo

A year ago we spent three weeks in San Cristobal de Las Casas in southern Chiapas.  One of our side trips included a tour to Chamula, a town steeped in the old Mayan beliefs.  On the way back we made a stop in a town called  Zinacantan to visit a Women’s Cooperative.  This Cooperative did not carry as many of the original handcrafted items as others we had seen, but the children “helping out” their mothers were sure cute.  This young girl caught both of our eyes and hearts.

Mexico’s Future – Young Mayan Girl

Another Revolution Day painting.  This one of 2 young boys sporting two different styles of moustaches popular at the time of the Revolution in 1910.  Could they possibly be descendents of guerrilla leaders Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata.  Pancho Villa appeared to have the smaller moustache so I can only assume he is the hero of the young boy on the right.

Mexico’s Future – Revolution Day 2

I haven’t painted a “Series” before so this is another first.  I have been drawn to people the last few years and it appears, more so children.  So I have decided to do a series on Mexico’s future, which is of course, its children.  Where better to start than with Mexico’s past , the Revolution of 1910, with its annual celebration in November.  Mexico’s future, its children, dominate the day’s events steeped in history and tradition.  You can feel the pride and determination emanate from the Mexican people, especially the youth.  With the youth in many other countries appearing to have lost their way, Mexico indeed is a country to be looked up to and perhaps envied.

Mexico’s Future – Revolution Day 1

Hen 1 – Did you see that woman?  All decked out in her finest.
Hen 2 – Now, now my little voyeur.  You know it’s rude to stare.
Hen 3 – Well, I think I look pretty spiffy myself.
At least that’s what I thought they said.  My French isn’t as good as it used to be.

3 French Hens

A simple oyster shell washed up on the beach, majestically perched.  At least until the next wave hits.  And why can’t the beach be green!

Washed Up

Everybody loves a parade!  Parades in Mexico are the most colourful you will ever see and steeped in tradition.  The local children really steal the show with their enthusiasm and energy.  These 3 young girls were in their glory, all dolled up.  What girl wouldn’t be.

Dressed for the Parade

The highland Maya live within the rhythm of the seasons and keep up the elaborate round of religious festivals. Living between earth (tierra) and sky (cielo), and depending upon the sun and rain and fertility of the land, they have a deep respect for nature, and most households engage in the sacred duty of corn farming.  There is an elaborate calendar of celebrations. These vibrant fiestas turn even the remotest Maya village into an explosion of color and noise, with locals in wonderful costumes, traditional music and dances, processions, fireworks, horse races through the streets … It is a truly unforgettable experience. The colors and the movement drew me to paint these Mayan dancers.  As I studied their strong faces and traditional attire, my admiration and respect grew for this ancient culture that too few of us have the opportunity to experience.  They are indeed the lucky ones.

Mayan Dancers

We spent 3 weeks in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas in November, 2011.  While we were there, the anniversary of the Mexican Revolution was celebrated in the main square with lots of dancers of all ages.  The young girls and boys who participated were the most enjoyable to watch.  While normally it is prohibited to take photos of children in San Cristobal, the parents were quite willing to allow it on this day.  This was one of my favourites.  She looked so lovely and flowing in her traditional dress.

Young Dancer