Wannabe artist...

Half-way through the rainy season in Mexico, and all around nature is blossoming – how can one remain uninspired? I recently went trekking around Amatlan del Valle guided by Don Julio, who grew up there and is now regarded as a shaman. Part of the hike was on the same route that many follow on their yearly pilgrimage to Chalma, regarded as the second largest after Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Don Julio took us to where once was a temple to the God of Corn, known as a Cinteopa. Though one can only see vestiges of the pyramid, it is evident that people still go to the site with offerings for a good harvest. Don Julio blew his conch towards every cardinal point, as well as to the heavens and down towards Mother Earth, asking us to show our appreciation by kneeling and putting our hands on the ground (avoiding big red ants!) to thank Mother Earth for all that she's given us.

Reflecting on "all that she gives us," I realized that inspiration is also one of her greatest gifts. I was inspired to paint all that I could see – how I wish I could! But alas, I am greatly challenged that way!

My appreciation for the work of artists increased even more – I am also envious of them! It's amazing the way they capture the magnitude of Nature's beauty with masterful strokes of their brush. I especially admire artists who specialize in watercolor paintings.

The way artists blend colors in different media to mirror those of nature is definitely an innate gift. The patience with which they detail every leaf, every wave, and every texture requires the kind of meticulous dedication and patience that truly distinguishes them as great artists. I think artists must also have an enormous generous heart – how else can they part from their works of art so that the rest of the world can see the beauty of their homelands through their paintings?