Mexico

In the more than 15 years we have been visiting Oaxaca, Mexico, I have found it so visually enticing that it is almost impossible not to take out my paints out and get to work. The weather is often excellent for plein air painting and the range of subjects is amazing: animals, mountains, flowers, skies, unusual vegetation, fascinating structures. The air is so clear that the light is extraordinary. 

We return to the same place every year, a bit outside the city proper in San Pablo Etla. The name is Casa Raab, a lovely bed & breakfast built by the owner’s parents back in the 70s. I have established a small studio there and a place to store paints and supplies between trips. 

For at least twenty years, Casa Raab has also been an animal rescue site. In 2014, I helped to establish it as a 501(c)3 organization so that all donations would be tax deductible under US tax laws. The name of the non-profit rescue organization is Friends of Megan Animal Rescue, named after a beloved former pet of Rebecca Raab, one of the owners, who runs the rescue, cares for the rescues, and also conducts sterilization and vaccination clinics for pups in the area. I am president and donate all of the proceeds from my paintings sold in Oaxaca to Friends of Megan Animal Rescue.

The works created in Oaxaca stay there and can be purchased there, but not in the US. Shipping back and forth from Mexico is expensive and extremely unreliable. 

Shown here is a small selection of available paintings (one must go to Oaxaca to see more!). All are oil on panel; some are framed and some are not.