Photo of a framed pen and ink framing of a Norse Viking, wearing chain mail, armor, and a flowing fur cape. He is holding a sheathed broadsword in his left hand and a large metal shield with his right. He is wearing a type of pointed cap and there is Cyrillic lettering on the carved background behind him. The pen and ink style is done with a combination of pointillism and crosshatching. This is a large piece, done with a technical pen on hot-press art board - approximately 24” wide and 36” tall, not counting the mat and frame.

Photo of a drawing of a horse, done with black and red Sharpie fine point markers and a white acrylic paint pen. The drawing is done on a piece of marble flooring left from our house build project in Mexico. The style is similar to that done by the Northwest coast Native Americans. This was made as a gift and given to one of the workers who helped build our house. We saw him nearly every day for 2+ years. He is a hard worker and I wanted him to know how much we appreciated him and his work ethic. He said his favorite animal is a horse.

#MakersmARTch | 12 | #ink

With the 4 photo limit, I’m going to break today’s theme into 2 posts.

1st are 2 #pen&ink drawings I did. The #viking I drew in high school (‘87) & hangs in my oldest brother’s office ( #vandals ). The #horse I did recently and was a gift for a friend.

#expatinmexico

#MakersmARTch | 11 | #paint

Post 2

Since I couldn’t combine video & photos in one post, I opted to add this separately. This was my first go at an #acrylic #wallmural. An #expat friend wanted this line from a song painted outside his workshop - but in Spanish.

#huichol #expatinmexico #bestfriend

Photo of my first large-scale acrylic painting, which happens to be painted over an existing painting my friends didn’t love. It came with the house they bought. They wanted something more “Mexican” with bright, vibrant colors, so this is my take on a “day of the dead” Chihuahua. The background ombré was created using leftover house paint from their guest bedroom. I learned a lot with the project. Like how some acrylic paints are opaque and others are not. Some lessons are learned the hard way.

Photo of a painting I did of the Mexico flag using diluted acrylic paints on a rusty piece of corrugated metal roofing. The center detail is a mix of acrylic paints, Sharpie markers and acrylic paint pens. It’s hanging on the outside of our house on the front veranda. Approximately 30” x 18”

Photo of another painting I did on a scrap piece of rusty, metal corrugated roofing material. Bienvenido means welcome. And La Casa Loca is what we’ve named our house. This is now attached to the outside of the gate to our driveway. Approximately 18” x 6”

Photo of a “mural” painted on two sides of a chimney on a flat roof. This was my second “mural” project, done for Canadian expat friends who live in Mascota. It’s a stylistic representation/interpretation of the Canadian flag.

#MakersmARTch | 11 | #paint

I retired early in ‘22 and moved to #mexico. I’d been in #graphicdesign since I graduated university. Now it’s time to #play and #learn and try new things. No medium or project is out of scope. My list of ideas/projects far exceeds my expected lifespan.

#expatinmexico

Photo of a poster with a ven diagram on how to be an artists - including the advice that mistakes help us learn. Make more art!

#MakersmARTch | Day 8 | #pin

I got nuthin’ for today - except a good reminder… “How to Be an Artist”

#expatinmexico

Photo of a large piñata made in the shape of a lamb. The base was a large balloon. The entire surface is covered in cotton balls that were glued on one at a time. It’s “legs” are toilet paper tubes painted black. Its face and ears are made from pieces of painted cardboard. One ear has an ear tag with the number “70” printed on it, as this was made for a friend’s 70th birthday. It’s also decorated with a black ribbon with white polka dots, tied in a bow and glued at the neck under its chin.

Photo of a large piñata made into a penguin. The base was a round balloon and it’s covered in black and white crepe paper cut into shaggy strips that are glued in place. Two wings were made separately and glued on. Cardboard feet, painted black, are glued to the bottom. The beak is made from pieces of yellow foam paper. This was made as a gift for a friend’s 60th birthday. I asked what his favorite animal was and he said a penguin.

Photo of my friend and the “portrait” piñata I made for his 60th birthday - a giant pot leaf with half-mast eyes and a droopy “joint” hanging from its mouth. I asked the birthday boy what we should name him, he said, “Doobie!” The structure is made from sheets of cardboard with dowels glued to create the dimension/thickness. It was an engineering nightmare. The whole exterior is covered in tufts of green crepe paper glued on one at a time.

#MakersmARTch | 7 | #glue

I was sure I didn’t have anything to share today -then I remembered how much glue goes into making a #piñata It’s a LOT! I’ve made 3 since moving to #mexico in 2022 - all for friends’ birthdays. #lamb for a 70th. #penguin for a 60th. #doobie for a 60th.

#expatinmexico

Photo of the sun rising over the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The sun is just peeking through the clouds with rays breaking across the sky in shades of blue, periwinkle, peach and gold. The foreground is a protected mangrove/estuary, still in shadow.

Photo from first person perspective, sitting in bed with a chihuahua under the blanket and 4 cats snuggled in during morning coffee time.

Extreme close up of a donkey’s soft, fuzzy nose.

“Portrait” style photo of a blond Pomeranian, with her head turned and looking at the camera. Her mouth is open and it looks like she’s smiling. She has a bright sparkle in her eyes. The background includes an orange blanket and dark shades, out of focus (bokeh).

#MakersmARTch | Day 6

#soft colors
#soft light
#soft heart
#soft fur
#soft noses
#soft focus
#soft spot

#photography #amateur #artforfun #expatinmexico #jalisco #bokeh #sunrise #cats #dogs #dogsmiles #portraitmode

“Portrait” photo of a tarnished, shallow copper pan full of beaded bracelets. Most are made with assorted glass beads. Some are stone, some are amber or resin - all of the colors of the rainbow. I wear them in multiples, usually 5-10 at a time. I just start pulling out whatever matches the outfit I’m wearing.

Photo of a tarnished, shallow copper pan with handles (traditionally used for making candy or caramel) full of beaded bracelets. Most are made with assorted glass beads. Some are stone, some are amber or resin or plastic - in all of the colors of the rainbow. I wear them in multiples, usually 5-10 at a time. I just start pulling out whatever matches the outfit I’m wearing.

Photo of a wooden earring rack I purchased at the Portland, OR Saturday market over 30 years ago - filled with all types of earrings, sorted by color or material. Most are ones I made myself (all of the beaded ones). Even some of the metal ones I made in jewelry classes I took in college in the late 80s/early 90s. Some I’ve had since I was in junior high. I culled down a much bigger collection - these are the ones that made the move from Idaho to Mexico in 2022.

MakersMartch / Mkrsmartch calendar for anyone interested in participating. Join the fun and show us what you’ve made. The world needs art and beauty and joy - now more than ever.

Day 4 - #MakersmARTch - #beads

Going into a #bead store or #craft store is like going into a candy store for me - so many colors and textures! I went through a #beading stage years ago and have these #handmade treasures to enjoy for years to come.
Maybe I was a raven in a past life? #expatinmexico

An itty bitty baby avocado, cut in half, sitting on a wooden cutting board on a granite countertop with a teaspoon sitting next to it for scale (the whole fruit is only slightly larger than the spoon.) The pit is so tiny!! It was perfectly ripe and tasted delicious. Locally grown in Jalisco, Mexico near the pueblito of Navidad in the Sierra Madre mountains.

#MakersmARTch day 3 - #jewel - post 2. I couldn’t resist posting a photo of Mexico’s greatest #jewel - the humble, but heavenly #avocado. Look how tiny this one is!! (Teaspoon for scale.) #fruit #photography #stilllife #miniature #expatinmexico #jalisco #delicious

Photo of a brilliant red amaryllis planted in a pot and sitting on a shelf in a sunny spot indoors. It has three full blossoms and a fourth bud getting ready to bloom.

Portrait photo of a white and purple orchid in a white pot with green stripes, sitting on a wooden shelf. The background is blurry (bokeh).

Photo of a softball-sized geode that’s been split into two halves - sitting on a wooden shelf. The inside is filled with sparkling crystals in shades of light purple and silver. There is a large pinecone in the background, and a cardboard box with an illustration of a skeleton wearing a sarape and a red sombrero standing next to a green cactus.

#MakersmARTch day 3 - #jewel

The crown jewels of my #indoorplants collection, and a pretty #geode I found while camping in Idaho long ago. My husband kept half & I kept the other. Once we retired, the 2 came together again. They may not be valuable, but they’re jewels to me. #expatinmexico #jalisco

Photo of a shirt pocket flap with a metal button with the brand “WE THE FREE” printed (twice) around the outside edge of the button. The shirt is made of a lovely woven material in ombre shades of orange and blue.

Is there a rule against posting twice in one day for #MakersmARTch? I noticed this #button on one of my favorite shirts, and while not exactly “art” - taking a #photograph to recognize its meaning makes it #artistic, no? Plus it’s a good message for times like these. #expatinmexico #freedomisntfree

A bracelet made from six vintage/antique silver buttons with black filigree. The buttons were acquired in Russia during the 1980s and likely came from some kind of formal military uniform.

Day 2 of #MakersmARTch is #buttons… My mother traveled to Russia in the 1980s with a group from our local university. She came home with these #vintage #silver buttons, likely from a military dress uniform. Years later I made them into a #bracelet. #handmade #jewelry #cowhide #expatinmexico

A photo of a sliver of crescent moon, like a cup, with Venus to the right.

Buenas noches mis amigos. #photography #nightphotography #expatinmexico #moon

Infographic showing the rough alignment of Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter and Mars in the night skies visible on January 28, 2025

Night photograph showing a very bright star - actually a planet - Venus - with other smaller stars visible in the night skies. Because of the new moon, the stars are especially bright.

Night photo looking straight up through a giant oak tree to the starry sky above.

Screenshot from the app Night Skies showing appropriate locations of Mars, Jupiter and Uranus. The Taurus constellation is overlapped in the diagram.

Made a point to turn off the lights, go outside, and look up tonight. By 8 pm we could clearly see Venus to the west, as well as Mars and Jupiter directly above us. The planet parade won’t be around again until 2040. My night photography skills are pretty poor - still cool. #expatinmexico #jalisco

Close up photo of a mossy statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. A lone blossom from an overhanging plant has fallen and landed on her hands folded in prayer.

A felted unicorn toy with colorful embroidery and a rainbow mane, wearing a sombrero. On a shelf in the gift shop at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

Macro/closeup photo of magenta wildflowers nestled in the ground cover covering the forest floor. Shot in the Sierra Madre mountains near Navidad, Jalisco.

Hand painted wooden lid - a sea turtle done in black on a magenta background. The style is reminiscent of tribal tattoo designs. The round lid edge is decorated with small white dots.

I missed most of #FebruARTy, but here’s my collection for today’s theme #magenta - #artyear #photography #expatinmexico #wildflowers #vallartabotanicalgardens #seaturtle #bokeh #acrylicpainting #jalisco

Roaring fire in a brick fireplace. Centered in frame. Arched opening.

Wildflowers on a carpet of green. Clusters or orange and red petals as well as yellow, pink and purple.

A big orange Tom cat curled up with his head tucked under his front paw - lying on a pillow with rumpled while pillowcase on an unmade bed. The oversized king headboard is a Mexican work or art, with curled ironwork, heavy wood frame, antique iron nail work and dark brown leather with cutout design showing a turquoise backing.

Intense “Mexican” orange sunset with streaks of yellow fades to blue and purple. Seen through a foreground of silhouetted pine and oak trees. To the left is a glass-walled staircase where the sunset is reflected. In the lower photo, you can see down to a lower deck where lounge chairs are poised for future lounging.

I’m late to the party for #FebruARTy day 12 with #orange. I’m going to post anyway, because I spent an inordinate amount of time narrowing down my #photography to just 4 images. I’m no pro, but I certainly enjoy the #hobby. #cavemantv #wildflowers #cats #sunset #expatinmexico

Selfie of woman with short hair and glasses, sitting in a car, licking frozen yogurt in a sugar cone. Vanilla and frutos rojos (red fruits) swirled together. Pink and yellow earrings. Pink and burgundy top. Background seen through car window is blurry and indistinguishable. Mascota, Jalisco.

Left hand, pale skin, short fingernails - holding a fruit tart/cookie/hand pie treat. Strawberry preserves on a round pastry crust with a lattice pastry top. One bite is missing. Photo was shot inside a car. Background is blurry and indistinguishable.

2 glasses of dalgona coffee over milk with ice, garnished with coffee beans - sitting on a gray and white marble table. A pink flower bouquet and a Parisian style restaurant/bar are blurry in the background.

First person perspective of a pale-skinned hand holding a cup of mango gelato with a white paper napkin. The white cup is branded with the Gelato MX7 logo (located in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. There is a small, pink, plastic spoon stuck in the cup along with a wedge of thin waffle cookie. A woman with red hair and glasses is blurred it the background (portrait mode/bokeh style photo)

#FebruARTy Feb 11 #SensoryArt - #sweet So many interpretations - so many to choose from. For today, I went with #photography and the literal - sweet goodies. #FroYo #galleta #fruittart #dalgonacoffee #gelato #PuertoVallarta #sharing #bokeh #frutosrojos #ExpatInMexico

Faux henna hand painting done with “tattoo” markers. Left hand only, because I’m right handed. Apple Watch on wrist. Wood table in background

Large collection of earrings on a cool wood earring holder I’ve had forever. I bought it at the Portland Saturday market probably 30+ years ago. Most of the earrings I made myself - all of the beaded ones, sone of the metal ones. They are arranged by color because I have OCD tendencies.

Handmade paper star made with brown paper bags - on a grey bedspread background. Concentric circles/rings and jagged edges.

A collection of handmade ojos de dios - or god’s eyes made with green, yellow, gray and purple yarn. 3 are made with wooden dowels. One is made with rough, uneven sticks painted black (my first attempt).

I was traveling yesterday 🚗 and then ran a bunch of errands in the city. I fell asleep last night and forgot to post the #FebruARTy theme #rings for the 10th. I hope it’s okay to post a day late. 😁 #weddingrings #earRINGS #star #ojodedios #godseye #handmade #papercrafts #beads #henna #expatinmexico

Pointillism graphic illustration/painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe done inside a shallow wood bowl - done in red, gold, teal and black.

Northwest coast Native American design of an eagle - black design with red accents. Green “flame” border and a white background done inside tiny white dots.

Acrylic painting of a mother and daughter dolphin pair. Done in an aboriginal style with dots and swirls in shades of blue and white. Painted on the inside of a shallow wooden bowl.

Día de los Muertos style sugar skill with flowers done in rainbow colors. Rainbow stripes fill the face vertically. The headpiece is a floral crown of vibrant, graphic flowers. Large hoop earrings with tassels hang from where the ears would be. The white background is filled with a pattern of tiny dots.

#FebruARTy and #ArtYear. This year I’m working on trying new mediums and pushing myself to step outside of my comfort zone. It’s okay to play. It’s okay to fail. It’s about the journey, not the destination - all made as gifts #acrylics #pointillism #expatinmexico #retireearly #CreateEveryday

Handcut wood scraps in a wood bowl in dappled sunlight

Woodworking tools and project pieces on a wood table with a railing and forest and sky in the background

Dark blue board with painted pieces of wood glued together in layers to create an image of a young girl sleeping in the clouds with a teddy bear and a smiling moon.

Dark blue board with painted pieces of wood glued together in layers to create an image of a young girl sleeping in the clouds with a teddy bear and a smiling moon. The name “Luna” is painted in pink and yellow script.

#FebruARTy and #puzzle is the theme. While not a conventional puzzle, I think this fits the bill. I hand-cut pieces from the scraps from an actual wood puzzle, then sanded, painted, and glued them to a painted board. I’m all about #reuse #repurpose when I can. #babygift #luna #crafty #expatinmexico

Close-up of a Siamese-mix cat with intense blue eyes.

Gray cat, yellow eye, on stairs, paw reaching out is blurred with motion

Black cat with yellow eyes curled up on an orange blanket with bright, colorful Mexican-style embroidered pillows in background.

Long-haired, mottled gray and brown cat with pale green eyes and long whiskers. Bokeh background of trees and sky.

#FebruARTy and the theme is #eyes. By no means do I consider myself a pro photographer. But I do LOVE to take #photos. Especially of my 6 #cats 4 dogs and the scenery around me. I don’t take many photos of people, mostly my husband - and he complains bitterly. #expatinmexico #earlyretirement #bokeh

How can I resist a good theme AND community participation? No way, Jose. Even here in Mexico where I often feel very lonely. #FebruARTy #purple #expatinmexico #fowers #photography #nofilter

I almost forgot about #FebruARTy and today’s theme #SensoryArt #fuzzy. Proud mom to 6 cats and 4 dogs, living in the middle-of-nowhere, Mexico (yes, it gets cold here!). Amateur photographer and exploring the many facets of art and artistic expression. #cats #art #repurpose #expatinmexico

One last submission for #FebruARTy #shoes. I love my Chucks. We pared down for the “big move.” I only brought 6 out of 20+ pair. #expatinmexico #scenics #nature #sierramadres

Because I’m a sucker for a good theme - and I enjoy seeing everyone’s interpretations. It gets lonely in the Middle-of-Nowhere, MX. I’m extremely grateful to have found this group of like-minded people. #FebruARTy #shoes #expatinmexico #photography #sharpies #dogs #landscapes #sierramadres #nature

I don’t suppose this is what most people imagine when I tell them we live in Mexico 🇲🇽 Gorgeous day to take the dogs for a walk. Hard to believe it’s Feb. 1 #expatinmexico #earlyretirenent #dryseason