Oaxaca : A week of color, inspiration and harmony

An art retreat with friends, new and old. (And a special offer)

Feb 08, 2024

A plan was hatched about a year ago, to create an artist retreat, with 8 women artists, in Oaxaca where we could explore, create, bounce around ideas and goals, find new motivations and learn from one another. A few of us knew each other previously in real life, some of us were social media pals, and some were brand new connections. We were all brave to come, sharing and living together for a week. It turned out to be a dream come true, the bonding and friendships will stay with me forever.

I learned so much, to see things from a new perspective and with a fresh eye. Everything from how we each keep our painting journals, to what we are drawn to as we make our way through the day, new approaches to our businesses and our relationships. Our strengths varied but our passions were similar.

Here we are with our Airbnb host Lila Downs who is a Mexican singer and songwriter. Here she is looking gorgeous at the Grammy’s red carpet.

From left is Michelle Allen, me, Lila,

, Mokshini and Lori Seibert.

Some of us (not me!) woke up at the crack of dawn to walk the city and see the sunrise and go to cafes. I managed to join them one bleary eyed morning. I saw the dawn and it was worth making the effort. I was usually with the later crew, more like 8:30 am. When we got to the cafe we would all sit and draw for hours. Caran d’Ache Neo Colors were a big hit and I used acrylagouache for my paintings. Charlotte came with about 6 tubes of paint and I came with about 25! We all obviously have different approaches and there was everything in between. Mokshini came with a big canvas and she did the most fabulous painting and Lori started sketching beautiful little designs on post it notes. I tend to lug extra things with me. I’m not a minimalist by any means even though I wish I was. I brought too many sketchbooks and pads of paper. I always think I can do more than I think.

Oaxaca is filled with color and pattern, the buildings are all painted in bright colors with contrasting doorways and window frames. There are incredible murals painted everywhere. I found myself very drawn to the graphic quality and colors of the buildings and I am coming back with a plan to do some larger scale paintings based on this.

When I paint I tend to fill up every inch of space with pattern, I struggle with leaving breathing room. I need to make the space to breathe, in my art and in my life. I came away from Oaxaca with a new viewpoint, using strong graphic elements along with the softness of flowers and nature. I will be releasing a series of larger 22x30” paintings on paper soon, as I process and download and paint this trip. I have already finished the first one and I’m feeling energized.

Special Gift

From now until Feb14th I will add a 4x4” floral painting (in various colors) to every Jewel Box scarf that is ordered. Take advantage, there aren’t many left!!!

Jewel Box Scarf

Gayle and Jennifer have a Patreon! All paying members can see a video of me painting this pink on pink sketch. We also do 2 live painting hangouts a month for our Opera Pink Tier.