Light at the Top

I was first attracted to the blue wall with pots of flowers on its ledge, brilliantly top lit by the strong Mexican sun. As I rounded the corner, I expected a colorless alley but instead saw the contrasting brick wall of an adjacent building, the long flight of stairs and the overhanging black iron lamp, which stopped me in my (virtual) tracks. Bricks, intense color, sunshine, flowers, ironwork--from what I have seen on this month's virtual paintout challenge in San Miguel de Allende, these are what make this city so breathtaking.

Peekaboo

This month's virtual painting challenge in San Miguel de Allende is a treasure trove of sights to paint. It's packed with color and sunlight and people doing interesting things. I found this lady taking a break from sweeping to look at the Google Street View car driving down her narrow, cobblestone street. I was charmed by her white collar and lace peeking out from under her skirt and apron.