Tags
Group Painting Projects, I can do this painting projects, Lisa Brunetti, Signs for Hostals B&Bs, Timeout for Art: Bones, Where to stay in Mindo Ecuador
“Drawing is the backbone. It is no good having a lovely sense of light and color if there isn’t the firm foundation underneath.” (Alexander Creswell)
This past week found me in the cloud-forest community of Mindo Ecuador. The hostal where I normally stay was closed, and someone pointed me down the street to a flower-draped hostal beyond “Hostal Charito.” The owner of Hostal Charito and I shared eye contact, and there was something in her posture or her eyes that nudged me to her door.
I asked if she had a room (yes she did) and how much ($12.50 with breakfast) and if they had wifi (yes) so I followed her up the stairs to see the room and agreed that it was perfect for my road-weary body! I looked forward to taking a time out in the squeaky-clean hostal.
My two-day stay extended to four, and as I ebbed and flowed over the next few days, I pondered what might draw more walk-in guests. Iliana’s hostal was one of the first on ‘Colibri” Street. (Colibri: Hummingbird) Around the subtle bend were other hostals with more flowers as well as the bodega area for the rafting tours.
After breakfast one morning, I showed Iliana the butterfly studies I had painted. I suggested that Iliana put a bright colorful sign to the right of her door – at eye level. One that suggested, “Happy people live here!” I sketched the idea and told her that I had paints and brushes, all she needed to do was find a slab of wood!
She had a sheet of very thin plywood, and we drew the dimensions for a new sign, then she held the plywood while I cut along the lines with her slightly-broken hand saw! We sanded the edges, and she prepped the board while I left for a late lunch. When I returned, she watched in awe as I drew the design on the board. I suspected if I handed her a brush, she would help! (Place your bets!)
Whenever I’m tackling a new project, I select non-intrusive background music. My favorite ‘zone-out’ music: Dirk Maassen. (Thanks Carlos/1Cruz del Sur for this treasure!)
We warmed up on the stripes, then with the drawing in place, Iliana and her daughter filled in the colors while I worked on the letters. A second coat of purple made the colors pop!
Would you consider staying here? Does the sign add curb appeal?
Even a simple line drawing can take flight and transform an area while placing a smile in one’s heart. The “Happy People Live Here” sign became a reality because we took a timeout for art!
(Happy Fourth of July to those of you in the USA!)
z
Gallivanta said:
It does, as does that dear little dog at the door. Everywhere you go, you leave a kind of ‘love letter’ to your art and to your ‘people’. It’s wonderful to see.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Thank you. I look forward to when I return to see if the sign has improved her business!
Z
Rewired and Retired in Nicaragua said:
Lisa, what a grand way to express your passion for art. I love it! You could travel the world with only a few canisters of paint and a couple brushes, Hey…that would be an awesome experiment. I wonder how far you would get only bartering, then write a book about your experiences. Looking closely at the sign, I noticed a cute little smiley face in the first zero of the telephone number. I have a feeling that was Iliana’s contribution. 🙂
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Wow.. that would be a little like taking the training wheels off and trying to make it to the end of the street w/o a boo-boo! Or dropping that water ski and attempting to slalom!
I could probably attempt that for a few months and see what happens. I’ll set that on the back burner on low and let it simmer! Thanks, amiga!
hughcurtler said:
Lovely. And terrific story. You never cease to amaze me!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Thank you! Some things are quite easy, and being kind comes easy to me. It comes with age!!!
Pingback: John’s Time Out For Art – Old Ford | Living It Up in Ecuador
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
You are doing so well, John! z
artscottnet said:
An awesome post, love the art, the story and the music =) a peacefully happy good day to you
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Thank you! Music! I”ve not put on a playlist this morning! Thanks a second time! Have a great day as well!
jotsfromasmallapt said:
Generosity of spirit…Lisa…you inspire…”love letters” to ART…
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
You are so bright and creative! Yes, “Love Letters to ART” has a nice ring; hmmmmm. 🙂
Happy Fourth of July!
Z
Barneysday said:
A beautiful way in which one person can make a difference affecting countless others.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
And for me, so very easy! Thanks!
travelerlynne said:
I love how you show up and add your artistic expression wherever you go. Integrating each person into the process must bring such satisfaction and joy. they’ll always remember the zebra lady.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Yes, it’s recently dawned on my that this feels a bit like a Johnny-Appleseed life!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Pingback: Mary’s Time Out For Art –Porthole Fish | Living It Up in Ecuador
Jueseppi B. said:
Reblogged this on The ObamaCrat.Com™.
bluebrightly said:
You’re amazing! Bravo!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
thank you! z
LuAnn said:
I love how you travel around the country and add color to everyone’s life that you touch! 🙂
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Ah, Life might have presented some disappointments and challenges, but I am very lucky to have reached a point where Life smiles back and I can pass that smile to others!
Richard Anderson said:
What a lovely & generous thing you did for those hostal owners. I bet they never had a guest quite like you! Happy “4th” to u 2.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Thanks.. it sort of dominoes and was a very easy gift for me to give them. Happy Fourth to you as well!
Pingback: Time Out For Art: Bones | Alastair's Blog
restlessjo said:
What a kind heart you have, Zee, as well as being a formidable artist. Happy 4th! 🙂
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
thank you amiga.. the day was a sweet one. hope yours went well also!
Alastair said:
I figured I’d give it a go this week 🙂
Happy 4th July
Alli Farkas said:
Lovely place and lovely confluence of personalities and spirits. Glad you happened upon the hostal and that such a lovely experience emanated from it for all concerned! Yes, I would stay there (although I doubt I will ever make it that far south).
Pingback: Freedom and Justice for All | TheWhyAboutThis
Penny L Howe said:
Lisa, You rock! Big time! Happy “Freedom” day kindred soul of mine! 🙂 xx
elenacaravela said:
Happy indeed:)
pommepal said:
Such a colourful and cheerful sign you created I’m sure it will attract many visitors.
Mary said:
You are so awesome Lisa – you have a kindred spirit that draws people into your world in the most gentle and peaceful way! You bet this speaks to everyone’s happiness! What a fantastic piece to leave to these wonderful people, just love it!
frizztext said:
hi Lisa/Z,
I’ve introduced you at
because I like very much your talent to describe…
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
hey
wow.. thanks so much! the connections are really slow now that it’s high noon here, and i’ll try to hobble over there now.. if not, tonight!
(just finished photographing the shrimp harvest!)
Pingback: Timeout for Art: Good Bones | Rewired and Retired in Nicaragua
Rewired and Retired in Nicaragua said:
Since I’m in the states visiting my Mom, I had an opportunity to go with her to her painting class. While she painted, I sketched the scene of a shotgun house, which was the most popular architecture of the “Old South”. http://retirenicaragua.wordpress.com/2013/07/05/timeout-for-art-good-bones/
Madhu said:
The butterflies are ethereal and the sign beautiful and welcoming. It is amazing how you manage to touch so many people with your warmth and kindness Lisa! Always an inspiration 🙂
kp Attman said:
Beautiful way to brighten up a family’s life. Art has that power…thanks for sharing your personal touch.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
thank you as well! it was a very easy cultural exchange!
Island Traveler said:
Art inspires us to see life and everything around us with bright and vibrant perspective. Beautiful art works my friend.
Pingback: Back Home and Timeout for Art | gypsy life
pommepal said:
I let a couple of weeks slip by without producing anything to post, so I’ve made time to sit out in the sun and do a sketch. I really became absorbed trying to get all the lines in the right place.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
it’s very strong, amiga. i always wish i had more time when i start to draw, then have to stop!
pommepal said:
It always surprises me how the time flies by when drawing and concentrating on what I am looking at.
babso2you said:
Lovely sign! Brightens up the inviting front facade!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
I look forward to when I return to see if the sign has helped with their occupancy…. thanks!
babso2you said:
I am sure that it will!
Pingback: I found you (Te encontré) | the terrain of symmetry
Doris said:
I love the post like always, the drawings are so beautiful full of detail, like the fact you help with the sign I think you are spreading the love this will help attract more clients good job!
I am super late here is mine
http://miartedoris.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/i-found-you-te-encontre/