An old painted wall needed a facelift…
Quito Ecuador – “Lisa, how much does it cost to stay at Hotel Andino?” my friend Stephen asked a few weeks ago.
“I don’t know – I don’t remember,” I replied, “It’s been a long time since I paid to stay there…”
He laughed, and I gave a quick summary. Their sweet hotel has many opportunities for touches of art, and we trade art for the hotel costs.
While guests were sleeping, I painted this ginger in the breakfast room.
Recently I stayed in room #5 which is quite lovely, and there were several areas that seemed perfect for original splashes of art. Years ago another artist painted the hummingbird and flower in the bathroom, but the hotel’s well-scrubbed maintenance and new applications of white paint slowly altered the design. A bit of mildew also lurked around and beneath the pale colors.
A solution of chlorox and soapy water removed most of the little black dots, and stronger applications of color would bring the design back to life. My first goal was to restrengthen the hummingbird and flower, which also served as a warm-up exercise.
Are you ready to see what grew overnight near the mirror?
The mirror provides a two-for-one illusion!
As always, the shadows contribute to a stronger design. The best part, however, was witnessing the owner’s reaction to the art!
The butterfly was painted on a Sunday evening; five days later, Stephen and Xiomara witnessed another barter, this one in the town of Baeza on our way back from Yachana Lodge.
Hmmmm….
I look forward to sharing that story next week!
Z
Zeebra Designs & Destinations 
Hi Lisa, Where is the Hotel Andino? The only one I found when I googled it was in Quito and I could not find any evidence of your art. I would love to see your work in this hotel.
Thanks, Barbara
Barbara Scott Sent from my iPad
Hi Barbara! Thank you so much! I’ll check the address, but it is located i a petite little section between the Swiss Hotel and the Mariscal area. If at the traffic light btw Swiss Hotel and the Trade Center, go straight two blocks, turn left, and it’s on the right with a lttle red awning. Originally it was part of an old hacienda, so the two-story house has character… It’s small but it’s like returning home!
here’s their link! will let you know when i am there next time – ha, maybe you can add a few touchs of paint!
http://www.andinohotel.com/
wow
thank you! it was a fun evening of painting!
Delightful!
Si.. it’s win-win!
What fun!
janet
Yes, it really was fun! Thanks!
Leaving traces of love wherever you go….
I’ll bet that you do as well! Thanks!
Gorgeous! I love your art!
Alison
Thank you! This one was a pleasure to paint!
They are the winners in this barter. Your work is always so wonderful and has benefited many.
Thank you! It’s wonderful when someone says, “Do whatever you want…” Sometimes I look at them and cautiously say, “Are you sure?!!!!!” The best is when I can go outside and get something from the gardens…
I always enjoy watching your process. The slide show was the perfect way to showcase your images’ development.
thanks! i wished for more time to align the images better, but the essence is there…
What fun! I love watching the transformation of the butterfly!
Thank you — I often get so focused that I forget to take photos….
I was thinking of that while I commented. I wondered if you had to let paint dry or something. I can imagine it would be really hard to pull yourself out of the flow….
yes, it’s like closing one’s eyes for a brief respite and going straight into REM sleep!
Bringing joy to the world! I wish I could see such beauty next to my mirror 🙂
it would be fun for the painting fairies to leave a smile to greet you first thing in the morning! thanks!
😀
Delightful. I would barter with you anytime!
it would be my pleasure to barter — way across that vast ocean and in your sweet home or gardens!
🙂 🙂
Great Fun! Lisa! As I’ve mentioned to you before, we have a talented young woman artist in our midst here who delights in livening up old, dull spaces (there are many of those around here within our 40-year-old buildings.) Recently, I asked her and Tomas to help me in our Guest Kitchen. My intention was to take the 81/2″ X 11″ sheet of paper with teeny weeny “guidelines” typed on them and transform them into art pieces that would attract the attention of guests and residents alike and bring the “rules” into view and hopefully encourage more folks to participate in sharing the care of the kitchen.
Tomas did the lettering by hand and then colored the background — made each guideline into an art cloud — and we laminated each one arranged them on the walls, nearest the place where they would be relevant. Marg then came in and did her artistic “thang” tying them all together and increasing their beauty and attractiveness.
So now, people who want to know how to light the oven, for instance, do not have to wonder, experiment through trial and error, squint to read 12 pt directions, or choose something to eat that does not require the use of an oven — they can just read the simple instructions in the beautiful art cloud right above the oven controls.
Imagine that! And you probably can. Love your creative payment system for hotel stays, Alia
That sounds like a great experience for all, and one that will continue giving and inspiring! you made me laugh about lighting the oven.. yes, sometimes we have to squint!!!! but for you, now you don’t!
Oh that was lovely Lisa.. watching your painting grow like that.. Such a lovely way to give your painting depth using the shadow.. Beautifully done.. And what a novel way to barter a little..
Fabulous.. You know I look forward in a way in the far future of our planets evolution where by we all barter, sharing gifts, trades and skills.. 🙂
Wonderful work Lisa.. ❤
oh, shadows are THE secret that makes the image more-believable … i’ll be going back there next week!
Fabulous.. and its something I need to try.. 🙂
That is so great to spread beautiful paintings all around to be enjoyed…like following breadcrumbs where you have been only way more colorful and fun. I too love the drop shadow and it makes the art pop!
The breadcrumb concept makes me smile.. Am heading to Quito tonight via 7-hour bus and will reach the Andino Hotel just in time for breakfast! It will be fun to see which room they’ll ‘assign’ me this trip!
Thanks so much – yes, those shadows make all the difference!
Guess we are actually following the paint dabs throughout Ecuador to find you!! 🙂 Gotta love it!! Have fun!