I’ve been working on a book with a lot of details. I'm slowly painting, adding leaves here and branches and mushrooms there. Yet the other day I had some spread time to paint something just for fun. Yes, as an obsessive illustrator, I took some rest from making a spread for a book by making more illustrations.
This short series is something I had on my list for two or three years.
These illustrations made with gouache are part of some beautiful memories of my homeland, Colombia.
The “papayo”
Two years ago I planted a bunch of papaya trees, and the whole thing happily got out of control, I ended up giving away many of these to friends and family. I had like twenty-five small papaya trees and didn’t have enough space to “raise” them all.
Two of them bloomed recently, I LOVE seeing my plants grow, it is one of those small pleasures of life.
Sapo!
The toad, this creature so unpopular between adults has been part of peaceful and joyful memories of my childhood.
On those weekends I spent at my aunt’s house in the mountains, I used to go toad hunting. By “hunting“ I mean chasing, grabbing, looking quietly, and then setting them free again.
When you are taught as a child to understand and respect all critters, you may end up being an adult who enjoys watching a toad jump into the living room and then do toad stuff like staying still and breathing.
I made this post to invite you to be inspired and draw from memories of small yet great moments that fill life of joy.
Notes
Draw!
Sorry for my English, I’m considering writing in Spanish too since it is easier for me.
Thanks for reading!
Manu.
T-T Me encataaan los sapitos. Antes veía muchos en el lugar donde vivo. Conforme han ido construyendo más cosas y llenando de cemento los suelos ya casi no he visto más. Cuando llega a aparecer alguno, se siente como si hubiera tenido un encuentro mistico con una criatura mágica de cuento de hadas.
Your English is very good! I enjoy reading your writing in both languages. My Spanish is not very good (yet!) so it helps me and it is enjoyable even if it is not totally perfect. Thank you for the English and I love your paintings!