We spent the Christmas 2005 vacation at Sacha Lodge, in the Amazone forest of Equador. It was an idyllic location, with birds and wild animals in a tropical setting. We were particularly interested in bird watching and trekked in the jungle with our two guides, in early morning and late afternoon. Instead of afternoon siesta, I painted a series of small images, reflecting the environment around us. I used inks and oil pastels on Arches paper. I also experimented with a local pigment called “achiote”, of a rich rust color. On New Year’s Day, I spent a few hours in the Butterfly House and painted with butterflies covering my work and my arms and hands. It was a marvelous experience.
