Dolores Hidalgo, Pueblo Mágico
The road from Guanajuato to Dolores Hidalgo climbed steadily, looping around old, sun-bleached buildings, craggy outcrops and groves of weather beaten oaks. The bus that stopped frequently to pick someone up, or drop someone off. Country music blared from the speakers (when the reception was good), but often faded into silence. Vistas opened and closed like the parting of curtains as we wound through the mountain passes …” [journal entry Jan 15, 2016]
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| La Parroquia Church. Jardín Principal |
If you ever wondered what an authentic modern-day ranching town is like (or not like), Dolores Hidalgo may fit the bill. A town located in a broad, flat valley in central Guanajuato State, Dolores Hidalgo is considered the “heart of Mexico”, as this is where the insurrection against Spanish colonial rule began (1810-11) –an insurrection which led to the revolution and the founding of the country when the courageous priest, Miguel Hidalgo, led a miners’ revolt against the Spanish colonial rulers. Essentially, Dolores Hidalgo is the equivalent of the towns of Concord or Lexington -where the American Revolution began.
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| A Streetscape, watercolor. |
Although a popular destination for Mexicans interested in their National history, Dolores Hidalgo does not have a “touristy”, international character. Rather, it’s an authentic Mexican town located in a region known for agriculture, ranching, forestry and mineral extraction. Dolores Hidalgo has a strong commercial pulse, a place that supports a vibrant market area (mercado), and shops (tiendas, botegas) of every stripe. The town also has a small university that supports a youthful culture with institutions (museums, craft shops, etc.), businesses, services and cultural events. Located in ranching country, Dolores has an authentic “cowboy” culture, noticeable as you pass about town, with many of the men wearing sombreros and cowboy boots. Pickup trucks outnumber autos. For those interested, there’s also a rodeo held on Saturdays. The above map/illustrative plan shows some stunning places to paint in Dolores Jardín Principal. The map is entirely made by hand and is colored by watercolors.
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| Courtyard at Temple Llanido |
I selected Dolores Hidalgo because of its significant contrasts to Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende. Dolores Hidalgo is more “laid-back” and less intensive, a town where the pace of life is slower, more rooted to the earth. This is a place for artists who enjoy painting gardens, enchanting courtyards, architectural details -and figure studies from café tables and park benches.
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| Illustrative Plan, Jardín Principal, watercolor & graphite on Arches paper |
Dolores Hidalgo is laid out with a grid plan, the streets forming small, nearly square blocks. The streets are narrow and edged with pueblo-style, one-story casas; the traffic is mostly one-way. To compensate space-wise for the narrow streets, most casas have interior courtyards to allow the sun and breezes to enter. As such, you’ll find many delightful restaurants, cafes and shops included in, or clustered around, interior courtyards. Many are like cloistered gardens, with orange trees, wisteria, potted plants and often a fountain gurgling in the center.
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| The Bridge Over El Rio, oil on canvas |
Let’s now explore Dolores for its prime painting locations, beginning with its central park, el Jardin Principal. (My book covers about a half-dozen picturesque locations in Dolores Hidalgo. These places are lavishly presented with maps, drawings and paintings).
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| Plaza Compositores - Where Musicians Play day-long. |
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| Map/Illustrative Plan of Plaza Compositores |
To purchase a “Painting Mexico” book from publisher (less expensive):
http://www.blurb.com/b/8596527-painting-mexico-magical-pueblos-in-guanajuato
(This site is set to allow you to view all the pages in the book).
Please help me fund my art-travel books by purchasing prints on FineArtAmerica.com. (All expenses for the production and publishing of these books are self-funded by me. I consider much of my effort to promote scenic tourism to towns in Mexico to be charity).
To purchase prints of some of the paintings, drawings & maps in this book: www.fineartamerica.com“Jack Hannula”
Please help! Purchasing a print of this map will help me to (self) fund the costly production and publishing expenses of my “Painting Mexico” books. In other words, please help me help Mexico’s “magical towns”. Many are poor.
I am frequently asked, “How do I buy your art, Jack?” Because of these many requests, I am making quality prints of my maps and some of my art available for purchase on the Internet. To purchase prints, follow this link: www.fineartamerica.com“Jack Hannula”.
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