Peru and Machu Picchu

I was lucky enough to spend four days in Peru on my way to the Galapagos.  The smears of color are pigments for dying the wool from llamas and alpacas.  The horizontal line is crushed beetles and the vertical lines of color are made by using different liquids to make the various pigments.

Two of my days in Peru were spend up at Machu Picchu which is magical.  Our first day was rainy and cloudy with wonderful mist coming and going.  The second day was bright and sunny with blue skies. I was able to do some sketching the second day along with more exploring of this fabulous place.

After Machu Picchu we spend a day in Cusco, visiting more sights and some museums. It was great to learn so much about the Inca, an amazing people.  It was a beautiful trip with great sights,  wonderful people and fantastic food.  Very inspirational!


Robert Bateman 6" x 12"
Sketchbook
Pen and Watercolor

Galapagos Islands

I wish everyone could make this trip.  It was fantastic, amazing and a trip of a lifetime.  These are just a few of the sea lions on Espanola Island.

Marine iguanas, albatross, and blue footed boobie.  The post office barrel has been in place since the early 1700's. Now it is leave a letter and take one that you can hand delivery in your area or to a place you are going to.

The giant tortoises are amazing,  400 lbs. and some are over 100 years old.  There is a great program in effect that is raising the populations on the different islands.  Visited the Darwin Center.

I was fascinated with the land iguanas.  There are different kinds, all beautiful in their own way and great posers for some sketches. Sea lions sleeping under a cactus, what can I say?

One more iguana, sea lion and a red footed boobie.  The emblem is for the National Park Marina Reserve.  They say you can leave the islands but the islands never leave you.  A wonderful memory forever.






Robert Bateman 6" x 9" Sketchbook
Pen and Watercolor