San Miguel de Allende, It's on Everyone's Bucket List

San Miguel de Allende is a mecca for artists of every stripe from urban sketchers to acrylic painters. I had heard about it for years before I ever visited.

Once there it all became clear--everything you need is a short walk away, the food is amazing and the town itself is steeped in rich colours and charming colonial Spanish architecture. 

Without question the town makes an effort. It's a fun place. Mariachi bands go trumpet to trumpet in the main square (I've seen 6 bands there playing all at once). 

Fifteen-foot tall mojigangas stand at the ready in the town square so that tourists can be photographed with them.

And colourful Mexican folk art is everywhere with it's fantastical beasts and playful patterns. The visiting artist can't help but be inspired to crank up the saturation even if just a little.