Draw Oaxaca: Art Tourism in Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca, Mexico is a southern Mexico city that is the seat of an intact indigenous culture. Renowned for it's cuisine, arts, ruins, markets and natural beauty, it's also the home of Mezcal, the mysterious smokey/smooth distilled agave beverage that is the soul of Oaxaca. It's the perfect place for the artist, offering ample opportunities to visit museums, galleries, cultural events and ruins. Cafe life beckons, offering opportunities to sketch as well as mingle with like minded travelers and locals. Village markets and craft collectives dazzle with a spectacular, indeed surreal array of goods. As a Oaxaca resident since 2007, I'm your insider guide to art adventure here.

Local flora

Easily reached via a direct flight on United from Houston, Oaxaca offers a wide range of elegant, reasonably priced hotels. Aero Mexico also flies to Oaxaca via Mexico City.

The city of Oaxaca sits at the confluence of three mountain valleys and boasts a near ideal climate at an altitude of 5000 feet. The city center features a charming array of sixteenth century baroque architecture, dotted with convivial cafes and restaurants featuring the world renowned Oaxacan cuisine.

Urban Oaxaca ruin

I've been teaching drawing and painting classes in Oaxaca for the past two years, concentrating on on-site life studies. There is plenty to draw -- the flora & fauna, buildings and landscapes. We've even tackled the human figure in market settings. No easy task, as people move freely about as we try to capture them in pencil, it gives your hand and eye a real workout.

You are invited to join me in Oaxaca for on-site drawing and painting sessions. I generally charge 200 pesos per session, with a price break for group sessions depending on the number of students. Day trips can be scheduled for groups at 1000 pesos per day plus a stipend for gas. 

In addition to art lessons, I host visits to ruins, arts and craft villages, museums, mezcal stills, markets and other Oaxaca attractions. I also recommend local guides and tours in addition to leading them myself.

I'm happy to field questions on all things Oaxaca -- from travel and hotels to what to pack and what to leave home. Drop me a line!

Steve Lafler

Email me

503-213-3671