by Mindy Lighthipe | Art Destinations, Photography Tips, Sketchbooks, Uncategorized, Workshops
Concerned about Altitude Sickness? Traveling to High-Altitude Destinations: Tips for a Comfortable Experience I understand that traveling to high-altitude destinations like Peru can raise concerns about altitude sickness and breathing difficulties. However, with the...
by Mindy Lighthipe | Gouache, Watercolor Tips, Workshops
Explore the Magic of Watercolor and Gouache for Nature-Inspired Art Are you a nature enthusiast with a passion for painting? Do you dream of capturing the delicate beauty of feathers, the shimmer of seashells, or the texture of fur in your art? If so, it’s time to...
by Mindy Lighthipe | Animal Rescue, Art Destinations, Art For Conservation, Conservation, Uncategorized
Discover the Wonders of Peru with Me: Machu Picchu & the Amazon – July 18 – 27, 2025 I am super excited to announce a new and thrilling journey to Peru! After over 30 years of leading artistic adventures to Costa Rica, I’ve decided it’s time to venture...
by Mindy Lighthipe | Animal Rescue, Art For Conservation, Conservation, Uncategorized
Celebrate World Lemur Day and Support the Incredible Work of Chase Wildlife Sanctuary October 25 is World Lemur Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about the critical conservation needs of lemurs, the most endangered group of mammals on the planet. Did you know...
by Mindy Lighthipe | Bird Art, Scientific Illustration, Workshops
I never thought I’d be able to draw birds. They seemed so elusive and difficult to capture on paper. I didn’t see myself as a “bird artist” at all. But as I traveled through Central America, I found myself increasingly fascinated by these beautiful creatures. The more...
by Mindy Lighthipe | Art Destinations, Costa Rica, Workshops
Art Attention Deficit Disorder (AADD): An Artist’s Diagnosis Do you find yourself bouncing between art projects, unable to resist the lure of new supplies and techniques? You might have Art Attention Deficit Disorder (AADD)! Symptoms: Attention Difficulty:...
by Mindy Lighthipe | Animal Rescue, Conservation, Costa Rica
It has been 33 years since I made my first visit to Costa Rica. I was 30 years old, in a bad marriage and had never been out of the country. I was exhausted and struggling to find my purpose. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted but I did know a few key things. I...
by Mindy Lighthipe | Conservation, Costa Rica, Field Sketching, Scientific Illustration, Uncategorized, Workshops
I first traveled to Costa Rica in 1989 and it changed my life. I had been a textile artist making a living weaving and selling woman’s clothing and accessories. Although being a weaver had been my passion, I began to get weary of doing art shows and needed a change....
by Mindy Lighthipe | Botanical Art, Butterfly Art, Colored Pencil, Conservation, Insect Art, Online Art Classes, Workshops
For many years I have been interested in the symbiotic relationship of plants and insects. I have done 30+ paintings over the years of insects and the plants which feed their young. Many people often overlook this relationship. It is paramount to preserve this...
by Mindy Lighthipe | Animal Portraits, Art Exhibits, Bird Art, Insect Art, PanPastels, Pastels
Many years ago I purchased a HUGE set of PanPastels and an assortment of pastel sticks. It was a dismal failure. Everything I did looked mushy, poorly executed, and I quickly abandoned the thought of working with pastels. As I recall this was a similar experience I...
