Costa Rica Through an Artist’s Eyes — Part 1
Looking back, it’s hard to believe that one trip could change the course of an entire life.
In 1989, I was about to turn 30 and had never traveled outside the United States. My adventures had been limited to family vacations, summer camp in Pennsylvania, and a memorable trip to Florida’s Disney World. At the time, I was a professional handweaver, creating limited-edition clothing and accessories for art and craft fairs. I loved color, texture, and pattern—but I had no idea where life would take me next.
Costa Rica caught my attention because it had no standing army, embraced conservation, and was affordable enough for me to explore on my own. I thought it might be fun to bring along a sketchbook and some paints.
There was just one small problem…
I had never painted with watercolor before. In fact, I hadn’t painted at all since college.
Before leaving, I bought a watercolor pad, a small set of paints, and a few brushes. I had no expectations—I simply wanted to capture a few memories. Then I stepped into the rainforest.The flowers were unlike anything I had ever seen. Towering heliconias, vibrant gingers, orchids clinging to tree trunks, and leaves with incredible textures and patterns. I couldn’t believe the colors that existed in nature.
I did my best to paint what I saw.
Looking at these paintings today makes me smile. They certainly weren’t masterpieces, but they captured something much more important—they captured the moment I discovered what I truly wanted to do.
When I returned home, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life. I enrolled in the Botanical Illustration Certificate Program at the New York Botanical Garden and began studying the plants that had so profoundly inspired me.
That single trip to Costa Rica completely changed the direction of my career.
Over the next three decades, I returned again and again, studying the country’s extraordinary flora and fauna, refining my skills, and eventually sharing that passion through my artwork, teaching, and leading tours.
Today, when I paint a Bird of Paradise, I see much more than a beautiful flower. I see the journey that began with a beginner’s watercolor set and the courage to step outside my comfort zone.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
Sometimes one trip is about much more than travel.
Sometimes it changes the way you see the world—and yourself.
That’s the experience I hope to share with every person who joins me in Costa Rica.
If you’ve ever dreamed of immersing yourself in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, I’d love to have you join us for the 2027 Costa Rica Art & Photography Tour.
Early Bird Savings of $250 are available through August 15, 2026.
Who knows?
This trip might change your life, too.
Warmly,
Mindy Lighthipe