MCALLEN'S WALKING TRAILS
ABOUT THIS PIECE
With “McAllen’s Walking Trails” she focused on McAllen’s essential yet beautiful walking paths. Esmeralda mentioned she was first inspired by the amazing people who use them, thought about the individuals, the families, the athletes, just everyone who use and enjoy them. With that inspiration, she also knew she wanted to emphasis and elaborate on the beauty surrounding these trails, the palm trees, the small hills, the sky, just the overall wonder of being outdoors. So then, it just made artistic sense to take the creative plunge and bring it all together in this one piece.
ABOUT THIS ARTIST
Esmeralda Benitez, artist and retired art teacher, describes herself as a contemporary realist or a contemporary expressionist, either way nature is most often her subject of choice. “I just think nature or natural objects say it best” explains Esmeralda. I do like to explore a wide variety of subjects, styles and themes but still, I gravitate to nature. Presently Esmeralda resides in McAllen with her Husband, David. She has 2 adult sons, 2 amazing daughter’s in law and 3 beautiful grandchildren.
On each of the 4 irrigation pipes that she painted, “Parrots, Parakeets”(collaboration with Nelda Flores), “Sunflowers and Bees,” “Hummingbirds and Flowers and “McAllen’s Beautiful Walking Trails.” Esmeralda added stylized elements to present her vision in a “fresh” way. She says,“I have truly enjoyed painting each one of these pipes. I am extremely thankful to “Keep McAllen Beautiful’ for their continued support of community art and artists. She adds, “my greatest joy came through my conversations with the wonderful people who walked up and shared their stories and words of encouragement!!
