Note: When I visited the area in late September the park was undergoing a major renovation. The artists were doing as best they could along the sidewalks around the construction; the Indigenous Market was open about a half block away. The construction is scheduled to be completed by January, 2010.
Art on Display - Leaning Against the Construction Screen
Many of the artists are university art professors or other art instructors selling their own work. The artists are willing to take some time to talk with you about themselves and their work; this provides a personal insight into what you are buying.
So Many Colors, So Many Styles -
Realism, Impressionism, Surrealism - and More
I enjoy the art and talking to the artists, but I will admit right here that I don't always need nearly as much time for this as Dalynda. There is a solution - a sidewalk cafe about two blocks up Avenida Amazonas past the Hilton Colon.
Don't Let the Sign Fool You - They Also Serve Ice Cold Beer
The art prices are quite reasonable - from a few dollars to some pieces over $200; and by all means, negotiate for a better price. To get the best bargain you have to be willing to walk away - which can be difficult once you have your heart set on a painting.
And, you have to get it home. If it is small, have it wrapped and pack it in your suit case amongst your clothes. Large oil paintings can be removed from their stretchers and rolled - and then re-stretched and framed when you get home - Dalynda and I have successfully done this - we have even managed to get some fairly large ones home on the stretchers.
If you have some time or you live here, you can have it framed in Quito. A future Chronicle will cover having art work framed in Quito.
More Images of Art (& Construction) in El Parque Ejido
Under Construction - Hope They Finish Soon;
It is Good to See Public Spaces Being Manitained and Improved
Would you like to come to Ecuador and Meet an Atrist - Find out how at Live Well Ecuador: