
View of the Presa from El Charco L. Topinka
The rainy season here in San Miguel hit with a vengeance in June while we were both away but the landscape continues to tell the story with an explosion of greens. A couple of weeks ago we painted from the Four Winds Plaza at the botanical garden, El Charco del Ingenio. Although we were not more than 10 feet apart our paintings are very different…Linda faced west toward San Miguel and I faced somewhat southeast overlooking the presa.
This very solid looking dam of the Las Colonias reservoir dates from 1902. It and the iron tube, now disconnected, were built to send water to Fabrica La Aurora, a textile factory, and there used to generate electricity. Since the iron tube runs right by my garden wall, I feel particularly connected to this part of San Miguel history.

Photo from El Charco website
A picture of the flow over the dam during the rainy season. At other times of the year, the presa can completely dry up as the reservoir is no more than two meters at its deepest. This year we had exceptionally heavy rains in June with little since then. Most years we average 22 to 26 inches for the entire rainy season and in a few days in June it has been reported that we had about 20 inches. Below this dam is another smaller and older dam and reservoir, Presa del Obraje. The Arroyo below both dams is the major path for water through San Miguel and in times of heavy rains there can be flooding.
Both of us were challenged by the range of greens in the landscape with Linda redoing her painting later. Here are both of her interpretations of the deep canyon, the overabundance of greens, and San Miguel in the distance. The first one was done plein air from the Four Winds Plaza and the second from a photo later. I suggested that she include both for you, the viewer, to enjoy.

View (plein air) from the Four Winds Plaza at El Charco L. Whynman

View from Four Winds Plaza at El Charco L. Whynman
© 2018 Lorie Topinka All Rights Reserved
3 Comments
How spectacular! And how we would love some of that rain!!
Yes, some rain but not all at once. Bridges have been damaged, the Honda plant in Celaya has been underwater for several weeks, some houses washed away…..Thanks for the note Judy!!
Hi Lorie,
I haven’t heard from you in so long I decided to Google you and found this lovely site with the watercolors.
It is good that you are still doing the paintings.
As you must know Vern has struggled with Parkinson’s for the last four years. He gradually became less able to do so many things. I have had caregivers for over a year. After Tom came to visit him in October and early November he took a turn for the worse and died Nov. 11.
Tom, Jeanne and Dave worked together to have a beautiful service honoring his life. Our kids and grandkids love G-daddy and are very sad at his passing. I am sad also but am glad he is finally at peace.
An aside, as I googled up came ratings of Rick at American River college.Nice to read such good things about him. Barbara