Missions, Ranches, Overlooks

As I mentioned in my previous post, the goal of our studio trip was to take a look at the architecture and cultural influence that the Spanish and other settlers had on the South Texas region.  Two places that we visited in San Antonio were Mission San Jose and The Alamo.  Mission San Jose was a Spanish community that was settled 250 years ago just outside of the current city of San Antonio.  It is one of a group of Missions in the area that have been restored by the National Park Service.  The Alamo speaks for itself.

Mission San Jose

Mission San Jose

Mission San Jose

The Alamo 

The Alamo

After leaving San Antonio on Wednesday morning, we headed south the the TX/Mexico border.  Our first stop was in Laredo for lunch.  After lunch we followed the border south and made many stops along the way.  The more notable stops were at a historic ranch where the oldest buildings in Texas are located, at a Rio Grande Overlook to do some watercoloring, and in the tiny historic town of San Agnacio.

Los Corrales Historic Ranch

Los Corrales Historic Ranch

Rio Grande Overlook

Rio Grande Overlook

Our stop for the night on Wednesday was in Roma, TX.  We were supposed to stay here for two days working on a project, but the weather was awful.  Due to rain, we ended up heading to Houston for a day and a half instead of sitting in the rain in Roma...