The Magic of Art and Travel

By Kathleen Carrillo

When Travel Becomes a Painting there is a certain magic that happens when art and travel intertwine. A place is never just a destination — it is a feeling, a rhythm, a palette of color, sound, scent, and story. The Magic of Art and Travel is a painting collection inspired by some of the most beloved destinations in the world, places that linger in our hearts long after we return home. It is an art and travel painting collection for you to find the perfect piece for your memories

This body of work celebrates the romance of movement — wandering cobblestone streets, savoring local flavors, listening to music drift through open windows, and soaking in the unique energy that makes each place unforgettable. From Europe to Mexico to vintage New York, these paintings invite you to step into destinations shaped by beauty, history, and soul.

Puerto Vallarta: Romance, Color, and Creative Energy

One of the strongest inspirations within this collection is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a place rich in romantic charm, vibrant color, and joyful expression. Known for its warmth, music, laughter, and welcoming spirit, Puerto Vallarta is also one of the top LGBTQ travel destinations in the world, celebrated for its inclusivity and creative energy.

Many of the paintings reflect the heart of the Romantic Zone, where art, architecture, and culture come alive in layered textures and whimsical perspectives. These works are not literal representations — they are emotional impressions, capturing the feeling of being there rather than a single moment in time.

Architectural Whimsy: Beloved Places Reimagined

Much of this collection is created in my signature Architectural Whimsy style — a romantic, slightly dreamlike interpretation of iconic places. Buildings lean gently, colors glow a little warmer, and streets invite you forward as if they have a story to tell.

The collection includes imagery inspired by:

• The South of France, with its charming villages and timeless elegance

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  The French Riviera, where light dances between sea and sky

• The Italian Riviera in the Liguria Region, full of color, history, and coastal beauty

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  Rome and the Sorrento area, where ancient history meets rich culinary traditions

• Puerto Vallarta, infused with warmth, creativity, and celebration

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  Vintage New York City in the 1940s, a nostalgic series that became one of my most recognized works

This New York Architectural Whimsy series was honored with the Solo Award at the New York Art Expo, and it remains a cornerstone of this traveling collection.

Art That Comes From Experience — and Invitation

These paintings are deeply connected to how I experience the world. For many years, I have taken small groups of artists and creatives to Italy and France for week-long luxury painting workshops. Together, we explore famous villages, coastal towns, museums, markets, and cafés — painting on location while fully immersed in the culture.

The artwork in this exhibition reflects those experiences:

• Painting amid historic streets

• Absorbing the scents of local cuisine

• Studying masterpieces in world-class museums

• Letting place, light, and emotion guide the creative process

Each painting carries the essence of travel — not just what was seen, but what was felt.

Exhibition Announcement: Puerto Vallarta – January 9

I am delighted to invite you to the upcoming exhibition of The Magic of Art and Travel, opening:

📍 Kathleen Carrillo Gallery
Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta
🗓 January 9
🎶 During the Southside Shuffle

This special evening will feature works from across the collection — Europe, Mexico, and vintage New York — bringing together destinations that have shaped my artistic journey.

Original Works & Limited Edition Giclée Prints

A select number of original paintings from the Architectural Whimsy collection will be available at the exhibition.

In addition, limited edition, hand-embellished giclée prints are available for all Architectural Whimsy works. Each print is:

• Limited to an edition of 100

• Individually hand-embellished

• Signed and numbered

These pieces allow collectors to bring home the magic of travel — a reminder of places loved, journeys taken, or dreams yet to be explored.

An Invitation to Travel Through Art

Whether you are a traveler, a collector, or someone who simply loves the romance of beautiful places, The Magic of Art and Travel is an invitation — to wander, to remember, and to imagine what lies beyond the horizon.

I look forward to welcoming you to the gallery and sharing these stories with you in person.