Esté MacLeod is a professional artist and designer based in Berkshire, England. 

Born and raised in South Africa before relocating to the UK in 1999, Esté's art practice exists at the intersection of fine art, design, and education. 

Artistic Approach 

Making art is what makes Esté feel alive. Her creative practice stems from a deep need to create that has been with her since childhood—her parents recognised her artistic obsession when she was just two years old. Working intuitively, Esté allows her paintings to develop organically over time, with careful observation and drawing being integral parts of her creative process. 

Colour serves as the principle element in her work, applied in multiple layers with an intention to surprise, invigorate and inspire joy. Her art is characterised by an ethereal quality that emerges from semi-translucent layering of colors, creating harmony between objects and the space around them, with added detail that generates subtle rhythms. 

Inspiration & Style 

Esté's art is informed by both the real and the imaginary. Her work draws inspiration from the natural world, changing seasons, travel experiences, dreams, sentiments, and thoughts. Like a curious magpie, she is always looking for something to inspire a new artwork or design. 

Her background in textile and ceramic design is evident in the stylised, abundant and colorful forms used in her distinctive floral and bird designs. By experimenting with the layering of colours, patterns, textures, and mark-making, along with her stylised floral and simplified plant forms, Esté's iconic style always retains a freshness. 

Artistic Output 

Esté's artworks, created primarily with acrylic paint and water-based mixed media, fall into three main categories: 

● Still life paintings 

● Landscapes 

● Floral-themed art (which forms the foundation of her design and licensing practice) 

Education & Background 

Esté's educational background is extensive and multidisciplinary: 

● Higher National Diploma in Textile Design (1986-1990) 

● Post-degree diploma in Fine Art Printmaking (1990) 

● BA Honours Degree in Ceramic Design with Glass, First Class (2007-2009) 

● Masters Degree in Contemporary Jewellery Design (2010-2012) 

Before moving to the UK, Esté worked in South Africa as a studio ceramicist, fine artist, and freelance designer. Her early education in textile design and fine art printmaking continues to influence her creative approach. 

Professional Practice 

As a professional artist, Esté exhibits her work with galleries in the UK and internationally. She supplies paintings to these galleries while also licensing her designs for use on a diverse range of products including: 

● Homeware collections ● Wallpaper and textiles 

● Ceramics and dinnerware 

● Greeting cards and stationery 

● Puzzles 

● Wall art and paper products 

● Calendars 

● Editorial content and book illustrations 

Her past collaborations span companies across the UK, Australia, Europe, Africa and the USA. 

Teaching 

Since 2015, Esté has been teaching online, focusing on a wide variety of painting techniques and processes. She is passionate about helping other artists develop their creativity through her Creative Leap Method™. 

“Colour is my jam, creativity is my superpower. As a teacher, I love inspiring artists to form deeper connections to their own creativity, strengthen their sense of colour, and increase knowledge of materials and techniques in order to develop a strong and clear artist voice." 

Arrive to Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport, Chiapas, Mexico.

NOTE we will collect you from the airport whatever time you arrive - day or night. 

There is no programme on Arrivals Day - our guests come from all over the world.

Hotel check-in time is in line with hotel policy, typically 2.00 pm

Let’s start our day with a stroll to the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya. Along the way, we will get our bearings in San Cristóbal, feast our eyes on wonderful textiles and gather plenty of inspiration.

Next, we will wander into the heart of the Old City, with time to explore and find somewhere lovely for lunch.

We will return to our beautiful accommodation for a creative afternoon with Esté.

inc B,D

Chiapas is renowned for its vibrant textiles, and today we head out to explore various local villages , each with its own distinctive traditions and textile heritage.

We will discover wonderful local dress, visit churches where Christianity and ancient Mayan beliefs mingle in fascinating ways, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch.

A wonderful opportunity to experience the rich, living traditions of the region and meet some of the people who keep them alive.

Inc B, L 

Today we visit the Museo Mesoamericano del Jade, a fascinating museum filled with jade artefacts, remarkable replicas of ancient treasures and insights into the cultural significance of jade in Mesoamerican civilisations.

A highlight is the impressive recreation of the tomb of King Pakal, the great Mayan ruler of Palenque, complete with its magnificent jade funerary mask.

It really is an extraordinary sight and may well provide inspiration for your afternoon creative session with Esté.

inc B

Time to explore more of Chiapas’ beautiful landscapes! Today we visit the spectacular Agua Azul waterfalls, famous for their cascading turquoise waters and lush tropical surroundings. Bring your swimmers for a refreshing dip and enjoy some time soaking up the natural beauty of the area.

Later in the day, we head to Ocosingo, where we will spend the night.

inc B,L,D

An early start takes us to the magnificent Mayan ruins of Toniná, home to one of Mexico’s largest pyramids. 

The ancient city flourished between the 6th and 9th centuries AD, with construction beginning several centuries earlier. 

Far less visited than many other archaeological sites, Toniná offers a wonderful opportunity to explore at a relaxed pace and a fascinating introduction to the history of the ancient Maya

Then returning to our beautiful digs in San Cristobal

inc B,L

Today is workshop time! 

We will spend time with Isobel, learning some of the beautiful local embroidery techniques and trying our hand at the stitches ourselves.

In the evening, we visit the fascinating Museo Sergio Castro. For over 40 years, Don Sergio has provided free medical care to people in communities throughout Chiapas. Along the way, he has developed a remarkable knowledge of local cultures and assembled a wonderful collection of traditional textiles.

His collection is a treasure trove, and the stories behind the textiles make this a particularly special visit.

Don Sergio runs a free medical clinic from his home. If you have access to sterile gloves, antiseptic creams or other basic medical supplies, you might like to bring some to donate. Any contributions would be greatly appreciated.

inc B,L,D

Today we are off to the spectacular Sumidero Canyon for a private boat ride along the river, winding between towering cliffs that rise dramatically above the water. 

Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles and monkeys along the way, and enjoy the magnificent scenery of one of Chiapas’ most impressive natural wonders.

inc B,L

Last day in town, time with Esté to finish off your projects and a last chance to visit your favourite places in San Cristobal.

Let’s share a celebratory dinner this evening to mark the end of our adventure.

inc B,D

Departures from Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport, Chiapas, Mexico.

We'll drop you to your flight any time night or day.

Hotel check-out time is in line with hotel policy.

inc B

Materials List and Preparations

• Esté will send a small workshop out to help you design your blocks - so we can have them carved, oiled and waiting for you at the workshop.
• You will be supplied with 2 m of handspun, hand woven Khadi Fabric to use during the workshops.

Materials to Bring

• Graphite pencil and black pigment fineliner, 0,5mm or finer is good 
• Inktense pencil black and peacock blue.
• Caran D’ache Luminance pencil in white, sepia or dark brown and dark indigo
• Posca white acrylic paint  marker fine or ultra-fine nib
• A small container of acrylic matte medium. 
• Round pointed paintbrush size 10
• Optional 1/4” dagger brush
• Small A5 sketchbook with smooth paper. (Not too big or heavy) 
• Hot press Arches watercolour pad with 12 sheets 23x31cm (9”x12”)
• Small pointed scissors like embroidery scissors
• Watercolour: optional Paynes gray tube (I will also bring watercolour with me) 
• Versafine Clair pigment ink pad in Nocturne/twilight or other blue  cheerful (yellow) and  Charming pink 
• Optional a metre of fine woven white cotton or linen 
• Optional: embroidery yarn similar to Coates no 8 in a few favourite colours 
• Optional: small embroidery hoop

Physical Fitness for Sightseeing 

This adventure is crafted for enthusiastic, active travellers with a good general level of health and mobility.

To make the most of your experience, you’ll need to be comfortable walking for 3–4 hours a day — sometimes over uneven ground, up hills, and climbing a few flights of stairs.

You may also find yourself getting in and out of local transport and navigating the occasional over-the-bath shower.

If you enjoy a bit of daily movement and love discovering new places on foot, you’ll thrive on this tour.

Just a friendly heads-up: we need to walk at an average pace - it will not be suitable for those who prefer a slow pace or need frequent rest stops.

Etiquette

• Rely on your host – in some places photography is an absolute NO!

• In other areas, be mindful of people’s privacy – scenery is generally fine

• Taking photos of people – perhaps start with a selfie; say hello, ask, show them, then take a portrait – works a charm

• Learn a few local courtesies – always appreciated

________________________________________

Workshops

Stitch

• Needles and basics supplied, though your own needles can be easier on your hands

• Our hosts love seeing sewing kits and anything you’ve made – embroideries especially

Art / Journal / Sketch

• Your tutor will provide a suggested travelling kit before departure

________________________________________

Food

• Food is central to culture – we are here to try it

• Group meals are shared, with a range of dishes and local specialties

• Cooking is from scratch using fresh ingredients, so it’s easier to track what you’re eating

• Vegetarian – possible in more touristed areas; more challenging during home visits

• Vegan – similar considerations

• Onion/garlic-free – difficult to manage

• Wheat-free – manageable in Mexico where corn tortillas are available

________________________________________

Health

• Drink only filtered or bottled water – never tap, even for brushing teeth

• Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily

• Visit your doctor or travel specialist before departure

• Bring required medications and prescriptions

• Menstrual products – pads available, tampons harder to find

• Bring insect repellent

________________________________________

Money

• Notify your bank before travel (including transit stops)

• Travel cards can be useful – check they work before departure

• Carry a backup card, stored separately

• ATMs are widely available

• Cash – useful backup, exchange rates vary (ask hotel front desk)

• Credit cards – not always accepted

• Additional fees may apply where cards are used

• KNOW YOUR CARD PIN

Currency

• Mexican Peso

________________________________________

Shopping

• There are treasures to find – and it supports the local economy

• Bargaining is common in markets – prices are negotiable

• NGOs and social enterprises usually have fixed prices

________________________________________

Suitcase

• Start with a medium suitcase and bring a soft bag for extra purchases

• Large suitcases are harder to manage and store on the bus

• Buying luggage on the road is not easy

Recommended size

• Medium: 60–70 cm (H) x 40–50 cm (W) x 25–30 cm (D)

• Approx. 24–28" x 16–20" x 10–12"

________________________________________

Weather

• Chiapas – can be cool; bring a jacket, and a light rain layer

________________________________________

Power

• 110V

• US-style adaptor plugs

________________________________________

Clothing

• Lightweight, loose layers work best

• 3–4 outfits are usually sufficient – there’s always the opportunity to pick up something along the way

• Pack socks and a cardigan for cooler mornings

• Leave expensive jewellery at home

________________________________________

Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or strapped sandals)

• Surfaces can be uneven – stability matters

________________________________________

Laundry

• Any 2-night stop is a good opportunity

________________________________________

Fitness

• Frequent stops, getting on/off the minibus

• Walking required – often 1–2 hours at a time

• Expect steps and uneven ground

________________________________________

Begging

• Best not to encourage

• Avoid giving sweets or gifts to children

• If you wish to give, we can pass items to a school

• A few coins for elderly or disabled people is a kind gesture

________________________________________

Tipping

• If you enjoy a guide’s commentary, a performance, or take someone’s photo, a tip is appreciated

• Set something aside for your translator and driver

• Rough guide: the equivalent of a coffee per day, per person

• A group collection at the end works well

________________________________________

Environment

• Step lightly – conserve water and power

• Take rubbish with you where possible

• Say no to plastic

• Bring a cloth carry bag