Artist's
Notes from France
October 2008
These scenes are from our recent
trip to France. There were 13 of us on the trip. We visited many
small ocher colored villages in Southwest France and stayed in a 350
year old restored convent, Le Vieux Couvent with hosts Bill and Corrine
who have made it their home.
The colors of the trees were just starting to turn when we arrived and
by the end of our trip, the hill sides were ablaze with vibrant oranges
and stunning yellows.
There was laundry hanging everywhere in our little village at Frayssinet. It was inspiring to say the least to see it sunlit,
flapping in the breeze hung at convent.
There were steeples and bell towers dotting the rolling landscape. Incredible
pitched rooflines and pale aqua shutters on many of the small cottages. I was amazed at the simple glory each time I walked through the little
lanes and the countryside. And there were sheep. Look out for some sheep
paintings from me soon!
Before joining the group Jenny and
I drove through the South of France, enjoying seeing the vibrant colors
of the small seaside fishing villages of La Ciotat and Cassis, then
Avignon and Aix En Provence before meeting the the group in Toulouse.
LVC is located about 90 minutes north of Toulouse.
We were amazed and pleasantly
surprised at how gracious the French people treated us at restaurants
hotels and the little shops.
It was a complete immersion for all senses to be in this place with 13
other artists, each on a mission of their own making.
Stunning colors bathed in crisp
clear autumn light, intriguing aromas coming from Corrine's
kitchen, delicious meals lovingly served and hearing the bells of
the church just outside my bedroom window marking the time as we
painted.
This is Corrine, one of the owners of Le Vieux
Couvent who prepared lovely meals for us each day.
See
more pics of the class painting in France
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