Back from France painting trip- a travel log, of sorts
2 06 2008I am one week back from a most inspiring painting holiday to southern France, and over the next while I’ll be posting pictures of my paintings and sketches from my journal, as well as a few photos highlighting my trip. I’ve returned to lovely weather here in Virginia as well, so my travel posts will likely be interspersed with other art-related posts as I gear up for a summer of plein air painting.
I’ll start with my favorite painting from this trip (though I may need to reshoot as the greens are looking a little “off” in this image). This is a plein air painting looking upward towards the ruins of a 13th century abbey, ironically named “Abbaye Nouvelle” (New Abbey). I and the other artists on the trip were so fortunate to be able to paint at the abbey during the time of their annual plant and flower festival. It was a lively scene with a stunningly beautiful backdrop. It was also quite a challenge painting there, not only due to the light shifting in and out behind the clouds, but also due to the inquisitive passers-by. We attracted quite a few onlookers, and all were very complimentary and encouraging:
“Fête des Plantes, Abbaye Nouvelle”
Oil on linen, 9×12″
Click here or on the image for more info.
This was really an investigative trip for me. I have been invited to conduct a painting workshop at a beautiful site in the Lot region, so I thought it would be worthwhile for me to travel there in advance to meet the hosts and get a sense for what they did. I also really wanted to go back to France, so this was a good excuse 
Exterior of my “home” during my 10 day painting holiday.
The setting was idyllic. Le Vieux Couvent is an old convent that has been converted to gites and B&B style rooms, with lovely gardens AND a large art studio to boot. The session I chose for my visit was led by plein air painter Mary Pettis, and it was billed as an “alla prima artist’s retreat”. It appealed to me not only because I liked Mary’s paintings, but also because it seemed geared more towards experienced artists interested in painting, sharing, and touring together–perhaps not requiring as much instruction as what would be expected in a “how to” type class. Mary did do one demo, however, and offered plenty of feedback and great tips during our time together. I admit I did not know of Mary before this retreat, but she is a very fine painter and a lovely person who is very knowledgeable and generous with her thoughts and ideas.
This particular retreat was for 8 days, so considering time for arrivals and departures, there were 6 days for actual painting and touring. Given the way I like to travel, this is a pretty short overseas trip for me, so I couldn’t resist tacking on a few days after the retreat was over so that I could rent a car to sketch and tour on my own. I was glad I did. I can never seem to predict how I’ll do with the jetlag, and it took me a couple of days on both ends of the trip to get fully back into the swing!
Stay tuned for additional posts about my trip. I’m still going through all of my pictures, my journal, etc., and have plans for plenty more pics and posts detailing my experiences at this beautiful location. Speaking of details, I’m also working out the details for a painting workshop of my own at this location, hopefully in late spring/early summer of next year. More info to come, but in the meantime, please contact me directly if you’re interested in joining me for a France workshop in ‘09!
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This painting is more beautiful than even expected! Just awesome! Welcome back and looking forward to going to France through your lovely paintings. It would be better to actually go with you next Spring, but…..
Thanks Marilyn! Even with the jetlag, I get a real boost whenever I travel. It’s like soul food for me. These works may not be polished, but then the looseness has its own kind of “finish” (and often they say more than enough). There is an energy to these paintings that I hope I can carry over to my work now that I’m back at home. It was certainly an inspiring trip, all the way around. I’ll do my best to share that inspiration here on the blog as well.
Welcome home! I’ve been checking your art blog every day anticipating your return. I lived in France as a teenager and seeing your photos and paintings makes me homesick for a time long gone. I love your work and it’s a dream of mine to go on the ‘09 painting trip you talked about. Perhaps……..
Heather- It’s so nice to be welcomed home
Thank you! It must have been something to have lived in France as a teen. Lucky you! The place does have a way of calling you back, doesn’t it? You never know. I didn’t think I was going THIS year, but the opportunity arose and I grabbed it!
When you have more information about your trip let me know. I’m a mom with two elementary-aged sons, so it would be a slice of heaven to escape to France to paint. What a dream.
Beautiful painting, Jennifer Young.
Just agreeing with previous comments, that painting is beautiful. I do love it’s looseness.
Thanks Molly! Plein air painting seems to help me loosen up.
Seems like you had a wonderful art holiday. The place looks real lovely. I intend to go on one but i am definitely going to check out some places. This is a great way to dedicate few days to develop the basic and when u are surrounded by so many like minded people, it is a wonderful opportunity to learn
Heh I am actually the only reply to your incredible article.
You’ve done it once again! Superb article.