It has cleared a lot now. The rain has sunk into the earth and the skies adorn the water in pastel hues. I see the passing clouds ripple in the wind whilst Tilly our little black dog dumps sticks at my feet insistant that I throw them for her.

This next lovely piece of writing is by my dearest friend Alison who thought it might help me get my blog done and of course she was right and of course I love it. So for your delectation here it is!

I woke to a quiet morning and it took me a moment to realise that the drumming of rain had finally stopped. Opening the curtains revealed great sheets of still water leveling out the contours of the vineyards. The smooth flood water was opaque with suspended mud and reflected the bright sky that was clearing after days of clouds and storms.

My clothes were still hanging up to dry after a session of digging  trenches outside in the downpour in an attempt to divert the deluge from the barn and outbuildings. We had been confined to home for three days sa roads were impassable and it was unwise to venture forth. It proved to be a productive time in the end, providing a welcome chance to focus on a new commission and temporarily let go of the other jobs that required me to be out and about. It’s been a very intense and emotional few months and getting back to my paints was a balm to the soul, a reminder of what makes me happy, it started the juices flowing again for planning more Paint Provence trips and brought a wonderful sense of being reconnected t what I love and enjoy. Immersing myself in the canvas helped to re-establish some perspective after what has been probably one of the most difficult periods of my life. Gradually a new (plan?) structure is emerging and I can start to see the wood for the trees. Painting is my very best therapy!

At this time of year I normally take my easel and chair out amongst the vines to capture the rust, red, yellow, burgundy colours illuminated by the sun shining low through the flimsy leaves. However this year autumn painting has been restricted to the studio inside. Wellies stand muddy by the door and the dogs are less than enthusiastic when I invite them out for a wet walk. Striding along the raised causeway between the flooded vineyards I notice that the sharp reflections create a double display of red leaves and dark stems, like a perfect mirror one might not know which way was up. The woods beyond are mottled with autumn shades and dark evergreens, everything washed clean by the rain and now set alight by the longed for November sunshine.

Alison Prideaux 1st December 2019

I know I am probably far too late with this but I am going to have a water colour painting sale. I shall try and put them up this evening and tomorrow, maybe it is not too late for Christmas, who knows!

In the meantime hello to you all and hope that all is well in your worlds!

A bientot