It’s cold it really is and in many places far colder than my chilly retreat in the mountains with snow on the mountains behind the village and the wind howling around the roof tops. With the whistle of the wind my mind wanders to the warm of the sun. I am not a great fan of winter and now I can’t wait for summer. I love it when the first signs of change in the weather show themselves, for me it is the japonica in the hedges, the almond blossom in full bloom, the tulips showing pretty in the grasses, early iris’s rich in purple. I can hardly wait for the poppies, I know poppy fields are so much a part of Provence and I think many people discount them, they are to them of little importance. Many of the vineyards in my area are turning the poppy fields into fields of vines. I understand the poppies don’t make them money, but they do bring tourists and more they bring such happinness to peoples hearts.
As far as I am concerned they are irresistable. We were painting in the poppy fields close to Roussillon last year and we met a wine make who leaves his fields of poppies. They were his wife’s favourite flowers and he loves to see people enjoy them. He was so kind to us. I hope we see him again this year. I will get in touch with him again.
We visited Arles and the Van Gogh Museum, we went to the Camargue to paint the pink flamingos, or flaments roses which I think sounds far more romantic. We walked roman ruins and painted them. We went to Les Baux de Provence. I can’t wait to return. I feel very blessed that I have such a wonderful job, teaching people to paint plein-air in one of the most beautiful countries I have spent time in. It is my home and I love it.
In and around Roussillon and Dominiques delightful painting.
Ruth’s amazing food.
Am I tempting you yet?
A few tasty morsels cooked by me!
I think one of my happiest moments is to sit amongst the lavender and poppies, to listen to the buzzing of the bees, for the butterflies to land on my toes as with legs stretched out I paint in this beautiful land of Provence.
My May trip is full, but I do have two places left on my June 8th – 15th trip and my June 22nd – 29th trip and then of course there is the Charente. I have two places left on this trip. Please do visit my site Paint Provence with Tess and see if there are any trips you might like to join me on.
I forgot to mention that we will be visiting Les Carrieres de Lumieres at the Baux de Provence, we have Van Gogh this year, Picasso last year and let’s hope there is another year to go, it really is pure magical genius!
I have only just got the internet in my mountain retreat so I am trying to catch up on a lot of work. And crossing fingers the internet stays strong I will be able to blog again and again.
À bientôt