From the Market, Provence

A sunny spring morning in southern France, rather than a grey and wet afternoon in northern Vermont.

Five Pitchers from Provence

Of the still life objects I've worked with over the years, I'd say pitchers have the most personality--and these five have an assertive sense of style that is most definitely Gallic.

Click here for an online view of my exhibit Paris/Provence.

Vines and Trees, Provence

My last painting from this year's time in Provence, with a vineyard once again in late afternoon light, and the color of a lavender field repeating in the shadows of pine trees and a distant cliff.

Ochre Quarry, Morning

This small ochre quarry offers a challenging exercise in color and spatial relationships, and a reminder once again of why Cezanne (who painted similar motifs over and over) is a landscape painter's greatest muse.

Grape Vines, Early Evening, Provence

If paintings were composers, I think this would be Debussy.

Path Through Vineyards

I went out in the late afternoon behind our hamlet to a favorite spot, where two walking paths converge, and row upon row of grape vines disappear into the distance.

Cliff in Afternoon, Lioux, Provence

Even if the lavender wasn't in bloom, this hidden field would be a magical place to paint.

Trees and Houses, Joucas, Provence

Back home again in Vermont after an inspiring two weeks of painting and teaching, and still thinking about the light and color of beautiful Provence.

View from the Wall, Joucas

The weather kept changing from cloudy to rainy to sunny while we were painting here today, which meant keeping up with changing light, and taking a few breaks in the dry spot under a plane tree.

Stone Wall and Steps, Bonnieux, Provence

This centuries-old wall forms the entrance to a small shady park perched high on top of the beautiful town of Bonnieux.

Looking up at Gordes, Provence

Despite the solid, rock-like look of this famous hill town, we were painting during a very windy afternoon--not quite the mistral, but strong enough gusts that we had to do some fast grabbing to keep easels and boards from blowing into the valley.

House with Vines, Viens, Provence

It's hard to keep track of the days here, what with all of our painting excursions, so rather than my usual "Sunday Sketchbook" post, here's a watercolor sketch of a motif I've painted a few other times in years past.

View to Mountain, Viens, Provence

 Viens is a charming walled village, complete with a crenellated castle, winding narrow alleys, hollyhocks everywhere, and many resident dogs and cats sleeping in the sun.

Fountain in Saignon, Provence

The central square in this hill town near Aix boasts both this lovely fountain and a view to the Luberon mountains.

Morning Sun, Provence

Late and shadow shapes on walls open up to mountain and sky on a narrow street in Murs.

Tuesday Market, Provence

St. Saturnin les Apt is a lively town in the Luberons with a small weekly market that offers everything Provencal, from nougat to espadrilles and bouillabaisse to brie.

Market Stall, Provence

The back side of a basket stall at the Sunday market at L'Isle sur la Sorgue.

Click here to see past year's paintings of the same market.

Sunday Sketchbook: Provence

Back in Provence again, driving from Les Bassacs to I'Isle sur la Sorgue and looking at views that are familiar (after almost twenty years of teaching and painting here) but still surprising in their beauty.

Click here to see paintings and sketches from Provence.

Sunday Sketchbook: Provence

I'm still here in my Vermont studio finishing up my last painting for an August exhibit. I leave this Friday for two weeks of teaching and painting in Provence--from where I'll be happily back to posting new oils and watercolors every day.

Sunday Sketchbook: Provence

And here's a sketch from the patio in Provence, looking back and forth between the landscape and my fellow wine drinkers.