Paintings of Provence, France by Fred Marsh
Last year we had the fortune to spend a week painting "en plein air" with Julian Merrow-Smith in the Vaucluse area of Provence. Julian is well known for his blog featuring the daily auction of his small paintings "Postcards from Provence" .
In addition to Julian's expert mentoring whilst painting this wonderful landscape, we were accomodated at La Madelene, and what an exceptional experience it was. It is a beautifully renovated 12th century priory near Malaucene. Our hosts Philip and Jude are exceptional hosts. Jude prepared the most delicious healthy Mediterranean cuisine, with ingredients fresh from the markets each day; whilst Phillip shared his extensive wine knowledge by introducing two different wines of the region for each dinner. Think of food concocted by Yotam Ottolenghi, but also coming from heaven, and you get the idea. After the rigours of a hard day at "the office" we looked forward to the end of the day so we could tuck into the delicious food and wine.
Ruth (Julian's wife) is a professional cellist with a very engaging warm smile, who manages the "end to end" experience & logistics in a very competent and friendly relaxed manner. We had the good fortune to hear Ruth play so beautifully on a lovely balmy Provence evening.
Overall one of these rare experiences that was so well above expectations. Dont hesitate to spend a week on a painting workshop with Julian, Ruth, Jude and Phillip. All painting gear is provifed. So good that our friends that we travelled with are returning again this year.
My paintings from the week, are shown below. They are not for sale, but will serve as notes & inspiration for larger works. (click on the images to obtain a larger view)
In addition to Julian's expert mentoring whilst painting this wonderful landscape, we were accomodated at La Madelene, and what an exceptional experience it was. It is a beautifully renovated 12th century priory near Malaucene. Our hosts Philip and Jude are exceptional hosts. Jude prepared the most delicious healthy Mediterranean cuisine, with ingredients fresh from the markets each day; whilst Phillip shared his extensive wine knowledge by introducing two different wines of the region for each dinner. Think of food concocted by Yotam Ottolenghi, but also coming from heaven, and you get the idea. After the rigours of a hard day at "the office" we looked forward to the end of the day so we could tuck into the delicious food and wine.
Ruth (Julian's wife) is a professional cellist with a very engaging warm smile, who manages the "end to end" experience & logistics in a very competent and friendly relaxed manner. We had the good fortune to hear Ruth play so beautifully on a lovely balmy Provence evening.
Overall one of these rare experiences that was so well above expectations. Dont hesitate to spend a week on a painting workshop with Julian, Ruth, Jude and Phillip. All painting gear is provifed. So good that our friends that we travelled with are returning again this year.
My paintings from the week, are shown below. They are not for sale, but will serve as notes & inspiration for larger works. (click on the images to obtain a larger view)
Vineyards near Malaucene, Provence, France
Oil on Board 10 x 7 inches (26 x 18 cms) |
La Madelene from the rear, Provence, France
Oil on board 8 x 7 inches (20 x 18 cms) |
Fields from the rear of La Madelene, Provence, France
Oil on board 8 x 6.5 inches (20 x 16.5 cms) |
Lavender Fields near Sault, & Mount Ventoux in the distance, Provence, France
Oil on board 7.5 x 5 inches (19 x 13 cms) |
Wheatfield at the front of La Madelene, Provence, France
Oil on board 8 x 7 inches (20 x 18 cms) |
Lavender Fields at Les Michouilles; between Sault & Aurel, Provence, France
Oil on board 8 x 7 inches (20 x 18 cms) |
Looking from the back of La Madelene, Provence, France
Oil on board
7 x 5 inches (18 x 13 cms)
Oil on board
7 x 5 inches (18 x 13 cms)
