Woman and Dog in Provence

Woman and Dog in Provence

acrylic on canvas 11 x 14 inch

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It took quite a while to finish this painting.  It is another scene inspired from my recent travels to Europe.  I think the reason it took so long to complete is because each time I worked on it, it was a little bit like getting to revisit southern France.  I am so thankful for the memories of such a beautiful place, I guess I didn't want it to end.

Spring has sprung here in Kansas.  I can often tell not only by the evidence of the blooming flowers and singing birds, but by my color palette when I paint.  I don't paint as much when the weather is nice.  I would rather be outside finding things to do in the yard or just walking along the river in our neighborhood.  Today is sunny, windy and very quiet.  The trees sound a little bit like the ocean.

Off I go to enjoy it.  I hope you are having great weather wherever you live.  Take care.

♥ Lisa

Arles House 24 and Traveling to Europe

Arles House 24
acrylic on board 6 x 8 inch
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While on a double date with our good friends last year, we were invited to join them on a high school group tour to France and Spain.  They have gone on these European trips for several years now, both as parents and chaperones, and they said there was always room for extras in the group and that we should consider joining them this time. We could attend as guests rather than chaperones, and the price would include airfare, hotels, two meals a day and most of the activities.  On the itinerary was PARIS, the LOUVRE, and the PICASSO MUSEUM.  Say no more.  I'm in! My husband was just as excited about the itinerary as I was, so we set up our payment plan and paid on the trip all year, paying it off just before departure day.

Our tour was ten days long and time was spread thinly in Paris, Provence and Barcelona, however we were able to see so much.  The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Versailles, and the Louvre were all covered in 2 1/2 days, mixed in with a bus tour of the city.  Our favorite activity was just being there and walking around taking in the all the beautiful architecture.

Provence was my favorite by far, slower and quieter than Paris,  and this is my little Arles-inspired piece.  It was a tiny house I noticed while walking in the historic area.  Arles is where Van Gogh was hospitalized for a year, producing over 300 paintings and drawings in that period of time.

home in Arles

We also visited the city of Avignon, as well as Pont du Gard and Carrcassone before ending our time in the incredible city of Barcelona.  When we got home, friends and family were eager to hear about our trip, so I spent time combing through pictures to post on Facebook, writing detailed descriptions of all that we saw.  It took a lot of time to do, but it was time well spent because it helped me absorb more of all that we saw on our journey.  I am so inspired now,  not just to paint, but to visit some wonderful museums and towns close to home.  The world is a wonderful beautiful place.

I hope you are well and thank you for visiting!

♥Lisa