Wednesday 1 October 2014

Painting in Provence - Part 2

I just came back from a painting trip in Norfolk, but before I post my work, here are the last six paintings from my recent trip in South of France (click here to see Part 1).
The painting below was done in a misty morning. The distant hills were covered by pink fog. It gave a beautiful subtle colour to the scene. It was my birthday on that day and painting this view was such a perfect way to enjoy it!


Hills in the morning fog - Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt   10"x7"  oil on board





Detail



Below is a painting of the little chapel in the courtyard just outside the house. I must admit there was no praying in there during the holiday. We used it to store my daughter's buggy instead...


The little chapel - Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt   10"x8"  oil on board

The picture shows very different colours but I confirm this is the same place...

To get the best view, I set up in the vignards opposite the house. As I was sneakily eating the grapes around me, I heard a distant voice saying: "He! Stop eating and start painting!" That was my mum at the window checking on me. You can never be at peace anywhere can you??




Detail



The painting below was done a couple minutes walk from the house. The misty distant hills against the curved tree caught my eyes. I did paint the top of tree at the time but decided the composition didn't work so I chopped it off at home and I think it looks much better now. 


Morning light - Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt  8"x10"  oil on board



Detail


Here is a painting of the back of the house. I like how the warm stone was shining through the foliage of the trees.




Basic drawing to start with. I never detail more than this.


The finished painting 


Detail



Below is a painting of the vignards done from the outdoor covered storage room/ leisure room. This is where I stored my painting kit. I was on my way to paint but I saw this view and decided to stay there and shelter from the sun. I just loved the variety of blues and greens.


The vignards (2) - Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt  10"x8"  oil on board





Detail



And finally, this is my last painting of the trip, but my favourite one. It might actually be my favourite one ever. This is the little gate leading to the swimming pool which I painted a few hours before taking my plane back. Somehow I felt everything worked and it was effortless. Nice feeling when it happens!


Gate to swimming pool - Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt   10"x8"  oil on board






Me looking very focused!


Detail

6 comments:

  1. Nice paintings Valerie. I can see that you enjoyed yourself. All the best.
    Vic.

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  2. All lovely paintings Valerie. I agree on the swimming pool painting...a real winner with lovely crisp colours and values and decisive strokes. Bravo!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you David! Glad you agree with me on the pool painting. Sometimes a painting just works effortlessly and this is one of them. If only they were all like this! Hope you're well!

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