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 “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”  Henry Miller

My first travel painting tour to France five years ago almost didn’t happen. 

 About 8 weeks before we were to leave, the Abbey where we’d reserved for our meals and lodging months earlier called to inform us that they were closing immediately for renovations.  So there we were, just before high season in Provence, with 11 painters paid up and ready to go, and no place to stay.

Luckily I knew the area well, and remembered the Mas Shabanou, a beautiful country inn near Nice where my in-laws had stayed five years earlier.  Didn’t they even have a large art studio upstairs?  We put in a call and managed to accommodate our entire group in the lovely little town of Roquefort-les-Pins, along the French Riviera in the Maritime Alps.  We fell into a perfect situation:  a restored 17th-century manor situated within 15 minutes of some of France's most beautiful perched villages.  Owners Edwin and Ingrid are not only excellent guides to the area, but Edwin is also a talented chef.  (and yes! there is an art studio upstairs.) Five years later the Mas is still our home away from home.   

The Mas Shabanou, http://mas.shabanou.com/

Things never go quite as predicted when traveling, and the adventure of discovery is part of the thrill.  I feel the same way about painting:  I like to know where I’m going, and have all the right tools at my disposal.  But being open to the unexpected keeps the journey interesting.  

I fell in love with southern France over thirty years ago, as a college student studying abroad at the University of Nice.  Since then I’ve returned to the south of France as often as possible—especially since my sister and her family have settled there.

My sister and I: I was visiting her at work at EDHEC Business School in Nice.

But here’s the thing:  while every visitor can’t help but notice the spectacular beauty of the place, showing up with my pastel box makes me see each place I visit with new eyes.  I’d visited lovely villages many times with family, but going with fellow artists was a different experience entirely.  Instead of convincing companions to stop while I shot photos, we’re all there for the same reason (and we’re all the one with the camera). 

Artists capturing a spectacular sunset: we all jumped up from the dinner table to catch the shot.

 We spend all day on location, finding great spots and painting what we see.

Painting at scenic overlook. Recognize that town? it's Gourdon, and this view was featured in Les Miserables.

Traveling with painters, and painting while you travel allows for a thicker appreciation of an area.  Instead of snapping a quick photo of a doorway, we spend an afternoon in a wedge of shade, listening to kids playing, seeing the neighbor hanging out her wash, maybe even receiving a plate of grapes or an aperitif from the neighbor.  We come away with visceral memories:  warm yellows, the smell of lavender and rosemary, the hum of insects, the chatter of a cafe. 

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Whether you are a seasoned plein air painter or a beginner, I strongly recommend trying a travel workshop.  

You’ll truly see and appreciate the place deeply and remember it well.  Your senses will be revived. 

 Your painting will get better, and fast, with all the practice and fellowship.

Oh, and if the south of France sounds good to you, I still have a couple of spots left for our June trip, June 9-16.  

CLICK HERE FOR TRIP INFO