Next week I will embark on a "dream retirement" trip of plen aire painting, cooking and excursions around the Luberon and Les Alpilles areas of Provence. Chef on Holiday presents its first travel event, "A Tasty Paint Brush," with organizer and Chef Christel Van Malsen of Piscines & Vacances en Provence (La Motte d'Aigues, France) and artist, Alice Williams, who studied with Constantive Chatov. We will stay in the Mas de la Boissiere in Cucuron with picturesque views across the Grand Luberon and Mont St. Victoire. I will join a small group of budding artists from the US and France to paint in the areas of Lourmarin and Cucuron, the beautiful garden of La Dorgonne, a winery in La Tour d'Aigues, and in the garden of a castle. We will explore markets in Isle sur la Sorgue and St Remy de la Provence, and visit the stone grove, Les Carrieres des Lumieres, to view Italian Renaissance masterpieces in multi-media. In the evenings we will dine on French cooking prepared by Chef Christel and taste lovely French wine. Who could ask for a more glorious experience for the senses?!
The title of this blog is Preparing for Provence, so I would like to share a few travel tips from my more experienced artist travelers.
>Pack light (You will want to bring home linens, clothing and blankets local to the region.)
>View an online video for traveling with oils
>Coordinate the shipping of canvases with 2-3 friends (I have made new friends with ladies in SC and we have already shipped!)
>Pack oil paints in a box in your suitcase within original boxes or wrap with bubble wrap (Turn paint corners outward!)
>Take along MSDS forms (on oil paint brand manufacturer websites) for TSA purposes
>Plan to arrive at least two days early so your body can adjust to a new time zone (and you can acclimate to the area)
>Extend your stay (Why not?!)
>Don't forget to notify credit card banks and order some euros for a good exchange rate
>Call about international data plans for your phone
>Take along a good camera (According to one friend, you will take 1,000 pics!)
Well, that's my list so far. I'm sure there's more to add! Wish me bon voyage for the trip of my lifetime!
