My first experience with plen air painting was both thrilling and challenging. How does one capture the quaint beauty of the village of Lourmarin in the distance across fields of spent sunflowers? Not easy, even after our easels are positioned on the hill and paints are properly squeezed onto palettes, light to dark, warm to cool. So much to consider...scale, perspective, light (which changes often), shadows...before giving thought to color. I felt more relaxed on the next outing into the village of Cucuron where I set up down the street and across from a lovely blue-shuttered home, flowering vines in a tumble over the front porch. I could see the owner quietly watching in the shadows beyond the gate. As the morning progressed, I was pleased when curious onlookers expressed approval in varying languages. I felt free, peaceful and present in the moment.
Before the memories begin to nestle deep within my heart, I wanted to capture the "so much more" of my sensual experiences in beautiful Luberon. Many readers may relate. Fresh croissants with ginger jam, Francoise's black and white cat Brim, cobblestoned streets leading to Gaby's and the market beyond, fresh morning air through the bedroom window, my first French garden party at Christel's, dancing to saxophone under the stars, yoga with the blue morning sky at Mas de La Boissiere, bright boats docked in the Cassis harbor, two-hour lunches with red and rose, Tui Na a la Denis, white juicy peaches, sprawling vineyards and sage-colored olive trees, fresh pears and warm figs from Manfred's garden, crusty bread and cheeses, a symphony of night lightening across the mountain crest from my balcony at the Tour, a rooster's crow in the distance (seriously)...such are a few of the sensations of one of the most beautiful regions I have visited.
