Cherries & Orchids

Welcome to my blog and thank you for your interest in my work.

A few changes since April, mainly that lockdown ended here in France on the 4th May and I moved to a new area. I'm now living in the Tarn region,  reminiscent of Tuscany with rolling hills,  vineyards and crops. I'm staying temporarily at Puech Blanc (gites), friends of mine I've known for 30 years. 

The visual highlights of May were the cherries and orchids.....no pesticides used here! A visual feast and fortunately I had enough paint to mix those glorious tones of black crimson and bright scarlet for the cherries. 

I spent a few days painting the house, extremely challenging getting the shadows and light of the stone in 30 degrees and no shade.

As the house is off the beaten track I walked miles in the local neighbourhood, through vineyards and along dirt tracks....often getting lost. The  verges are alive with butterflies and insects, alliums and scented broom.

I've adjusted to walking up into a field in order to make a phone call due to internet set up, often losing the connection and walking in circles until re connected! 

I'm watching with anticipation the growth of the sunflowers which should be in full bloom end of July. I will have to ensure I have plenty of yellow paint. One disaster recently was when I finally received my paint order from the UK (7 weeks) with only 4 tubes of gouache instead of 20 tubes! 

This month I'm planning to sell small originals from my website.

Wishing you all well.