Especially the ochres. Ochre pigments come from nearby mines in Roussillon.
Sometimes I think my best watercolors end up on the color test swatches. Today I wanted to get those colors into some Provençal paintings.
Villars is a quiet, tiny hilltop town you never heard of. There isn't much there to draw tourists
But there is plenty for artists to draw.
Nice windows too...with cats sitting in them.
The colors of the faded ochre walls will make you melt.
That cat got moved around today.
A high point of Villars is their one and only boulangerie
With its still functioning wood-burning oven.
Villars is surrounded by fields of Rosé vineyards.
The other major high point is la Poste. I was captivated.
I painted it
2 times.
After working so hard in the sun you need to jump into a cool pool.
Voila.
On the way to Provence Bear worked on his calligraphy in the train. He needs to practice more but your envelopes are getting prettier by the minute. Thanks for reading Parisbreakfastg. If you'd like Parisbreakfast letters, maps and watercolors in your mailbox, do look in my shop.
We came home from there and painted our house yellow. We couldn't match that Provencal ochre, though. You've matched it perfectly in your lovely paintings.
I know an oil painter who photographs some of her palettes after she completes a painting and reproduces the palette on postcards, correspondence cards, etc., noting what painting it was. Utterly charming! And your color swatches would be just a good on cards!!! I'm going to try it, too.
Love Provence. I have never had the pleasure of going there but I have read books, seen films, and many wonderful photos of the region. I love the outdoor markets, color of the buildings, the window/doorways, vineyards, etc. I am hoping your next Paris map will focus on Provence. I would love it.
I wish I could Suzanne but then it wouldn't be a Paris map would it... I have toyed with doing other city maps but I can hardly keep up as it is. Wanna be my assistant? SOS!!
As always, I love your watercolors. But....I really like the beautiful, flowing French style lettering that Bear was practicing. And the beautifully addressed Paris Letters!
The colors are glorious and made more so by the Provencal light & blue skies.
ReplyDeleteYes I miss that golden light.
DeleteCarol, I honestly have to say that, for me, this is one of your most beautiful postings. Cheers, Stephan
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I love the juxtaposition of the photos and the aquarelles.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely1 I need to go to provence! Hoping to next summer!
ReplyDeleteCharming paintings. I especially like the ones with the cat !!!
ReplyDeleteWow! You really have taken your watercolors to another level!
ReplyDeleteWe came home from there and painted our house yellow. We couldn't match that Provencal ochre, though. You've matched it perfectly in your lovely paintings.
ReplyDeleteYou have to buy their pigments. It is doable for walls, but regular house paint will never be the same sadly.
DeleteVery pretty post office, love the veins on the render. So worth painting twice.
ReplyDeleteIf at first you don't get it, try, try again!
DeleteYour watercolors are FANTASTIC..I have been there ..it was soooooooo quiet..it looked deserted..but charming of course!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU Monique!
DeleteI can't believe you were in Villars. I thought we were the 1rst ones..
Ah Bear....such beautiful work on my envelope. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAh ha!
DeleteCaught in the act 😀😀😀
Beautiful colors; beautiful trip. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWe're really taken by that stove,
ReplyDeleteAND all your paintings. Delicious.
WOW! Those watercolors are soooo cool, and lush, and infused with color.
ReplyDeleteVillars with its lack of tourists sounds like MY KIND OF TOWN.
Beautiful photos, beautiful watercolors!
ReplyDeleteI know an oil painter who photographs some of her palettes after she completes a painting and reproduces the palette on postcards, correspondence cards, etc., noting what painting it was. Utterly charming! And your color swatches would be just a good on cards!!! I'm going to try it, too.
ReplyDeleteWhat's her name? Website? I Love that idea!!
DeleteLove Provence. I have never had the pleasure of going there but I have read books, seen films, and many wonderful photos of the region. I love the outdoor markets, color of the buildings, the window/doorways, vineyards, etc. I am hoping your next Paris map will focus on Provence. I would love it.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could Suzanne but then it wouldn't be a Paris map would it...
DeleteI have toyed with doing other city maps but I can hardly keep up as it is.
Wanna be my assistant? SOS!!
Belle !!!
ReplyDeleteLovely post! Thanks for taking me to Provence with you, the boulengerie and pool look great but my favourite is la poste!
ReplyDeleteAs always, I love your watercolors. But....I really like the beautiful, flowing French style lettering that Bear was practicing. And the beautifully addressed Paris Letters!
ReplyDeleteI love the cat in the window :) And Bear.
ReplyDeleteThe watercolors are so nice; nice to see so many.