"River's Edge" ©

Small boats are tucked along the banks of the lazy rivers meandering across the French countryside.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

P.S. A family member has been in the hospital the past week, hence my painting output was on hold. I tried but the white coats and an emotional roller coaster seem to squelch all artistic inspiration. Looks like all will be well in a couple of months and I am back to the easel today with this painting. Thank you for your patience.

"French Countryside" ©

Occasionally early in the morning and late in the day the French countryside looks as if it's dusted in pink.

Oil on Linen, 8" X 10"

"Moss Covered Canal" ©

The moss is so thick at first glance the canal looks like a pathway. This canal is part of the Chateau de Saint Loupe built between 1609 and 1626, now owned by Count Charles-Henri de Bartillat. If you would like to spend the night in a castle this might just be the spot, it's extraordinary.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 16"

"Vache" ©

Painting a "cow" from life in France was a challenge. She didn't seem to understand or care that I wished for her to stand still. I would lose track of her in the herd, yet in just a couple of hours I began to be able to identify each cow, known in France as "Vache".

8" X 10", Oil on panel

"Le Pont de Gourg'e" ©

Early in the morning driving to the Parthenay's famous livestock sale and market I saw this view at a glance and immediately knew it was a painting that needed to be painted. Standing on the bridge built in the 11th Century, the surroundings were silently awaiting the warmth of the morning sunlight, I was smitten. A larger painting of this scene is warranted and I'll try to paint well enough to portray the serenity I felt.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 12"

"Frontenay Gate" ©

Property lines are marked in France, maybe by a bit of wire or possibly a huge stone wall, either way everyone knows and respect the line. Painting this piece I was standing in a public park looking at private property beyond the gate. The arch way created by the trees are what caught my eye and brush. Eventually the land owner offered me a horse to bring home to America.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Tranquil Tunnel" © Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet, France

The French word "thouet" is an ancient Gaelic word meaning tranquil. It's a perfect word for the tributary river meandering through St. Loup-s. Painting this piece clouds blocked the sun randomly as if the light switch was being thrown every few minutes. Occasionally the sun would light up the the distant trees within the "tranquil tunnel" and that was my hope to capture.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"15th Century Remains" © Montreuil-Bellay, France

The charming 15th century village of Montreuil-Bellay overlooks the meandering river and what is left of an ancient bridge. While painting this piece I was imagining the hands that pitched and laid the stone and how many souls and hoofs had crossed.

Oil on Canvas, 18" X 24"

"Le Thouet" © Saint Loup sur Thouet, France

Painting along the bank, local French residence walking their small white dogs (why they are all small and white I have no idea other possibly that is all that is available or desirable) they would look at this little painting evolving, smile and give me rapid encouragement and declare it was beautiful. Far from home their warm smiles and words were so very welcome and gently pushed me though the painting.

Oil on Panel, 9" X 12"

"Until Tomorrow" ©

The painting in France adventure continues: As the sun left us each evening, sinking below the treeline we would watch in awe, tired from painting all day, happy a dinner, wine and conversation would follow. We knew it was only "Until Tomorrow" till we would feel the sun again.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Brilliant Blue Promise", St. Loup-s Thouret, France

While setting up to paint on the river bank the skies opened up for the first time since landing in France. The skies parted revealing a brilliant blue promise for the days to come.

Oil on panel, 9" X 12"

"Fields Of Frontenay" ©

I arrived home from France happy and tired. Painting and living with a group of women artists from across the U.S. was an experience of a lifetime. This painting was the first piece of the trip and a typical view for the region. While painting the church bells rang out the time, at one point I thought a cow was singing with the bells. Later I found out that the cow just knew that it was the "dinner" bell and she was really hungry.

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"