The painting has begun!

I am a student in Marni's water color painting class in Laroque France, a tiny little medieval town straight out of a romance novel.  Today was our first full non-travel day and we PAINTED!  and that's not all - we attended an al fresco medieval dance performance, and attended a divine barbecue at the home of the lovely Francoise and Allen Dickson.  Their hospitality and warmth have made this already amazing trip even sweeter.  Any time spent with Marni is another revelation in watercolor painting -and then there is the fun and laughter.  Our agenda for the next few days looks to be even MORE exciting with a promised trip to the sea!          Sherry H.

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Ron, our faithful tour guide, points to where we will be on Tuesday.

Laroque Under the Stars

Everyone arrived today and now the group is now complete!!! We had a delicious dinner at a restaurant they named after us. Not really, but we like to think so! As the sun went down we walked around the charming town of Laroque and up to the tower. Every time we turned around there was something else we wanted to photograph or draw or paint! Francoise told us some history of the town and showed us where our art exhibit will be on Friday! We will start painting tomorrow. We are in heaven and are so thrilled to be here! The weather is perfect and so is everything else. Ron has been our excellent driver and navigator and I would not want to do this without him!

Something to paint at every turn in Laroque!

Not in France yet!

I realize I was a bit vague about when I was going to Paint in France. Many of you have seen me around and wondered just how I could be in 2 places at the same time. As much as I would like to figure that out, I have not done so just yet. Maybe next year?  The photos were of our group practicing painting Plein air at Green Spring Gardens, Meadowlark Gardens, Belmont Bay, all great places in VA.  I leave later this week and will post more real French pics!

First France Painting!

Sherry painted this beautiful view of the mountains in France during the Art Feast class in Occoquan! Thanks for the photo inspiration, Francoise!  We can't wait to begin painting there in person. 

Practice Practice Practice

For the past few months we have been getting together to paint outside. Some in our group had never experienced Plein Air painting. We've been comparing supplies, bags, chairs, etc., so we can edit our load to just what we NEED! We have had a great time painting, bonding and yes, eating too. We've had some amazing potluck dinners!  Here are a few pics of us at 'work'.

Preparing for France Workshop

Bon Jour! We had our final planning and painting session with our group going to Laroque des Alberes. What a wonderful group it is!! I am really looking forward to traveling and painting with everyone. It is a fun, creative and adventurous group of women and 2 guys. I appreciate that they are willing to go along with me on my very first (Annual?) International Painting Workshop! I know we will have fun and learn so much together. I want to thank Francoise, in France, for all her help with the local details she has given me. And to Ron, my hubby, who has been supportive and patient and will also come to help! You are GREAT!!!! 

For all who would have liked to come along on this trip but could not, I wish you could experience it with us! Please follow the blog and I hope you will feel a part of it in a small way.  Be watching for details about a continuation of the France Workshop in my home studio!

A scene we may paint while there!