
‘South of France’ is inspired by light.
Artists flocked there for centuries because of the beautiful natural light. I feel grateful to have followed in their footsteps.

I was able to spend some time in Nice and Cannes last year. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. I now understand why so many artists flocked to the South of France. I’d love to go back for a painting trip there. What a treat to paint in the location where so many of my favorite artists saw the same scenery.
When I began this collection, I intended to focus on pure abstracts. But I got hung up on the perspective of the pergolas on the boardwalk and the buildings. My goal was to keep the lines loose and whimsical. I did that somewhat, but I kept trying to make them accurate. Is it just years of art classes telling me what I ‘should’ do?

I i I intended to use Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy’s work as an inspiration for the color palette. But as artists sometimes do, I wandered off on my own, which is not a bad thing. However, my goal was still to focus on the light and the pure saturated color as the light hits the colorful buildings and the water. Oh, that blue of the Mediterranean!
My focus was on capturing the spirit of the place, using saturated colors and loose brushstrokes. The vibrant blues of the Mediterranean Sea, the market in Old Town, and the elegant Promenade in Nice were most evocative when viewed from the hills and balconies above.



This collection of work is available through my website.
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