A Trip to France

Well, the 2011 art show season is done as of a couple of weeks ago. Pictured above is a snapshot from my display during one of my final shows in Philadelphia earlier this fall.

Depending upon my mastery of technology while abroad, you may or may not hear much from me over the next month because I'm about to embark upon a trip to France. I'll spend this November in Dinan, located in northwest France in Brittany.

A dear friend of mine and fellow artist, Lynn Goldstein, was named an artist-in-residence through the prestigious l’Atelier d’Artiste de Grande Vigne. This program was founded by the artist Yvonne Jean-Haffen started in 1993. The purpose of the Atelier is to perpetuate a tradition that goes back to the end of the 18th century, whereby artists from around the world are invited for a one-month stay.

Upon acceptance, an artist receives the use of a studio and housing in Dinan for 1 month in exchange for a painting, created while in Dinan, chosen by the selection committee. The painting is then put into the permanent collection of La Grande Vigne and will be used in exhibitions by the association.

Lynn and I have known each other for almost a decade now. We first met as members of the Maryland Pastel Society when I lived in Maryland years ago. We've retained a close friendship since that time, traveling to art workshops together and visiting museums in D.C. whenever we have the chance.

For this upcoming trip, I am Lynn's partner in crime! We'll both be painting, visiting beautiful sites including Giverny (Claude Monet's home), and spending several days in Paris visiting museums and gathering inspiration for our artwork.

I'm honored to have the chance to share this opportunity with Lynn and I'm looking forward to sharing new inspiration and ideas with you in the months to come.

Au revoir et à bientôt!