When I first arrived, I wasn't too enthused. Yes, it was lovely and there were some nice views, but I tend to favor man-made structures --architecture, bridges, sculptures, fountains and that sort of thing over a simple landscape. There was a Japanese style arched bridge over a stream, but my attitude was, "Why would I paint a Japanese bridge in France?"
Botanical Garden, Apremont
Copyright © 2015, Scotti Vaccaro
from Tours de France,
sketchbook journal entry dated 7/15/04
So I left our little group to find something more to my liking and settled for the caretaker's cottage, instead. Certain things show up in my paintings again and again. I love repeating angles such as the repeat in the stairway wall and the roofline. And yes, there's that mysterious dark doorway, this time balanced by a white door.
We had a lovely do-it-yourself picnic lunch from a few loaves of crusty baguettes and assorted meats, cheese and condiments plus of course a few hearty jugs of Burgundy that we brought along. No, I am not kidding! We literally had jugs of some of the finest Burgundy wine I have ever had and we purchased it for a few euros apiece at the convenience store across the street from our little hotel. The old saying is true: They keep the best wine for themselves.
After our lunch break, we decided to do an afternoon session. I wandered off in search of another subject, but nothing captured my interest. Finally, I spotted some roses beginning to bloom. Please note that I had to "borrow" a bloom here and a bud there to paint this. No one part of the rose bush contained all of the parts.
Capa Magna Rose, Apremont, France
Copyright © 2015, Scotti Vaccaro
from Tours de France,
sketchbook journal entry dated 7/15/04
Finally, today is my birthday! I received a dozen red and white roses from my husband, so it is only fitting that my post today would include a rose!
