On Location in France: Anticipation 103

 Just a few pics of the flora of France.  Plane trees and poppies and grapes oh my!

You see these unusual trees everywhere, although they seem to be causing some controversy in Southern France.

 

 

 

 They are called Plane trees, and have a connection to Napoleon.

Vineyards everywhere....no wasted space!

May/June is poppy season....pack your reds!

SOYRA, the Society of York Region Artists, is holding their annual Art in the Valley exhibition and sale on October 13th and 14th.  Please come to enjoy the original work of 45 talented artists.  Admission and parking are free.  We would love to see you there. 

On Location in France: Anticipation 102

 Hello "On Location" Friends,

Collioure, France is a beautiful village on the Mediterranean coast, not far from the Spanish border.  We might be able to visit this scenic and historic location on one of our "days off". The light and views brought artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Braque and Derain to Collioure.  While sitting at a cafe on the water's edge, you can view historic castles, forts, brightly painted boats, and that beautiful Mediterranean blue.  For more information, check out the websites below.

http://www.collioure.com/gb/index-gb.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collioure

On Location in Southern France: Anticipation 101

Next May might seem a long way off, but it is not too early to start learning about the Languedoc-Rousillon region of France.  Over the next few months, I'll suggest some websites for you to investigate and pass on some helpful hints about our trip.  Closer to "take-off", I will send you detailed information and lists for packing art supplies as well as clothes.  
Languedoc-Rousillon is an area with intriguing history and a huge variety of landscapes.  Bookmark this website and take some time to investigate the area.   http://www.midi-france.info. We are staying in Limoux, which is the home of Blanquette and Cremant de Limoux.   These are not twin Frenchmen.  They are two of the earliest versions of sparkling wine a.k.a. champagne developed at the Abbey of St. Hilaire.
The Unesco World Heritage site of Carcassone is a short train ride away.  We can choose to visit this fascinating location on one of our days off.  

 Inside the Abbey at St. Hilaire

A view from inside the wall at Carcassone.

Trying some Blanquette de Limoux

It is never too early to start practising some essential French phrases.  Here is the first one.  Please repeat it out loud to yourself, until you have mastered it.  "Un verre de vin rouge  (blanc), s'il vous plait!"

Well done!  

I've been fortunate to participate in an art show this summer in Collingwood.  The local paper covered the opening and interviewed four artists.  Have a look at the article and the video by following the link below.


http://www.theenterprisebulletin.com/2012/07/05/local-artists-show-work-at-the-outside-in-show

"Outside In" , Collingwood


For those of you enjoying the Collingwood area this July, please stop by the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts, on Hurontario Street.  GBACA is presenting "Outside In", a collection of original artwork, for your viewing pleasure.  The show and sale is open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You are sure to find something you will want to take home.
Celebrate your new work of art with an amazing dessert and coffee at Heavenly Sweets Cafe on Pine Street. 
www.bmfa.on.ca
gbaca.com
heavenlysweets.ca

50th Anniversary of Art Aurora

On May 4th, SOYRA, The Society of York Region Artists and the Town of Aurora celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Art Aurora.  There were 120 participating artists along with 40 student artists.   The three floors of the Town Hall were filled with hundreds of original works of art including oils, watercolours, acrylics, alternate media and photography.  This juried show brought visitors from across the province, many of whom returned home with a piece of art from this very special show.  As an artist, be ready to enter next year.  Watch my Nancy Newman Art facebook page for information next February or March.