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Saturday, April 24, 2010

French Inspirations



Welcome. I am so happy that you stopped by. Would you like to join me for tea and raisin bread toast sprinkled with lavender sugar? I would love to share with you French Inspirations for a new painting of a lavender field that was inspired by my recent win of Penny Carlson of Lavender Hill Studio 's fabulous French giveaway.

I love reading French Decorating and Home and Garden magazines and Penny's giveaway included four beautiful magazines. Love looking at them and trying to figure out the French words.


Mon Jardin was filled with beautiful photographs of gardens in the South of
France as well as lovely lavender.

After pouring over the beautiful magazines I was reminded of my own trips to France and decided to paint something reminiscent of traveling through Provence in the South of France.



Penny also included two jars of delicious French Tapenade D'Olives Noires.

I noticed on the jars that they were made in Fontvielle which is a charming little village in Provence. How special as I stayed in a delightful bed and breakfast in Fontvielle on a trip through Provence.



Penny also included a charming French tote bag as a special surprise and a Euro bill and coin to spend on my next trip to France.

Penny is a fabulous mosaic artist and has two beautiful blogs:

and

Bentley, my studio assistant, is looking for French inspiration for the new painting.


Finding Inspiration . . . . . .





Here . . . . .









There . . . .


Everywhere . . . .




I decided to paint a French lavender field in my favorite village of Fontvielle with a roadside stand selling fresh cut bunches of lavender, sunflowers and red geraniums. I also added Olive trees that could have produced the olives in the yummy Tapenade D'Olives.



Thank you for stopping by. I love hearing from you and sincerely appreciate your visits, comments and those who are following my blog. If you have any questions or would like to see me paint something special, please leave me a comment or send me an e-mail.
I am sorry that I have not had time to visit each and every one of you lately - I am getting ready for The Balboa Island Artwalk in May which is the one big show I participate in every year. I promise to stop by and see you when I have a little more time.

Have a lovely week. Blessings, Erin

15 comments:

Joelle said...

Hi Erin, I have just found your blog a couple of weeks ago, and I love it. It always makes my day sunny no matter what the weather.
Your art work is just beautiful.
Love this french inspired one.
Joelle(thismilitaryhouse.blogspot.com)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Erin, I am so glad that my gifts gave you a little inspiration. How fun, that you spent time in the same village as the olive farm I toured! Thank you for mentioning my two blogs...

Your painting is just beautiful and reminds me of the French countryside I just left, only a little better, because when I was there, the lavender was not in bloom yet.
Hugs,
Penny

Stacey said...

Erin, you are such a lucky winner. I know the magazines are amazing and the fact that you found inspiration is great! Your painting is beautiful. Always love my visits!

Anonymous said...

Love the painting! Penny is such a sweet person. I got to meet her last fall at a bloggers get together. Glad you won such a delightful bag of goodies from her trip to France.

Mary said...

Altho' I would have loved to win Penny's gret giveaway, I'm even more happy you did because you will make such good use of those fabulous mags. in your paintings Erin.

Penny is a really lovely lady and I was so thrilled to meet her in person twice - can't wait to catch up with her again later this year hopefully so we can go 'treasure hunting' again.

You've been busy, paintings are so lovely, and I see Bentley - more handsome than ever - is enjoying the garden and tending the colorful flowers. My pretty WELCOME sign is out now the weather is good, so of course I think of you each time I see it!

Lovely post - lavender sugar on toast sounds yummy - have a happy day Erin.

Mary - A Breath of Fresh Air

Becca said...

Lovely! Wish I could make it to the Artwalk to see more of your work. Have a nice time there.

Barb said...

Gracious, your blog is totally charming. I have bookmarked it.

Barb ♥

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Your painting is a beautiful rendition of a French lavender field and roadside market, Erin! How lucky you were to win Penny's wonderful give away!

I am also so lucky to have won one of your fabulous paintings! I can't wait to see it and I will let you know when it has arrived.

Thank you so much!

♥ Pat

FrenchGardenHouse said...

What a gorgeous post, Erin! I'm so happy you won Penny's give away, it's perfect for you. :) xo Lidy

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Hello Erin, What lovely photo's and I absolutely LOVE your painting. I still haven't found the time to try my hand at painting but I did buy two small canvases for when I do. I was in France with my sister in 99...LOVED IT! We only saw Paris at that time but it was BEAUTIFUL. Next time I hope we can travel around and see the countryside. I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday...take care of yourself....Maura:)

Kelee Katillac said...

Hi Erin!

The painting turned out great!Penny is just lovely!

A feloow Shackster!

Did you receive my emails?

Tell Bentley HI!

love,kelee & oliver

Kelee Katillac said...

Erin! I am trying to contact you to buy a painting.
Please email me! Thanks & love , kelee

Unknown said...

I came from Pat's blog..and it's beautiful here :) Very inspiring.

Patty's Stitches said...

Simply beautiful! I love the red bicycle in your painting!

*Ulrike* said...

What wonderful gifts to receive! I so enjoy looking at what you will create from items!