All our bags are packed (almost) and we’re ready to go (not quite).

Our art supplies destined for Atelier de la Rose in Montcabrier, France

Our art supplies are almost packed. They will be shipped as unaccompanied baggage before we leave. Therefore, that is the first priority. We will be sending two bags, totalling about 90 pounds. Why so much? Why not buy painting materials in France? Well, we like to have familiar materials to work with. Also, I am taking enough small canvas boards to complete 2 per week. French canvas boards are in metric sizes and do not fit U.S. frames. If I bought those every painting would require custom framing! Ergo we are shipping our art supplies to Atelier de la Rose in Montcabrier, France where we will have a four week art residency in August and September.

Prior to that we will spend four weeks absorbing paintings in the art museums of London, Amsterdam, and Paris with time to do some sketching in those cities. We’re looking forward to returning to London’s wonderfull collections. Amsterdam is a new venture for us. We are particularly pleased that the Rijksmusem has reopened after several years’ remodeling. If you haven’t seen the flashmob that the museum created to celebrate their reopening, click on this image:

Of course we will be overjoyed to return to Paris’ museums, cafes, and parks and visit our good friend JP. All of that before we get to Montcabrier and begin serious painting! Then it’s on to Provence in the fall for a month of painting in a rented farmhouse. We will end our sojourn with a short trip along the coast toward Spain. We have a fisherman’s cottage for a week in Collioure and the rest of the time is unplanned. Along the way a couple of friends might be joining us in Provence and Collioure.

You can keep up with our adventures via this blog, Paul’s art blog, and on Paul’s Facebook page. Jean also may be posting some things on her art site, Jean Sullivan Fine Art. Despite this being a painting trip we will share photos and comments of the art, people, and places we visit. Come along with us!