Sunday was the Route des Artistes in St. Remy. This is a monthly event where artists from throughout France (and even some from Spain and Belgium) come to show and sell their works. We met some wonderful artists along the way.
Christian Gros is a fine pastel artist whose paintings of the Luberon are beautiful. He paints scenes near his home. We chatted for some time and then I wrote down our own blog address for him. Click on his name to see his blog and more of his paintings.
Chantal Gres’ works caught our attention immediately when we approached her stand. Her vibrant colors and energetic brush strokes are fantastic. We loved talking to her about her art.
We arrived with the famed mistral blowing. It appears as if it may continue all week. That means clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and very high winds.
Yesterday we went out to do some painting ourselves. Unfortunately, due to high winds and dry conditions Les Alpilles were closed to access because of fire danger. They are likely to have limited access all month. Therefore, we parked at St. Paul de Mausole, the asylum where Van Gogh was hospitalized. The grounds are beautiful and have views of the mountains from which we were excluded as well as some of the Roman ruins that aren’t in the pine woods of the mountains.
We both did some painting and met two oil painters working on the grounds. Robert Crombie and Lisa were also working on some beautiful bright depictions of the mountains and olive trees.
After a stop for some groceries our day came to an abrupt end. I was on my way to park our car when a young man rear ended me when I stopped for some pedestrians. There were no apparent injuries and we went to the gendarmarie to report the accident. However, the gendarmes politely told me that I should not drive the car more than slowly and for only a little distance to get it out of their parking lot. The rear end was rubbing on the tire. Therefore, the tow truck has taken our car, but we are currently without wheels, awaiting a return call from Hertz. What suspense! Hopefully we can arrange a new car with little difficulty. The closest Hertz office is in Avignon so we don’t know how that will work. Two years ago it took us five days to get a replacement car when our car died.
Stay tuned,
Paul
Travels With Picasso 
Getting caught up on reading of your adventures. Car accident is not one to have! Glad no injuries and hope I read further on that you got a replacement quickly. Enjoying your paintings and photos.
Hello out there, I do not know what happened to the first part of my “reply” where I mentioned I hope that the French speed up in their reaction to your car problem. As for the “ROute des Artistes in St Rémy” it calls upon nice reminiscences since I was with you there, when you did it last. Well, that is already several years ago.
From Paris with love,
Every time I read the blog, I feel I’m entering a dream. You’re the one with the daily details, but I’m the one who gets to savor dream without reality. Thanks. btw, a neighbor failed to make the turn at our drive, rammed a tree whose top promptly fell off onto car and road (no serious injuries, air bags did their job). The rental car company had a new vehicle for them in 24 hours, even tho it had to come from Anacortes. So, I imagine some similar miracle for you.
Travels with Paul, quite the adventure; hope things smooth out for you soon. We are in the middle of remodel plans disasters here; both 65 year old toilets went down, & asbestos in the tile is causing delay. Plumber, carpenter, flooring specialist, water damage specialists, & Haz Mat folks are on the team so far!!