Arts in Provence

ARTS IN PROVENCE
Welcome to the Arts in Provence Blog. This is a blog about life in Les Bassacs, a small hamlet in the South of France, where we organise summer painting courses. You can find out about the courses by going to our website.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Mistral

Our first two weeks have been bathed in bright sunshine which has been great for painting en plein air.  The strong sun has brought out a profusion of wild flowers, especially poppies. They are really astounding in the intensity and vibrancy of their colour. We stopped on the way back from Goult to admire this incredible field near Roussillon.



























The tell-tale signs of the Mistral can be seen in the dramatic sky.  Though it is difficult to paint in, and sends us chasing around looking for sheltered painting spots, there are compensations.  Known in Provencal as 'mange-fange' or mud eater, the drying affect of the wind is said to bring good health.  It clears the air of any pollution and dust particles.  It is of course the reason so many have come to paint here; in pursuit of that very particular Provencal light.

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