A Sketching Journey Through Provence’s Artistic Towns. Urban sketching. Exploring Art and Cuisine in Provence’s Charming Towns. Part 1.

Art workshops, Artist, ArtTravel, France, sea, Uncategorized, Urban sketching, Voyage

Travel, Architecture and Art

How to bring more joy to your vacation in the south of France

In this post I would like to talk about some one-day trips from Antibes or Nice. For me, sitting in one place and swimming in the sea is fine for a couple of days. I enjoy sunny beaches and cuisine, but then I need more. Provencal cities are very close to each other. They are rich in history, art, and architecture. It would be a “crime” not to visit some of the local small towns in the neighborhood.

A watercolor sketch depicting a colorful display of Provencal ceramic tableware, with a stone archway framing the vibrant plates and bowls arranged on shelves. — Vibrant Provencal ceramic tableware showcasing the rich colors of handmade plates from the South of France.

Exploring Art and Cuisine in Provence’s Charming Towns. Nice, France, one-day trips in Provence.

Provencal ceramic tableware with sun-drenched harmony of Provence in single handmade plates with vibrant colors found in the South of France and Italy

Hand-drawn map depicting travel routes and notable locations in Provence, including Grasse, Gourdon, Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Mougins, Le Cannet, and Antibes, with watercolor illustrations. — Illustration of the beautiful towns and landmarks around Provence, highlighting key locations like Grasse, Gourdon, and Tourrettes-sur-Loup.

Our Provencal Itinerary. This trip began in Nice and continued through Grasse, Mougins, and Moulins d’Opio. We also explored Waterfalle sur Loup, Tourrettes du Loup, and Gourdon.

We always travel by train or bus… but this time we decided to save our time and traveled with a tour operator.

Sketch of the Gare de Nice Ville train station, showcasing its architectural features and people. — The recently renovated Gare de Nice Ville, a welcoming gateway to the beautiful city of Nice.

Vibrant Provencal Experiences: From Grasse to Nice. Blue train brings people to Mediterranean Sea every day

Old Train station in Nice was recently renovated. It seems to be inviting visitors to join one of the most beautiful cities. Nice is conveniently located near the sea.

Our tour started from Nice. You can be picked up from your hotel by the tour operator. In our case we lived in Antibes. As a choice, a driver pick you up from your city, with an extra cost. We decided to take a train from Antibes to Nice. The journey took just 10 -15 minutes. It cost 4 Euros. It was another reason to visit Nice.

A watercolour sketch of a modern train at a railway station, featuring architectural details like arched ceilings, alongside a green plant and a bench. — Illustration of a train station in Nice, capturing the blend of modern transportation and picturesque surroundings.

Grasse, the capital of perfumery

The 1st stop was in Grasse, the capital of perfumery. According to the legend of the 17th century, the city had many leather shops. The skin was soaked with flower essences to remove an unpleasant odour. Louis XIII and his beautiful wife, Anna of Austria, shared valuable secrets.

She was a Spanish-born queen. Thanks to them, some Spanish and Arab techniques for perfumed skins were revealed. So perfumes came to us from the city of Grasse. You want to visit Parfumerie Fragonard.

A watercolor painting depicting a vibrant street scene with colorful umbrellas and buildings, capturing the warm hues of a sunny atmosphere. — Watercolor painting depicting the vibrant atmosphere of a Provencal town, capturing colorful rooftops and the scenic beauty of the region.

The whole city is covered in flowers; a local perfume factory acquaints visitors with its spirits. During our last visit to Grasse several years ago, we walked several times through the local central square. We admired the views of the mountains from a huge cliff near the town hall.

It was blooming with floral aromas, the local fountain freshened the air with water. And only then I realized that the fountain was spraying perfumed water.

Perfume factory in Grasse

Sketch of our excursions perfume factory and olive store at Le Moulin D’Opio, Opio. Legendary Fragonard was the mayor of the city. The city has the Fragonard Museum is located at: 14 rue Jean Ossola, Hotel de Villeneuve, Grasse

A watercolor sketch depicting the interior of a perfumery in Grasse, France, featuring colorful bottles and a vibrant tablecloth. — This watercolor sketch depicts the perfume factory and olive store at Le Moulin d’Opio in Grasse, France. It showcases vibrant colors and local products.

Some interesting facts about Fragonard: he was the artist and pioneer of the Rococo style. There is a famous painting “The Swing” by Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Fragonard was a distant relative of my beloved impressionist artist Bertha Morisot. We visited museum D’Orsay in Paris this year, Morisot’s personal exhibition in the museum. Stay tuned for more information on it in my future posts.

More intriguing tales and delightful doodles are on their way—consider this your friendly heads-up before the next artistic adventure hits!

Tools used for my painting Watercolour used Charvin and Van Gogh brands, Derwent Watercolour pencils and Faber Castell artist pens. Paper Strathmore Watercolour and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.)

Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)

You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.

All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.

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Links. Transportation

How to get from Antibes to Le Mougins. Take Train to Cannes, then bus to Mougins. Lines 25-27. Cannes – Ranguin <> Gare Routière des Messugues <> Collège Eganaude – Sophia Antipolis, par Mougins

How to get from Antibes to Le Cannet . Take train Antibes to Cannes, bus #1 and 4(?), 15 min =10 stops to Musee Bonnard, Bus Palm’Express n°1, arrêt « Mairie du Cannet

Town of Grasse. http://www.ville-grasse.fr/

Moulin d’Opio http://www.moulin-dopio.com/olives/en/. Address 2, route de Châteauneuf, OPIO

Mougins museum https://mouginsmusee.com/en

Tourrettes-sur-Loup. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Town Gordon https://www.provenceweb.fr/e/alpmarit/gourdon/gourdon.htm

http://www.cannes.com/en/festival-de-cannes/the-festival-in-pictures

https://www.viator.com/French-Riviera/d179-ttd

Le Cannet museum http://www.museebonnard.fr/

https://www.viator.com

Capture the romance of sunrise at sea. Dancing Waves. The magic of imagination.

Art workshops, Artist, ArtTravel, sea, Spain

For my artist colleagues. Workshops. Holidays spirit for creative community. Join me in artistic journey: sea waves and sunrises.

Just finished this vibrant painting of sea waves, and it instantly transported me back to a magical moment in summer. I recall finding a lively street performance in Paris. People danced samba with such energy and passion near the river Seine. It felt like the waves were dancing too! Here’s to capturing those joyful memories through art.

Imagine lovely warm Mediterranean sea. It’s a breathtaking scene when the sun gracefully rises languidly from the horizon. It casts a warm, peach-hued glow over the tranquil waters. The waves, much like spirited dancers performing a samba with vibrant life as they embrace the shoreline.

In the foreground, a majestic sailboat sways gently. Its main sail is illuminated by the peachy hue of the beginning of the day. A romantic couple is lost in each other’s gaze. They are nestled within the embrace of this idyllic moment. It is a perfect tableau of love in harmony with nature.

Just finished a vibrant painting of sea waves! Let your art take you to your happiest memories! What joy can you capture today? — A watercolor painting of sailboats gliding across the shimmering waters at sunrise. It is captured in vibrant hues of red and peach.

Romance on the Water: I imagined a picture with a romantic couple sailing on the foreground. They are lost in each other’s eyes. They glide through the shimmering waters. Their sailboat reflects the vibrant hues of the sunrise, creating a perfect harmony of color and emotion.

I believe that every brushstroke holds a story. My story is about a summer day and that feeling of romantic waves and maybe the samba dance, who knows?:) What memory fuels your next masterpiece?

Let the rhythm of life inspire you to create. What’s your passion? How about dancing like nobody’s watching and painting like you’re in your favorite place? This is about me:)

Let’s celebrate this enchanting scene together. I invite you all to pick up your paints and brushes. Gather your canvases or watercolor paper. Join me in capturing this magical moment. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, let’s unleash our creativity. Dive into the world of colors and emotions found in nature.

I love when as the sun wakes up from the horizon, it bathes the sea in enchanting hues of peach. Honestly, I can view it every morning. I never get tired of enjoying this spectacle of the sunrise over the sea. I added some lovely sailboats with vibrant sails billow against the gentle breeze. This creates an exquisite backdrop for a striking seaboard morning regatta. They are captured midst the enchanting dance of the waves. Each crest and trough swirls like the rhythmic steps of a samba. Or this is only my imagination?:)

Who’s ready to paint the magic?

In the foreground, a romantic couple is aboard the main sailboat. They share a tender moment. Their silhouettes are framed against the breathtaking sunrise. The scene is not just a vista. It is an intimate encapsulation of love and adventure. Here, the serenity of the sea meets the warmth of a setting sun.

Experience romance and creativity as you paint the waves

There are two rhythmic wonders – sea’s waves and samba dance. Imagine the vibrant hues of a peach sunrise reflecting on the waves, where art meets romance,

Every wave whispers a story! Channel your inspirations into your art—let nature and unforgettable moments shape your creativity! What stories do you have to tell?

Whether you are a seasoned painter, I welcome you to dive into this artistic journey with me. Are you a curious novice? I welcome you too. Let us celebrate the beauty of the sea and the magic of sunrises,sunsets infusing our hearts into every stroke.

Paint Your Love Story.

The sea dances with every brushstroke! Join me as we bring the energy of the waves and the warmth of the sunrise to life on paper.

Grab your brushes! We’re diving into a world of colors where waves play and couples sail. Come paint the peach skies with me, and let’s make some unforgettable memories! Join me for a colorful morning by the sea:)

Ready to unleash your inner artist?

Color palette

Inspiration from Nature: Imagine the captivating beauty of the seaboard regatta at sunrise. The sky radiates shades of peach and coral. The waves dance gracefully like a samba, inviting us to join in their joyful movement.

Art is more than just colors on a paper; it’s a celebration of experiences! Go out, explore, and let those vibrant moments inspire your creative work;)

A palette of vibrant watercolor paints, showcasing a variety of red, orange, green, and blue hues ideal for capturing the essence of sunsets and sea waves. — A vibrant color palette showcasing shades of red, peach, and blue. It’s perfect for capturing the essence of a sunrise over the sea.

A watercolor painting depicting a vibrant sunset over the sea, with red-sailed boats gently gliding across the water. The sky is filled with warm peach and blue hues, reflecting on the tranquil waves. — A vibrant watercolor painting shows a serene seaside at sunset. It captures sailboats gliding over the shimmering waves. These boats sail beneath a peach-hued sky.

Soundtrack Inspiration

I was painting and listening to some vibrant songs that capture the essence of samba dance. These songs blend rhythmic beats and lively melodies. My favorite compositions for Samba Waves are “Mas, Que Nada!” – Jorge Ben Jor and “Samba de Uma Nota Só” – Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Wildlife in art

Well, this time I decided that part of my “wildlife” in the painting will be …a romantic couple and maybe some seagulls in the foreground:) Voilà!

Seeking inspiration? Look around you… Memories can turn into the most beautiful creations. Dive deep, find your magic, and paint your heart out:)

Join me in capturing the magic of a seaboard regatta and the beauty of love in our paintings!

An artist's sketchbook displaying various sketches of sailboats, watercolor palettes, and a painting depicting a sunset with the sun reflecting on the waves, alongside a vibrant red sailboat. — A vibrant watercolor sketch of sailboats on serene waters at sunrise, capturing the beauty of peach-hued reflections and artistic inspiration.

A sunrise regatta. Join me for a creative journey. Capture the serenity of the sea at sunrise . #CreateYourStory

Embrace the Rhythm of the Waves: Let’s paint those waves. Feel their rhythm. Let our brushes dance like the samba they create. Each stroke can echo the gentle lapping of the waves and the warm embrace of a sunrise.

I invite you, dear friends and fellow artists, to join me in this enchanting journey. Let us gather our paints, brushes, and hearts to immortalize this picturesque scene. Together, we can translate the beauty of the seaboard regatta at sunrise onto canvas. Our creativity will flow like the waves before us.

Together We Can Create Beauty: Join me in this artistic journey and let’s inspire each other. Comment below if you’re interested in painting this beautiful scene with me!

Share Your Art: After we paint, I encourage everyone to share their creations! Let’s create a vibrant community of artists united by our love for the sea, sunrises, and the romance of life.

Thank you for reading the post. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. These actions will bring you more captivating content about the history of art, nature and architecture.

Embracing the magic of imagination on this beautiful sunny day. #ArtJourney #ArtisticCommunity #ArtInspiration #CreativeJourney #CommunityPainting #CreativeLiving #DancingWaves #Imagination #NatureInspiration #RomanticArt #Samba #SeaVibes #SunriseArt #SunnyVibes #SeaView #SeaWaves #SeaboardRegatta #WildlifeArt #WavePainting

The magic of the holidays is in the making! Join me on this artistic adventure as I explore the captivating world of #TravelVibes #ArtAdventure

All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.

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