Les Fleurs of Frayssinet

Les Fleurs de Frayssinet, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn
Oil on board, 5"x7"

In the tiny village of Frayssinet in Southern France, there are flowers blooming in almost every garden. Pots of colorful blooms march up the stairs or sit on the low walls surrounding the homes. Church bells ring, up the hill is a beautiful flock of sheep, cats play in the yard, and in the morning I can hear a rooster crow his "good morning" to the village.

Food here is consistently good, fresh farmhouse food with lettuce just picked from the garden and breads rich beyond description. Pants getting snugger by the day, but I'm not passing up any of the delicious and beautifully presented bounty we are being served.

Le Vieux Convant, each of the 16 artists gathered here to paint agree, is a little piece of heaven. The gardens are extensive and gorgeous: the medieval garden near the oldest ruins, the rose garden, the vegetables, the perennial gardens, to the poppy fields on the hill. Roses ramble from stone courtyard to terrace walls and up and over the stone houses.
I've been introduced to transparent oil painting and may well become a convert, and had a great time meeting the other artists and seeing their work. It's been a very special moment in time for me, full of meaning and growth. I'll share my oils, watercolor post cards, photos and stories as able. If you are on Marco Island, you are invited to tea at me studio at the on Friday, July 12 at 4 to see paintings and photos from the trip. Joining me in exhibition will be fellow traveler, artist Joanne Lawand, who has paintings to share as well. Thanks, Dreama!

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