Lunch Time in Aix en Provence

 

This shaded cafe in Aix en Provence is full during lunchtime. Even though it is sweltering outside, people would rather be outdoors than in a dark cafe. The cafe interiors are a welcome sight on a rainy day, of course. But it is always nice to look at the effects that the sunshine creates on the stone walkways, buildings, and awnings from a shady spot. Oil on 18" x 24" stretched linen. SOLD.

Sunny Cafes in Aix en Provence

 

Mostly everyone was searching for shade on this hot day in Aix en Provence. Everyone except the couple walking toward me as well as myself, of course. Only the hearty dared to walk in the sunlight in search of the next cafe serving Aperol spritzes. Pro tip: everyone in Aix serves them! Oil on 24" x 20" stretched linen. SOLD.

Marseille Harbor

 

I finally had the chance to paint one of the photos that I snapped in Marseille, France from my 2019 trip. It sometimes takes me a while to figure out how I want to tackle a subject, especially if it is a new place to me. I am often challenged by figuring out what size a painting should be. I determined that 18" x 24" was the optimal size for this painting. It is available on the UGallery website. This is a link to my page on the site. 

Marseille felt different than other European towns. It was quiet in the morning and afternoon, but at night, the sidewalks were lively, hosting crowds of people at outdoor cafes who watched soccer games on TVs. We sometimes had to walk onto the street to continue on our way to the harbor. At the harbor, families, individuals, locals, and tourists mingled together. Kids had entertaining toys, including sparklers, while vendors sold their wares. We enjoyed the scenery and the abundant seafood.