Time to get serious...

DAY 21, Saturday, September 18, 2010



Even though I have six or eight paintings completed...still not satisfied with what I have... so, I am working on three more larger sized paintings. 

This one will be a bowl of yellow cherries native to Brittany – called “Moissac Mirabelle”. Beautiful in color and tastes different than American cherries – almost tastes like an apricot. Very sweet.

The second painting is an artichoke. They are giant sized compared to ours. Measure 6-8 inches across. Of course, I am painting in my style of “giant”. This painting will be named “Breton Grand Artichaut” and is appx. 30x30. Photo of the finished painting which is raw and has not been retouched yet. I apologize for the lack of clarity.

The third painting will be of a bowl of black grapes. Texture and juicy like the Concord grapes, but very sweet. The skin is tough like the Concords. These are called “Muscat” grapes.



We decided to walk up to the town (up the Matterhorn) about 8pm. Interestingly, people here do not eat late. Guess it is a small town atmosphere. They stay and drink late, but dinners are served according to the particular restaurant. We made our first dinner choice mistake – Greek. Not that Greek food isn’t good, but compared to the dinner’s we have been having, this was not up to those standards. It was alright. Chris had lamb which she said was delicious. Since I do not like lamb, I ordered the chicken which wasn’t particularly good! So my suggestion is to stick with the native foods! When we got back to our street, we stopped at a creperie and had dessert. That made it all worth while. Crepe with fried apples, cinnamon ice cream topped with whipped cream. Sound wonderful? It was!


DAY 22, Sunday, September 19, 2010


I hate to keep saying “another beautiful day”…but it is – sunny and the perfect 70 degree temperature. It’s like magic!


I decided to paint as I want to get these paintings I started completed by next Saturday when the foundation selection will be coming to make their choice. So, I opened my window (to the world). Dinan is very busy on Sundays…seems the spot to come visit as there are boat tours up the Rance River that start here, tram rides that go through the city and just a beautiful place to walk. We are at the very end of the rue du Quai and the place for people to make “U” turns in the intersection (including the funny little tram). Also, the Maison Grand Vigne (above us on the hill) was having an open house and lots of people were coming by my window. People would stand and comment on my painting. I think in piecing together my few words of French that they liked what I was doing. If they didn’t they were still saying something with a smile…so I will take that as a compliment. Seems most of the locals know about this cottage and that it is used by artists for a month at a time, so I guess they feel we are part of the community while we are here.  Everyone is so pleasant.

DAY 23, Monday, September 20, 2010

I decided I wanted to continue painting...close to finishing the artichoke.  Chris decided to go out and walk and draw.
I went the the "InterMarche" (this is as close to American shopping that we've seen) to replenish our food and stuff. Did finish the painting...just needs the glaze.  Now on to the other two.