Florida Artists' Invitational at The Gallery at Oak Hammock, Gainesville, FL

Harbor View
© Karen F.Rose
oil on canvas
9x12"
The Gallery at Oak Hammock

Very pleased that my plein air painting, Harbor View will be on exhibit at The Gallery at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fl 

Oct 9, 2012 through January 4. 2013.

This exhibit, The Florida Artists' Invitational exhibition will feature artwork of several artists and I am so delighted to be presenting four of my landscape paintings. Cumulous Crescendo, Salutations, Quiet Harbor and Harbor View.

Hope you will have the opportunity to visit this new gallery venue in Gainesville, FL.

My four paintings are for sale and you can contact me directly if you have any questions or want further information, email me at Karen@karenfrose.com 

I have several other exciting things in the works. If you are on Facebook, I now have a professional page. Here is the link   Karen F Rose Fine Art  

Hope you will check out my new site and give me a thumbs up by "liking" the page. 

How do you do that? Just click the "thumbs up" at the top of the page!

It's a small click for you and a giant vote of approval for me.

My web site is getting a long due overhaul. Stay tuned for the unveiling. You will be able to purchase paintings with a click of a button using pay pal or a credit card. Not a bad idea with the holidays just around the corner.

Now go out and have a great weekend.

Gamblin Artist's Oil Colors Factory Tour

Gamblin Artist's Oil Colors Factory Tour -raw pigment
Photo Karen F Rose, August 2012

I have loved painting with luscious handcrafted Gamblin Artist's Oil Colors for many years and as I mentioned in an earlier post, I received a set of Gamblin plein air oil paints as part of an award in the Women Painter of the Southeast First Annual Exhibition earlier this year.

My husband and I were planning a trip to Oregon and wanting to thank them in person and hoping to take a factory tour I contacted Pete Cole, the president of the company. Pete sent me a lovely note and I made arrangements for the tour throught Scott Gellatly and Briana Ball.  I was all set for the tour on August 17th!.

   

Gamblin product manager Briana Ball, an artist herself, could not have been more gracious, welcoming and informative. Briana, thank you.

She warmly greeted us and then took us "backstage" explaining the process from the receipt of the finest raw pigment through the mixing, careful testing, milling and packaging Then we went back to her office where she answered all my questions and demonstrated the creative possibilities of various Gamblin mediums. 

Gamblin Artist's Oil Colors Factory Tour - mixing the pigment
Photo Karen F. Rose, August 2012

Gamblin Artist's Oil Colors Factory Tour - luscious colors ready for milling
Photo Karen F. Rose, August 2012

Gamblin Factory Tour- Briana mixing Gamblin mediums
Photo Karen F Rose, August 2012

DEDICATED TO OIL PAINTERS       MADE IN THE USA

 Gamblin Artists Colors Torrit Grey
Photo Karen F. Rose

"Master paintmaker, painter, and founder of Gamblin Artist's Colors Company, Robert Gamblin has emerged as a world leader in the field of oil painting materials and museum conservation  colors. America's premier Colorman, Robert Gamblin has created historical artist colors for the Smithsonian Institution, and developed Gamblin Conservation Colors for art conservators in conjunction with the National Gallery of Art and the J. Paul Getty Museum". 

You also have to love this company's culture and philosophy...dedicated to oil painters. 

I came away from this personalized tour with a new appreciation for the care and skill each employee has in making these fine oil paints. 

And all those wonderful colors and mediums are lovingly made by a dedicated staff of approximatly 20 people.

Labels are printed and placed on each tube by hand so as not to dent the tubes.

The company's care for the artist and concern for the environment is so evident.

The air filtration system in the mixing area of the factory gathers pigment dust and is collected to make an oil paint called Torrit grey. 

The mix is just a little different each year, based on the colors that have been produced. 

In the spring, when you purchase another tube of Gamblin color at you can receive a gift tube of Torrit Grey.

Gamblin's philosophy, "We believe every painting deserves to stand the test of time and are proud to provide artists with safer, more permanent oil painting materials".

I was honored to tour the Gamblin plant and hope you will visit Gamblin's amazing educational web site to learn more.

Climbing into the Clouds

Cumulous Crescendo
© 2012 Karen F. Rose
pastel on board
20x16"

Dropping off this pastel Cumulus Crescendo for

The Summer Exhibit at the Thomas Center
Mezzanine Gallery
302 NE 6th Avenue
Gainesville, FL
which runs from July 9 to September 1, 2012.
Glorious clouds are my mountains in the Florida twilight landscape.

And speaking of mountains. I had just the best time viewing the clouds on our recent trip to Colorado. We made the vertical climb 10,360 feet to Brainard Lake just outside Boulder. Spectacular!

If getting that vertical is exhilarating, coming back down to earth can be too.
Here's a road sign you just don't encounter in the Florida landscape.

Painting Saint Simons Island and Sea Island, Georgia

Gentle Breeze
6"x 8"
oil on linen panel
$100

Wow it has been an amazing couple of weeks of travel and painting.

Had the privilege of attending a Laurel Daniel workshop in Saint Simons Island, GA hosted by Mary Anderson owner of The Anderson Fine Art Gallery.

Laurel is from Austin, Texas and is such a gifted painter and instructor. It was delight to finally meet her and paint with her.

Mary treated us to warm southern hospitality by arranging for us to paint in three beautiful private gardens during our workshop and have catered lunches from Cafe Frederica delivered to us each day. Delicious.

Gentle Breeze is a study done overlooking a marsh on Sea Island, GA.
As you can see, we had perfect weather that day.
Don't you just love remembering perfect days?

Today, I am hoping tropical storm Beryl was not an unwelcome guest on the islands.
I would say "rain, rain go away", but we are in a bit of a drought here and in GA so a rainy day just might be a perfect day for you too.

"In a Southern Garden" at the Thomas Center Gainesville, FL

Spring Blossom
© Karen F Rose
oil on canvas
6" x 6"

When painting this blossom for the plein air exhibit "In a Southern Garden", I saw a gentleman observing me painting.
After a while he said, "I like that you are painting the flower up close. It's like you want to smell it's fragrance too". I like that.
I also wanted to capture the delicate blossom as it was tossed in the March breeze.
Hope you will visit the Thomas Center Galleries where you will see plein air works by 16 Gainesville area artists. The show will be in full bloom through June 23, 2012.
Be delighted!
Cudos to Tim Malles for all his hard work curating the show.

Women Painters of the Southeast- Peoples' Choice Award

The Sentinel
© Karen F Rose
oil on linen canvas
20 x 16"
Women Painters of the Southeast
People's Choice Award

THANK YOU to the many people who have commented in person, by email and on Facebook about my oil painting "The Sentinel" which received recognition of a People's Choice Award at the Women Painters of the Southeast First Annual Exhibit and Sale.

Earlier this year, the painting also received an award at the Florida Artist's Juried Exhibit held at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Fl.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I was inspired by a quote from the naturalist John Muir. Large stands of pine trees are part of a disappearing landscape all over the southeast and especially in south Georgia and North Florida. 

Many of you told me you loved the peace and mystery of the painting, the luminosity and glow...thank you.

Special thanks to Eileen Corse of the Corse Gallery and Atelier in Jacksonville, FL for creating WPSE organization which is designed to help promote and support women representational artists that live in the southeastern states. 

What an amazing job Eileen and her staff have done! This WPSE show has 150 fabulous works. The show is on exhibit through May 26th so head on over and enjoy.

On Saturday morning, part of the festivities was a demo by the event judge, artist Barbara Flowers. What a colorful floral still life she created all with a palette knife.

The Peoples' Choice $250 award also included a Kevin Macpherson plein air oil and medium set supplied by Gamblin Artist Oils. I love Gamblin artist oil paints and when I travel to Portland, Oregon later this year, I am hoping I can stop in the factory and thank them in person.

Women Painters of the Southeast First Annual Exhibition and Sale

Detail from Snow Birds
© 2012 Karen F. Rose
oil on canvas
20 x 16"
Women Painters of the Southeast
First Annual Juried Exhibit and Sale
April 27 to May 27, 2012
Corse Gallery
Jacksonville, FL

I am so pleased to have two paintings juried into the Women Painters of the Southeast First Annual Juried Exhibition and Sale at the Corse Gallery in Jacksonville, FL.

Preview night and people's choice voting is on Friday, April 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. and the opening is on Saturday, April 28th from 5 to 9 p.m. The exhibit runs through May 27.

Over 140 paintings by exceptionally talented women painters from all over the southeast will be part of this exhibit.

My painting Snow Birds, is a bit autobigraphical.

On trips to Florida for many years, people noticed the Michigan license plate on our car. They often remarked, "Oh, you are a snow bird".  A term for those of us from Michigan, who would travel to escape the three foot drifts in front of our doorways.

The conversation from the Florida locals would continue...

"Well, where in Michigan are you from"?

Because the state of Michigan is shaped like a mitten, I would always hold up my hand and point to where I lived. 

In the picture above, I am showing you just a snippet of the painting.

In my oil portrait, Snow Birds (oil on canvas, 24 x 20"), a women raises her mittened hand on which a red bird is delicately perched.

 

A velatura of snow drifts around the two figures and does not interrupt their gaze.

The paint application is purposely in an indirect manner, lit as if in a dream. 

What are these two thinking? 

Look for the painting at the Corse gallery and tell me what you think.

The Sentinel
© 2012 Karen F Rose
oil on canvas
20 x 16"
Women Painters of the Southeast
First Annual Juried Exhibit and Sale
April 27 to May 27, 2012
Corse Gallery
Jacksonville, FL

Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.  ~John Muir

My painting The Sentinel was inspired by the quote by naturalist John Muir and by the towering pines that dot the landscape here in North Central Florida.

Some comment that there is a peacefulness and mystery to this painting. 

I wanted to engage the viewer in a journey, not describe every step of the way, but to let them find themselves in discovery.

Catch the April issue of American Art Collector magazine which has a wonderful article on the show. 

Will I see you there on opening night?

Melrose Open Air Arts, Painting in the Park

Artist Stacey Breheny painting in the park.
Photo © 2012 Karen F. Rose

Today was one of the public painting days at the 2012 Melrose Open Air Arts. Each year painting in Melrose Park is always one of my favorite experiences of the Open Air Arts, you just never know who you will meet.

Some people come to the park for a swim with their family with picnic baskets in hand, others just want to sit on one of the benches and take in the bay view, some need a quiet space to collect their thoughts and feel the cool breeze, others know that artists will be painting as part of the Open Air Arts and want to strike up a conversation about your art.

A Real Hero
Photo © 2012 Karen F. Rose

And some people bring their dogs. 

And today I met not just any dog. I met a real canine hero. A lovely german shepherd who is in training to be a canine companion for a disabled military veteran; helping that individual live with more independence. 

What an honor for me to meet this dog and the lovely couple who are training him.

Did I mention you just never know who you will meet while painting in the park?

 

Melrose Open Air Arts 2012

My "Welcome to Melrose Bag"
decorated by an elementary school artist
photo Karen F. Rose

One of the great pleasures of participating in the Melrose Open Air Arts is to feel the community involvement to make the artists feel so welcome. At the breakfast for the artists on Wednesday morning, I was given a bag filled with coupons, a schedule and a map. 
My "Welcome to Melrose" bag was decorated by a fifth grader from the local elementary school. Don't you just love the sunglasses she drew on the sun!


Speaking of the sun, on Wednesday and Thursday of this week I got up at the crack of dawn...well, actually before dawn more like 5 am to drive out to Melrose and experience the sun rise over lake Santa Fe.

Sunrise on Lake Santa Fe
© 2012 Karen F. Rose

This is the fourth year I have painted in the Open Air Arts and my finished paintings will be hanging in the Melrose Bay Art Gallery.
Hope to see you there and bring your sunglasses!

Primavera Festival - Dive into Spring

Poster for Thornebrook Gallery's The Mob Show 

Gainesville's Primavera Festival is about to begin and I am delighted to be a part of the festivities. Art, Music and Culture will be "in bloom" all over the area.

Thornebrook Gallery is hosting The Mob Show again this year this time from March 23 to March 31. The work of over thirty talented local artists will be on display. Lots of beautiful paintings, but each artist is showing just one, lots of variety and styles. An art treasure for everyone. 

Hope you can join us for the opening reception on March 23 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. My painting is on the first row of the poster, can you find it? It's called "Safe Harbor"

Wouldn't we all love to have that place in our lives?

I'll be packing up my paints and easel and heading out to Melrose to paint in the 2012  Open Air Arts. This is always a mini vacation as Melrose is such a beautiful lake town. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, a happening art spot for sure.

A portion of the proceeds of the sale of paintings will benefit The Doris Bardon Community Cultural Center.

So forget the spring cleaning, (trust me it will still be there when you return) ... get out and enjoy some art. 

Hey have you subscribed to my blog? Just click on the goggle followers tab.

2012 Thomas Center Paintout, Capturing Spring

Historic Thomas Center
Gainesville, FL
Photo 2010 © Karen F. Rose

Spring is in the air and that means time to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful spring colors. Azaleas, dogwoods, budding trees everywhere...who doesn't love this season.
This is your invitation to join me and 17 other artists as we paint in the gardens of the Matheson House and Museum, 513 E. University Ave. on Friday, March 9th and the historic Thomas Center, 302 NE Sixth Ave in downtown Gainesville, Fl on Saturday, March 10th.
I will also be participating again in the Open Air Arts in Melrose, FL. Always a pleasure with such a beautiful views of Lake Santa Fe. So mark your calendar for that event too, March 21 to March 31.

Beach Meditation, oil painting

Beach Meditation

© 2012 Karen F. Rose

oil on canvas

6x6"

Sold

If you wake early enough, and get out for a walk on the beach just before the sun is high in the sky, you will find yourself alone there with your "maker".

What a time for gratitude, reflection, and meditation.

Hope you find that peace you are looking for, and that ever elusive beautiful unbroken perfect seashell.

3rd Annual Musical Chairs Project Fundraiser - Beach Memory

Beach Memory Chair
3rd Annual Musical Chairs Auction Fundraiser Donation
 by Karen F. Rose

Beach Memory Chair
starfish, shell and water 

Warm golden sand, sparkling blue water and the sound of ocean waves. Children laughing and playing on a gorgeous day at the beach. What is your beach memory?

I had so much fun creating this Beach Memory chair that will be auctioned off at the 3rd Annual Musical Chairs Project fundraiser on March 2 from 7 - 10 pm at the Doris Bardon Community Cultural Center at 716 N Main Street in Gainesville, Florida. All proceeds will support and enhance our public school elementary art and music programs through Friends of Alachua County Public Schools.

Framed in sunny gold this Beach Memory is my 11" x 14" original oil painting of a little girl on the beach. This chair also includes flip flops, shells, beach toys and a colorful blue and aqua beach towel AND if you listen carefully you will hear the ocean and shore birds..
Wouldn't this chair be the perfect addition to your daughter or grandchild's room. A wonderful reminder of a vacation day you spent together.

Preview this chair and 26 other delightfully created chairs this Friday, February 24 at ART WALK at the Doris in Gainesville, then attend the fundraiser on March 2 and place your bid in the silent auction. Hope to see you there.

Painting Horse and Rider, Waiting to Ride, pastel painting

Waiting to Ride
© 2010 Karen F. Rose
pastel on board
On exhibit EQUUS The Art of the Horse
Cofrin Arts Center
Gainesville, FL

"My horse teaches me everything I need to know about myself." 

Not too long ago I watched a young lady as she was preparing to enter the show ring at a local equestrian event in Newberry, FL. She was focused. In her mind she was rehearsing each of the jumps she and her horse would make.

Communication between the rider and horse is so important as you approach a jump. And being a competition, the horse and rider are judged in just a few fleeting moments.

Capturing this young lady in her intensity, in the moment in pastel was my goal.

She was waiting, anxious but prepared and ready to ride.

I donated a painting called "In the Moment" to the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation's Noche de Gala Event at the Besilu Collection in Micanopy, FL. To see that painting, click on the tab "horse paintings" at the top of the page. 

That painting's focus was the beauty and intensity of the horse or better stated "the graceful athlete". 

Florida is horse country. All over the state you can enjoy watching many hunter/jumper, dressage and driving competitions and events. Lush beautiful horse farms with expansive pasture land dot the landscape. 

Are you a rider or is someone in your family? Would love to hear what you have learned about yourself from your horse.

Invisible Paris - The Mystery Solved

The Mysterious Paris Building

Those of you that have been reading my blog know that I not only post about my own painting journey and artwork, but I love to introduce a few art topics that I think you might find of interest.

When on our a trip to Paris I couldn't help noticing this very unusual building while on a walk in the 12th arrondissement. I was on an elevated walkway with lots of trees and shrubs and I could only see the top of the building.
The figures on the building looked familiar like, The Dying Slave sculpture by Michelangelo, but I was in a residential section of Paris and this was a modern structure.

I have taken a fair amount of art history/architecture in college, but I was stumped.
Who was the architect and what was this building's intended use?
After some searching on the internet I discovered the blog, Invisible Paris.
Adam, the author of the blog said,
"Seen something in Paris that has caught your eye but remains a mystery, or ever wondered about obscure people or events in the city's past"? 
So I emailed him. 
And to my surprise and delight, he took the time to solve the mystery! 
His response is so thorough with additional pictures, you will be fascinated to learn more.
Here is the link to his marvelous blog post 
Challenge 7: Curious figures on the Avenue Daumesnil in Invisible Paris.
Thank you Adam.
You can download his Invisible Paris tours on your IPhone.

EQUUS: The Art of the Horse at the Cofrin Arts Center - Oak Hall School

Morning Ride
© 2010 Karen F. Rose
pastel on board
available

As a late entry, my name is not on the poster for this event, but I am so please to be included in the exhibition. Better late than never, huh!
My two pastels, Morning Ride, Waiting to Ride and my oil painting Mimic are part of an outstanding show EQUUS: The Art of the Horse at the Cofrin Arts Center Gallery at Oak Hall School in Gainesville FL. The show runs January 13 to Feb 17, 2012 and includes many top regional artists and is curated by Gary Bone.

Please join us at the artist's reception Friday, Jan 20 from 7 - 9 p.m. 

As an added bonus, live horses will also be present at the opening in the courtyard behind the art gallery.

Cofrin Arts Center Gallery Hours are weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To view more of my horse paintings and the three that are in the show just click on the tab at the top of this page called horse paintings. 

"Do you paint equine commissions?", Yes, I love painting horses and horse portraits. I would love to capture the beauty and spirit of your horse. Just email me at Karen@karenfrose.com  for more details.

Gallop don't just walk over to see this exhibit... you will love the art! 

Opening Reception for 2012 Florida Artists Juried Exhibition

You are invited

You are cordially invited to the opening reception, this Friday, for the 2012 Florida Artists Juried Exhibition hosted by Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. The show is sponsored by the Gainesville Fine Arts Association. The juror and judge for the show is Dr. Jack King, Professor of Art at the University of Tampa.  

Over 200 images were submitted to the show and Dr. King juried in 40 pieces. There are truly stunning pieces in this show and I am honored to be a part of this exciting exhibit.

My oil painting,The Sentinel hangs at the entrance of the exhibit. I am especially pleased at the location as it is representative of the mood and spirit of the painting.

The President's Gallery is located on the second floor of the Administration Building
Open Monday - Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm
The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

The President's Gallery is located on the second floor of the Administration Building.

Driving Directions

Take I-75 to exit 390 (old 77)

Turn Right on to NW 39th Avenue 

Turn Right on to NW 83 Street then turn onto Administration Blvd.

Free visitor parking is a available in front of the building and around the circle on the right.

Enjoy the exhibit.

2012 Florida Artists Juried Exhibition

The Sentinel
© Karen F. Rose
oil on canvas
20"x16"

Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.  ~John Muir

So pleased to receive notification that my oil painting The Sentinel was accepted into the 2012 Florida Juried Artist Exhibition. Mark your calendar to view this exhibit at Santa Fe College President's Hall Art Gallery in Gainesville, FL January 13 to February 8, 2012.
This show represents artist entries from all over the state of Florida and the submissions were juried into the exhibit by Jack King, a professor of art from the University of Tampa.
Towering pines.
They are the first to catch the morning light.
The soft breeze carries their voice and song throughout the day.
They reach toward heaven.
They speak in hushed tones.
Are we listening.

Dachshund oil painting

Leo
© Karen F. Rose
oil on canvas
in private collection

I always enjoy painting portraits of dogs. Especially ones I have had the privilege of getting to know.
What a character this guy is!
Leo is a long haired dachshund, with short little legs, the courage of a lion and a look that will melt your heart!

Artists as Collectors - Your Walls Their Art

Tending Alice's Garden
archival inkjet print
© 2011 Mary Hatch

What do artist's collect and hang on their own walls? That's the question fellow artist
Nanci Hersh posed on her blog.
As Nanci's "guest blogger" this week, I am sharing one of the artworks hanging on my wall. This digital fine art print, Tending Alice's Garden by was created by my friend, mentor and fabulous figurative painter Mary Hatch.

Hope you will hop on over to Nanci's blog and Mary's website to learn more.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Randy Higbee Gallery 6" Squared Exhibition, Fall 2011

The Randy Higbee Gallery 6" Squared Show, Fall 2011

My three oil paintings, Morning Sentinel, Safe Harbor and Seeking Calm will be for sale through the Randy Higbee Gallery, 102 Kalmus, Costa Mesa, CA from December 3 to the 22, 2011.
The Gala Artist's reception will be on December 3, 2011 from 5 to 9 pm.

I'm honored to be juried into this year's show of exceptional paintings.
Over one thousand paintings were entered and half of those entries were accepted.
Gorgeous paintings by talented artists from all across the country -
Be there and be squared!

The Artist and Her Silent Movie

Press the Play button to view 

my silent movie 

painting a poetic vision in oil and pastel

© 2010 Karen F. Rose

I am very anxious to see the newly released black and white silent film The Artist,
with handsome French actor Jean Dujardin, Beranice Bejo and huggable John Goodman.
You gotta love the old silent films stars. Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, Rudolph Valentino and Mary Pickford acted with so much emotion through their facial expressions and communicated without a single word spoken.
According to last week's segment on Sunday Morning, this new film "The Artist may just be the first silent film to win an Oscar since "Wings" in 1927".

Seeing that clip reminded me that I had my own silent film. Playing with Imovie, about a year ago, I had put together a film of some of my oil and pastel paintings.

My silent film, painting a poetic vision in oil and pastel, includes portraits, landscapes, a still life and figurative works made by "this artist".
This silent film won't be up for any academy awards or Oscars, but does include some paintings that were award winners.
Hope you enjoy it.
So sit back, turn off your cell phone and pass the popcorn please!

On the Road Again, The Kindness of a French Stranger

Leave the roundabout at the first turning. 

During our trip, we met the most incredible warm and friendly people. 

But my thanks goes out to one man in particular who got us on the road again. 

We had a rental car and of course before we returned it to the train station, we had to gas it up and bring it back with a full tank.

We were at a gas station in Coustelet in Provence, on a Sunday evening with no people in sight. Try as we might we could not get the pump to accept our "plastic" card. 

We decided to return on Monday morning and try again but still no luck.

Getting a little nervous that we might miss our train or worse run out of gas, I asked a gentleman in the car in front of us if he could help. He tried putting the card in upside down, sideways and backwards and still no luck.

He did not speak English, but without hesitation, he motioned to us to "follow him" and he drove us through town to another station that thankfully was open and would take euro.

Now he could have just driven off and not been bothered with tourists, but he took time out of his work day to help total strangers.

Renting a car on a vacation in a foreign country is an adventure no matter where you are, but the kindness of strangers makes the trip even more memorable. 

If you are planning a painting trip to France here are a few tips .

1. Take along a GPS device, it is invaluable to find gas stations, restaurants and places to buy art supplies.

2. Call your credit card company ahead of your trip and tell them you are traveling  overseas so you don't have them deny your card while you are there.

3. Pack light. If you are hopping on and off trains the lighter suitcase the better. Cause you have to be nimble on your feet!

4. Use Rail Europe to purchase you train tickets before your trip. It is an easy site to use and your tickets will be mailed directly to your home before you leave.

5. If you you are renting a car, be sure you know exactly where the rental car station location is. Hopefully you rent from a company that has the drop off location next to the train station.

6. If you use the Paris Metro be sure not to put your tickets near anything magnetic,

like the clasp of a travel purse. They become demagnetized and are useless! Buy a carnet, ten tickets at a time, and save a few euro.

7. Use Trip Advisor to help plan your trip. Get the low down on hotels from people who have stayed there.

8. To and from the the airport book ahead and prepay with Super Shuttle. They meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. You are sharing a van ride but what a great way to meet new friends!

9. If you don't speak the language and you do take a taxi, write down your destination address on a slip of paper and hand it to the taxi driver. Nothing get's lost in translation!

10. If you rent a car and are traveling in the countryside have enough cash to pay for a tank of gas...just in case your credit card doesn't work at the pump!

Any travel tips you would like to share?

Lavender in Provence

Lavender Sketch
© 2011 Karen F. Rose

Provence, think warm glorious sunshine and fields of sunflowers and lush purple lavender.
The lavender was not in bloom when we visited Provence in October, but the air still had a sweetness that well, you just can only imagine.
Just wish I could make one of those scratch and sniff patches to let you smell the aroma right through your computer screen.

And while in the beautiful countryside in Coustellet, Provence you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about lavender at the Musée de la Lavande.  There is an educational tour and a lavender gift shop with all things lavender.

Did you know this about lavender? 

Lavender was used by the Romans in baths and to freshen their linens. Oh those Romans.

It is part of the mint family and putting drops of essential lavender oil on your pillow can aid relaxation and sleep. 

Memories De Provence

Gathering Light Provence
© 2011 Karen F. Rose
6x6"

Peter Mayle wrote the best selling book A Year in Provence, in which he tells of moving into a 200 year old stone farmhouse in Provence. We had about ten days in the Luberon in Gargas, Gordes, and Avignon.
Incredible food, warm gracious friendly people, ancient buildings, ochre soil and glorious light.
Did I mention the beautiful light?

We're Not in Kansas Anymore

My pastel painting We're Not in Kansas Anymore, shown above and mentioned in two previous posts, caught the eye of Pastor Dorothy Saunderes-Perez of the Red Mountain United Methodist Church in Mesa, Arizona. She emailed me, asking permission to use my painting in their church newsletter. I was honored and pleased to share this painting with her congregation. Here is the link to the church's web site http://mesachurchaz.org/home
The November newsletter has her special message and the painting.

Thanks to all who commented on my Paris and Beyond blog posts.
Kathy Cousart is the winner of a little something from France with my special thanks to her for taking the time to read and to write a comment on almost every post!
Thanks Kathy. Check your mailbox!
My trip was so memorable and now that the suitcase is unpacked..time to get back to painting!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - Paris and Beyond

Le Train Blue Gare de Lyon Paris

Photo Karen F. Rose

Getting there

One of the highlights of our trip was taking the high speed train (TGV) from Paris to Avignon. The restaurant Le Train Blue is located in the station and was built as part of the 1900 Paris exhibition (same as the Eiffel Tower) and was located at the Gare de Lyon to showcase the best of Paris... The ceiling has 41 paintings of places you visit by train. 

Look closely, can you catch a glimpse of Coco Channel, Brigitte Bardot or Dali seated at one of the tables? They were once frequent patrons of the this restaurant. 

Fast forward to the Avignon TVG station where I saw no paintings hanging on the walls, but the station is a work of art itself, with sleek modern high speed trains that will spirit you to Paris at speeds of 185 miles per hour.

Travelers at TGV Avignon
Photo Karen F. Rose

Automobiles
May I just say that part of the art of driving in France is mastering roundabouts....? For those of you who live in the Midwest, where there are wide streets and large avenues and may not be familiar with this free flow of traffic concept, let's just say that instead of a four way stop you enter the outer lane of the circle and pray that someone will let you exit when you need to!!!
I think in Provence, there were roundabouts at every intersection.

Concept Car Art
photo Karen F. Rose

Automobiles
Much to my husband's regret, this was not our rental car while we were traveling but is a work of "car art" in a Paris showroom.

Planes - Waiting to board a plane in Jacksonville International airport, you notice the large mural at the end of the terminal, 

Art at the Jacksonville International Airport

Terminal

Photo Karen F. Rose

Can't help wondering, "That guy must be flying first class cause he will never fit in a coach seat. Don't you just love that image!

Must also say the art in the Atlanta airport international terminal that welcomes you as you come back to the states and head into customs and passport control is magnificent. What a Welcome Home!

My birthday trip was so memorable and as promised, if you are a subscriber to my blog and made a comment on these Paris and Beyond posts, I will put your name in a "beret" and choose a winner from all the names as a thank you to you for "contributing to my blog". So don't forget to subscribe!

Rose Valland, a Heroine for Art

Plaque on the Jeu de Paume in Paris
Photo Karen F. Rose

As you walk around the Tuileries in Paris you can't help but notice the beautiful fountains and flowers, but on this day I was in search of a special piece of history.

On a wall outside the Jeu de Paume in the Tuileries Garden in Paris is a plaque honoring the art historian, member of the French Resistance and perhaps one of the most heroic French women during World War II, Rose Valland.

To honor Rose Valland

I had often asked, "How did the great works of art survive the destruction and the ravages of World War II"?  

The spellbinding documentary The Rape of Europa  and the book The Monuments Men by Robert Edsel tell the heroic story of Rose Valland and the Monuments Men. The plaque on the Jeu de Paume is in honor of Rose.

During the war, the Nazis stole art works from museums and private collections and stored them in the Jeu de Paume, and all the while, Rose secretly kept records.


Wikipedia says that, "For four years she kept track of where and to whom in Germany the artworks were shipped and risked her life to provide information to the French Underground and about railroad shipments of art so that they would not mistakenly blow up the trains loaded with France's priceless treasures". 

Watch this video clip. Click  HERE 

Chambord
Photo Karen F. Rose

Chambord is the location where, as the Nazis advanced toward Paris, Leonardo Da Vinci's painting Mona Lisa, and the ancient Greek sculpture Venus De Milo, as well as hundreds of other priceless works of art were taken from the Louvre museum and secretly stored for safekeeping.

Venus De Milo
Louvre Museum
Photo Karen F. Rose 

When you see the actual film footage of this story unfold, you too will forever remember Rose Valland and the Monuments Men.
An amazing story.