Colored Fields

You know you're longing for a change in season, when you plan an imaginary trip on the internet...

That was me yesterday.

After painting all morning past lunch, I sat with tea to rest my brain before my evening class. (Its my Wednesday night ladies, we have a ball...) I thought I'd blog, but I ended up in Tuscany.

You know it isn't the first time I drift off there. In January I posted Tuscany dreams.

Yesterday was different. As though pretending it was a reality, I sat and searched out everything. The flight cost, places to stay (oh they have some cool ones!), and even a car rental. Flights from here to Florence are absolutely out of control. Who tipped off the airlines that we all want to visit Tuscany?

I think its an artist's dream.

Aside from the cost, the biggest dilemma is when to go. The region has so much to offer. Perhaps the fields of poppies, the lavender rows, the vineyards bursting with grape clusters, the harvest or even the sunflowers? I think I would have to stay there from May to grape harvest! How else could I capture it all?

Can you just imagine taking half a year off from your life to paint Tuscany? Oh yes, you know I'm just dreaming. But if your going to dream, why not make it big?

Much like Ireland, you can rent full houses at very reasonable prices. I'm drawn to the old stone ones. You know at all times you're not in Kansas anymore when you wake up surrounded by ancient stone. Something about that makes me feel so connected to the past. Its such a comfortable feeling. Humbling, but comfortable.

Come on, dream with me.

Were sitting at a lovely, round, stone table on the open outdoor terrace, overlooking fields and hills that go on forever. Tall stately trees dot the countryside. The sun is low and long shadows grow from their feet, curving with the landscape. In the evening's warmth, you sip full bodied red wine. Cheese, homemade bread and a cluster of plump juicy grapes fill the turquoise colored plate. Sitting with it on a white and orange flowered cloth is one, dainty, paper-like poppy. It rises and bends gracefully from the slender clear vase at the center of the table. You break off a nibble of cheese. Warm wine hits your lips and you breath in a long slow breath and exhale completely relaxed, sinking in your wrap-around chair. You dream of painting in the fields tomorrow...

Who wouldn't like that?

My sights have been on Tuscany for awhile. You know I won't rest until I get there. I'd better start saving my pennies...

Let your heart dream today. A warm smile will grow on your face and for a brief moment all your tension will drift away...

Posted: Colored Field 24x18" Original oil painting by Susan Roux

Tuscany dreams

Do you dream of going places?

I do. The more I travel the more I want to travel. Europe has been my intrigue and with luck and a few dollars, I'll return again. My sights are on Tuscany next...

I was checking out some of my followers sites and came upon Roisin O'Farrell's post titled In a bit of a Jam! Love the title and the painting. In this post Roisin talks about artists bartering. I think its a very cool idea. She starts out with little things like jam for gesso boards and ends up with weekend stay's for paintings.

I'm all up for that one!

It's been in my mind to travel for art. How wonderful that would be! Last summer I was online searching for villas in Tuscany that might offer me a room if I painted their vineyards. I was even connected with a man in Italy who was assisting me in trying to find such a place. We were unsuccessful...

That doesn't mean such a thing doesn't exist. It also doesn't mean we can't make it happen. I do remember years ago a place in Bar Harbor, Maine would invite artists during pre-season to come stay for a week. The owners were busy preparing their establishment for the summer and they allowed artists to use an entire floor during this time. The artists were free to paint and the only charge was to donate a painting at the end of their stay.

It was perfect for all involved. The owners received beautiful original art to decorate their rooms, while the artists painted for free in amazing scenery! At the end of the week, the owners hosted an "art show" in the grand-room showcasing the artists work from the week. One artist would paint a beautiful painting at her leisure during the year to bring, so her room and board was accounted for upon arrival.

If artists started to offer such deals, do you think we could begin a trend?

It isn't a far cry from my artists hosting artists idea. I know this sort of thing could work. Maybe we should talk about this some more... I'd love your ideas on the matter?

Where do you want to go?