An Artist's Journey Through the Lavender Fields of Provence

UPDATED!

Photos by John Charles Jopson

It doesn't get much better than this..

July. A complete indulgence of the senses. 

Endless inspiration for new paintings.

Step right in and take a deep breath. 

Hear the humming buzz of the bees.

Lavender calms and soothes the soul,

and most of all, inspires creativity.

Our winter travels have brought us back to a soggy Laguna Beach and nothing warms my painter's heart more than recalling the warm, dry summer we spent in Provence and the sensual experience of painting lavender.

"Waves of Lavender and Grain"   24x36   Oil on Canvas

When I began painting "Waves of Lavender and Grain" back in my studio it evoked heady memories of time spent in Provence in pursuit of those most gorgeous of lavender fields and that perfect light. 

Lavender fields can be found everywhere in Provence...

"Shades of Lavender, St Remy"  30x44  Oil on Canvas

And the lavender just seems to happily grow anywhere!

"Afternoon Lavender Light"   24x36   Oil on Canvas

...from the idyllically situated Sénanque Abbey near the village of Gordes in the Vaucluse region...

"Lavender of the Luberon"  30x36     Available as a Limited Edition Giclée Print.

...to the magnificent lavender of the Luberon... 

"Lavender En Plein Air"  32x40   Oil on Canvas

...and the epic fields of lavender on the Valensole plain in the Alpes-de-Haute department of Provence.

With memories of painting en plein air among the crisp, clean and calming fragrance of lavender, the contented buzzing of the bees, and the soft blending textures of lavender and grain... I pick up my brushes to paint, and I am back there again.