The Artist's Blog

NOTE: This is an archival blog post from Caroline's old "Muse and News Blog". We're reposting here, flaws and all, because we can.

This year, our quest for Sunflowers in Provence did not disappoint. The warm spring in Europe conspired to bring many fields to an early bloom, much to my delight!!!

Most fields are still early, but with some creative off-road driving by John in our Panda, we were able to approach fields only accessible by tractors and farm vehicles.

The weather was perfect, and the locations truly interesting with their diverse compositions...

...and perfect light.

“Solstice Sunflowers” 48”x60”  Atelier del Corvo, New York

“Sunflower Field, Late June”  40"x40"  Graham Fine Art, London

Content with my best Provencal sunflower expedition yet, we headed to the Nice antique market in search of the even more elusive antique frames. I love creating pieces for unique and one-of-a-kind old frames... which used to be easy to find. Difficult now, and expensive. The Nice Marché à la Brocantes rarely fails me, and the rush of finding a score keeps me coming back! While Renzo busied himself with dog watching, I found a few rare gems.

Not all the vendors are in the mood to bargain, but this fellow gave me a very good deal on rare Napoleon III ebony and gilded gold frames.

Perks of my job: A obligatory cafe’ stop...

...a Templar Castle in Lourmarin,

 Cezanne’s Aix-en-Provence for a little shopping and further lessons in Savoir Faire des Chiens for Renzo-Rene’ !

"Sunflowers in a Summer Breeze"   24"x40"   Oil on Canvas 

"A Sunflower"  30cm x 30cm   Oil on Panel   Graham Fine Art, London

"Late Afternoon Sunflowers" 30"x40"  Atelier del Corvo, New York