Breakfast at the Inn with warm croissants (Click photos to enlarge)

Every morning at our Inn we were greeted with fresh croissants, coffee, homemade jams, etc. If the weather cooperated, we ate outside. You are correct, we never went hungry during our entire 9 days.

Following breakfast, Elizabeth Mowry, an internationally known pastel artist and our instructor/hostess, started a demonstration for us to watch. These demos are always enlightening and an opportunity to learn more about how someone else approaches painting with pastels. Every demonstration opens me to a new technique or nuance.

Pastel painting demonstration by Elizabeth Mowry

As I mentioned, the Inn was surrounded by captivating landscapes and gardens, there were also dogs, cats and two young girls weaving in and out. A delightful addition.

Children and dogs were also a part of our Inn experience

The poppy field was calling me from my previous visit. I was anxious to see if I could paint it. Do you see Monet paintings as you look at this below photograph? Despite a light drizzle most of the afternoon, I had the time of my life painting in this land of Oz!

The mesmerizing poppy field

Fellow artist, Maryam, joined me at the poppy field

Do you see the blue and white flowers amongst the poppies?

My favorite colored rose

A rose garden was just behind where I was painting. Above is one photo from that garden. I love salmon colored roses.

Again, I took a different approach to this field study. As you can see in all of the photographs, greens were in abundance and not that different in tone or color. Since the tune “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” was ringing in by brain, I decided to create a painting that was child-like, fairyland-like, hence I chose lime greens, purples, pinks and blues for my palette.

My underpainting of my poppy field study (pastel)

Photo taken by a fellow tourist

My favorite comment from one passer-by looking at my painting, was, “N’est pas naturale.” I turned around with a smile and said, “No it is not!” Others told me they loved the colors and an English woman got an art lesson from me. It was one of the best times I have had painting on-site.

Field study of the poppy field

We did not want to leave never-never-land, but the rain was getting heavier and we needed to get back to the Inn. Shortly after re-grouping and getting more paint boards, we were off to our last painting time in Monet’s Gardens.

A part of Monet's garden that I attempt to paint

Once again the weather goddess allowed us to paint in Monet’s garden unscathed. I thought I would try a garden scene using some of the techniques I had seen Elizabeth demonstrate. It was another failure, or as our positive philosophers like to say, “It was another learning experience” (that I will not reveal).

Ruth & Denise painting at the end of the Grand Allée

This glorious arbor with climbing roses, is called The Grand Allée.  Can you image your wedding here? This alley is chained off to the public at both ends.

Carol committing a garden 'felony'

I was painting at the other end, it was almost 8pm and time for us to leave. I did not see any garden police around so I decided to it would be great fun to gallop down the alley like I was flying. Ruth caught me in the act of illegal behavior!! What great fun! Did Monet ever do this?

Keeping with tradition, I will end this post talking about food and taking you back to our favorite restaurant and server.

We knew our wonderful tour was soon coming to an end

An artistic dessert that tastes just as good!

It was a day with many memories to treasure and remember. One of those days that filled me from head to toe and sent me to sleepland with a smile.

…to be continued.