Today I asked people of the group to give their impressions of the trip. Here is a summary of what they said:

“What I liked in Gordes was to be able to find a quiet private and shady spot to sketch large shapes across from where I was sitting. It was very relaxing.”
“The view from the cliff in Gordes was spectacular and nobody fell off.”

“The abbey of Senanque was most inspiring and so quiet. I saw very interesting people like 3 nuns from India on a retreat. Their white habits stood out so much from the surrounding background.”

The carrieres-lumieres (quarry of lights) and the abbey have some similarities: it gave the same feeling of quietness and inspiration They were both cathedrals in different ways.”
“I painted a fruit market today and I was doing great until a truck came and parked between me and the market. He said he will only stay 5 min but he stayed 20 min so I never finished my painting. Nevertheless, I loved painting there and many people peeked over my shoulder to see what I was doing. Everyone was very friendly.”

‘It has been such a wonderful experience! The colors and the light here in Provence blow my mind.”
“This group is fantastic and I am glad I came on the trip and I am glad Bobbie and Carol came and I am glad Joanne is teaching, she is such an inspirational joy.”

“Everyone is doing wonderful work and it is hard to do when you are on the go. I am amazed on how everyone is doing her maximum.”

“I am taking tons of pictures to get a feeling of the place and be able to paint big paintings when I go home.”
“Today I bought a very powerful painting, made by a patient of the asylum where Van Gogh stayed. I am very excited about this painting. I just don’t know how I will get it home!”
“Since I have been here, I have felt more aware of the French culture and the friendliness of French people. I was moved when I heard a mother singing to her child yesterday in the park. Some Americans think French people do not like us. It is so untrue. They are so friendly to us.”
“In this tiny village of Venasque where we are staying, we feel part of a family. Martine and Jerome, our hosts, are great. They make me feel at home, a guest in their home. Their meals are gourmet delicious. I am so happy to be here!”.

“Our daily picnics prepared by Jackie are fabulous. Jackie is such a wonderful driver, she is so calm and precious, she knows so much history, she is so cute and delightful as a guide, a real pleasure.”