Color makes a lot of folks happy, present company included.
The wondrous thing is this---color sings because of what surrounds it. Just like people, colors NEED each other. Just place your finger over one of those gorgeous blues or the tomato pinky orange and see what happens---the whole scene changes!
Ever noticed how one person can do the same thing? We all love those folks that light up a room when they walk in. They usually do this by reflecting back beauty and love to those surrounding them:)))
Color and people---we all need both.
Ooh la la.....surrounded by color, beauty and love.
Life is Good!
In Other News:
Books and paintings and more, oh yes! I have put Eddie to work on finishing out all the inspirational writings from November for the free download--- I am guessing I may need to edit out his portion (he gets inspired by big bugs on their backs)....so we'll just have to wait and see.
We do have a name! And a cover! We are making progress;))
This coming week I will be posting about the workshops that took place in November (they were pre-empted on the blog by the Gratitude Adventure).
The Gratitude List is long and growing longer in the Gratitude Dropbox!
Remember to share it with a friend---it does a body good;))!
Artists have been talking for centuries about the "light" in the south of France:)) I'm not saying it was this particular light but if it was, I totally understand why;)))
And the Fun Continues!
What is it with artists and their brushes??
Like security blankets, we collect and carry them with us everywhere....just in case we need that one particular brush to make that one particular stroke in just the right place;)) This little basket of delight was carried in by one of the artists at the Jacksonville workshop.
And when it comes to repurposing things...artists are one savvy group of people.
--Artist Patty has her paints all organized with a foldable jewelry case...the bottom part is wide enough for her brushes!!
Artists at Work!!
Day Two of the Jacksonville I Workshop paintings turned out so nice!
Musical easels always provides lots of insights, smiles, and in this case....16 paintings in 40 minutes:)
Mornings are special. Whether it be rainy, snowy, or sunshine filled-- with dew glistening on cobwebs spun.
It is that hush, that first blush, of a singular precious moment ---that moment before the day itself is up and running away with us.
Mornings are truly a treasure, given anew, day after day. A sacred time for us to remember who we are.
Really.
When we stop and partake of that JOY in the morning, we will find it surrounding us the rest of the day:))
May your morning and your day be filled with
JOY
In Other News:
ALERT!! You best be gettin' your bags packed 'cause it's time to head to Italy. And I am taking you with me....in a manner of speaking:)) In TEN DAYS, no less, I will be packing my paints, camera and a few glad rags and heading out to the Tuscany region of Italy.:)))
There will be POSTCARDS involved:)) or as they say in Italy....invia scheda:)) My intention is to blog and mail an original watercolor postcard to someone each day while there. I will be drawing for a winner and it could be you:)))
Stay in the loop:)) Subscribe to my blog by clicking here!
And on an entirely different note....one of the many, many good things that happen when one is "online" is the making of friends from around the country and around the world.
If you happen to read my comments very often, you will see a familiar name. June. June of Ireland:)) June of Ireland makes mandalas, among other things, and keeps educating me on the beauty of her poetic homeland. I have one of June's mandalas sitting in my studio even as I type:)) June has just started her blog. She has all of two followers. I thought it would be fun to spread some JOY all the way to Ireland by sending you to have a look at her life in Ireland....and maybe following her blog as well:)) If you'd like to stop by and say hello, just click here:))
Paint with Me? You can check out my workshop schedule by clicking here:))
I love it when poetry comes to life--as it does on every corner in France:)!
And speaking of France and Paris and Paris, Kentucky specifically...here are some highlights from the just completed Paris Workshop II! Artists from Canada to Florida, Wisconsin to Louisiana, and many points in between-- came to hang out with me in my hometown---and to paint a little bit:))!
First day's paintings---look at all that gorgeous color:)!
So many wonderful artists who were so supportive of each other--one of the many things I love about a workshop. Artists encouraging, sharing, and cheering each other on:)!
Below is a taste of the musical easels--always fun and always enlightening:))!
Nancy, Barbara, Joshua, Monica, Paula, Arleen, Carolyn, Phyllis, Jennifer, Mary, Louise, Julie, Maria, Nana, Pat, Debbie, Kathy and Robin---thanks for bringing your joy and talent to Paris!!
Big Hugs from me to you:)))
And here's a little video from both Paris Workshops:))!
or the particular shades of color in old stone, tablecloths and flowers...
it's all good.
It's all France:)))
In Other News:
As promised, here are some pics to capture some of the good times had at Paris Workshop No. 1 (No. 2 starts this Monday:))
Sassy Ann at play work....
Day Two's paintings capturing that old world feel of stone and flowers:)))
Here they are, looking all attentive and well-behaved.
Shame it's not a video, then you would know the real truth;)))
Everyone weighing in on the musical easel experience:)
And some colorful paintings from it...15 in 40 minutes:))!
A warm, wonderful group of artists--lots of energy and lots of great paintings!! I like to think the strawberries dipped in chocolate on the last day might have played a part in it. Artists just seem to work better when fed chocolate--at least that's my theory;)
Big Hugs to this wonderful group of painters:))) Kay, Marilyn, Ann, Amy, Claudia, Vickie, Susan, Sarah, Barbara, Martha, Kathy, Nada, Sheila, Barbara and Glenna:)!
P.S. I'll be announcing the winner of my monthly giveaway this week. They will get their pick of one of my books OR a petite print from Dreama's Print Shop:))
If you would like to have your name in the drawing every month, you just have to subscribe once to this blog:)) Here's the link on how to do it (click here).
Wanna see my available paintings? Click Here
Think you might want to paint with me? Click here to check out my workshop schedule:)
P.S. Today was the first day of my workshop in Paris. Always a delight, to paint, to share stories, to experience the pure joy that comes from the act of painting....
Bonus for painting in Paris?? We ate at Giovanni's today and lunch was on the house (if you were an artist:)))
I went in search of a special place---of the France I have long held in my mind's eye.
Of a place that I could slip into and feel part of the timeless beauty.
A place that would quench my thirst for shuttered windows, smooth aged courtyards and cats who speak French (funny, French meows sound amazingly similar to the English counterpart;)
I found this place at Le Vieux Couvent:))
Some things are, of a certainty, meant to be shared.
Le Vieux Couvent is that place.
So to answer the big question that some of you have been asking---
Yes!
Yes toFrance.
Yes to 14 amazing, open hearted, ready for JOY artists going with me:))
Yes for 10 rose-scented, pastry-filled, painting the day away days...June 20-30, 2013.
Details are being put into place as I write. If you would like to be among the first to get an invitation, email me by clicking here, to have your name on themust go to Francelist:)))
'Til then, consider this your invitation to beauty:)))
P.S. To all my friends in the USA---hope you are having a wonderful 4th of July--complete with some family time and good, home-cooked food!
"Morning Glow in the Village" 8 X 8in oil on museum quality panel
$350
"A place where buildings are centuries old, screens absent in windows, flowers spilling from eveywhere---old pots, watering cans, window boxes, over stone highwalls, climbing up to shuttered windows, jasmine scent cascading on one side competing with honeysuckle to its left and right, wild poppies, cultivated poppies, flowers, flowers, flowers, everywhere.
The light, soft sound of proper french conversation. Neighbor delivering roses called the Queen's rose that are breathtakingly long stemmed and so perfect as to defy being real at all. A village so small, so stacked upon itself that I can lose myself in a walk and never be lost at all. Steps, steps and more steps down to the center of the village."
I love mail.
I got a few pieces while I was in France.
So did Eddie.
Like 500 or so:))
We were ALL excited---France is so inspiring!!
I decided to share some mail hi-lights here---so it could bring some smiles to your face as it did mine:))
I have kept the names anonymous, for most part, except for those who YELLED at me (Corrine;) and Teri...who actually sent me a singing telegram for her entry into the Carte Postale giveaway:)) and Bill who accused me of being a spy:)) and Gloria who made me get a lump in my throat and...well, I did name a few of them, but not all:)))
I read every letter, savored them all and will answer some of the questions (like what watercolor set I was using and what paper did I use for the postcards, etc) here on the blog.
If you have sent me a question that I miss answering here, then please resend it. It's just possible I might have missed it in that stack of 537 pieces of mail:))
If you sent a letter to Eddie, don't expect a response. He's too busy lounging on his new couch purchased on my credit card while I was out of town. (See photo below....)
If video doesn't appear, just click here to view:))
Dreama,
be careful with the French food! You traveled there as a passenger you could come home as cargo! ~Marilyn
How strange..? I got all teary while reading your goodbye note to France. Thank you for a beautiful trip without all the travel hassle. ~Gloria
OK DREAMA, I'M NOW OFFICIALLY SCREAMING SO AS TO BE NOTICED AND THROWN INTO THE 'JAUNTYBERET'!!! I'M NOT ONE TO MAKE A SCENE (yeah sure!!!), BUT SINCE I CANNOT GET AHOLD OF EDDIE ~ OR HIS PEOPLE.....I AM LEFT TO MY OWN DEVICES AND SINCE YOU'RE WAAAAY OVER THERE, AND I'M WAAAAY OVER HERE, SCREAMING IS ALL I COULD THINK TO DO!!!!!! ~Corrine
I have gone out two days in a row and painted in plein air inspired by you. You are right! it is all in our own back yard. Put my name in the tattered beret! ~ Judy
Dear Mr. Eddie,
I hope all is well and you are enjoying your morning sunny spot as much as I am enjoying mine. I'm writing on behalf of my owner/mom regarding a postcard from France. She says they are beautiful. Happy napping, Eddie.
Sincerely,
Theo the Dog
ATTN: Eddie Dear Eddie, I'm sure you are extremely lonely and heartbroken with Dreama away, and I thought it might help lift your spirits if I sent you a gift. I've made arrangements for you to receive a one-pound shipment of KING SALMON, shipped fresh from ALASKA. It's totally up to you if you want to share any of it with the new pipsqueek that Dreama brought home. I'm sure she told you that she "had to go away" on this "business trip", and that she is absolutely miserable without you. Who's to doubt her? I would feel the same way, I'm sure. Anyway, if you talk to her, please ask her (BEG her) to draw my name for one of her original postcards. (Use the old guilt trip routine on her, that is usually very effective). Thanks, Eddie! Hope you enjoy the salmon! :-) Tania
Dreama enjoy the Funfessional Artist that you are!
Best regards to Ron and Eddie.....
Tuchy
please, oh please, oh please, oh please and as my boyfriend Jake would say, "unh-huh". I would love a Dreama postcard and I promise not to let Jake read (eat) it.
I will give you a comment! This trip has nothing to do with painting. You are now a secret agent and are just using your art
as a cover. Let me say this young lady... all that drinking and eating and having fun over there is not fooling those of us stuck in the heat over here.
You just have a great time and keep up those fake e-blasts and such... wait 'til I tell Eddie!
Now that I think about it he looks a little cagey, TOo.
Have a big time,
Bill
p.s. and yes I want to be included in the smuggling of your art out of France on Postcards!
My Jelly-ousness is tempered only by my belief I will be packing my bags for that trip to France. You know. The one for Dreama's workshop abroad?
This conviction will allow my Happy Face muscles to remain "fixed".
I cannot predict my reaction if my Dream(a) does not come true. I may exercise heroic restraint. Or..........
Wait! Wait! Stop the music!!!!
A Dreama Tolle Perry Fan Club!!! Website. FaceBook. Twitter.
Yes!!! I can do that!
Will that secure a place for me??!!!
Okay. I don't know now to do Twitter. Need help with a website too. FaceBook? I think I can handle.
Seriously - I KNOW you are in Heaven! Never, ever, EVER has anyone enjoyed "LeVieux Couvent" as has Dreama.
So steeped in joy are you - I feel it here in Alabama! ~Carol
Heck with the art card,IWANT ONE OF THOSE LITTLE PINK, ROUND MINI CAKES WITH A STRAWBERRY ON TOP!
YOU'RE POSTINGS ARE AWESOME……ANNIE
Every day your France adventures open my heart in a new way. You have no idea how much you are inspiring me. I put down my brushes, paints, and adventurous spirit years ago due to illness. This weekend at least the brushes and paints are coming back out. That in itself will be an adventure!
Here's my entry for the post card contest! A s you might be able to see from my attached photo ---
we have one unhappy cat waiting for HER postcard (and her name is Angel?!)
And to conclude this post...a photo of one smug Eddie and answers to a few of your questions:))
How to Stop Credit Card Theft in the Home?
Steer clear of tuxedo wearing cats with expensive taste.
How to leave a comment on my blog? (This one came up a lot so I thought it was high time I let you in on the secret:)) Just click here to learn how:)!
What kind of watercolor kit did I use to do the Carte Postale watercolors?
It's called a Winsor and Newton Field box. It comes with a standard set of colors to which I have added a few like Cobalt Turquoise, Opera, Magenta, and Purple. The pen I use is waterproof. You can read more about the box by clicking here:) (it's in my Amazon Art Supply Store)
What kind of paper did I use for the Carte Postale (postcards)? I used watercolor paper that comes packaged for use as postcards! You can see them by clicking here:)
How did they suspend the roses from the sky?
Haven't a clue!!
What was the name of the art store you visited and where was it?
What towns did you visit?
Are you going to paint again next year in France and take some folks with you?
These and more questions to be answered in an upcoming post:)))
Along with Paintings from France
Studio Makeover Part II
And JuNK dRAweR FriDaY (returning next week:))))!!
Your letters, comments and pure joy in the beauty that is France has been part of the inspiring journey:)))
I am blessed to have you in my life!!
No sorrow today on leaving the Le Vieux Couvent----it is comforting to know that this beauty that has been here for centuries will continue to flourish in my absence:))
The flowers will continue to put on their best show for those who follow in our footsteps:))
I did feel certain that Cocoa either didn't want me to leave OR wanted to come to the Paris for a visit---he spent an inordinate amount of time hanging out with my suitcase....possibly plotting with Eddie on an exchange program:)
No matter how long things have been hanging around, new beauty is born again each day. This was the parting shot of the bell tower that chimed every hour while overlooking the village. I love that bell--it had a way of bringing me to the present moment each time it chimed:))
The road back home begins here...:)
All in all, a very sacred week...thanks for sharing it with me!
Spending the night in Toulouse to catch my flight out in the morning, I decided to celebrate and finish up on a high note....espresso and chocolate:)))
I may not sleep for a couple of days, but hey....a girl eats what a girl's gotta eat;)))
I will enjoy going through all the funny emails, those singing telegrams, and more when I arrive home. I have hundreds of letters in my inbox--so please know that I have/or will read each and every one of them:))
I will post some oil paintings this week that were done while in France and try to cover all the things that have come up from you in the form of questions on my visit to France.
I will rest, catch up with Eddie, Phyllis, and Pierre and think of you and the good times we had this week:)))!!
I honestly wish I had postcards to send to each of you...doing them this week reminded me of all that is important...
Loving people, shared experiences and celebrating the beauty that is this thing called Life.
Wonderfully squeezable hugs from France!!!
P.S. The winner for Carte Postale No. 6 is Pat Alto.
The winner for Carte Postale No. 7 is Joanne Kilduff.
Congrats to both of you!! And so much thanks to each of you who took the time to comment and drop me an email--it added to the excitement of the week:)))
And winner Candice Brancik --somehow I either didn't get your snail mail or it has become lost in my inbox! Please resend:))
Dreama Tolle Perry is a self-taught artist who finds her inspiration in color and sunshine. She is a prolific painter and an inspirational teacher.
Dreama lives in Paris, KY with her husband Ron, dog Maggie, and world famous cat, Eddie.
Email:Dreama (at) DreamaTollePerry (dot) com
(859)509-9694
