Oils and Pastels by Margaret Dyer

Another thing I forgot to mention! We visited the city of Rouen, the city where Joan of Arc was tried and burned at the stake. The 15th century old town still exists, while a new modern city has been built around it. But they've preserved the site of the execution and marked it with a cross. After visiting France last year, I returned home ashamed that I knew so little of French history, so I spent the year reading about Napolean, Joan of Arc (read Mark Twain's version--he did his research) and more French characters. I was stunned by the account of Joan of Arc and was awed to see the actual location of her trial. Here's a picture of the execution site.

...but they keep us going all day here, and late into the night, when we drop into our beds and crash. Where to begin... I told you we have been to Paris. We have also visited the early 17th century chateau of of Nicholas Fouquet, the finance minister of Louis XIV. According to Wikipedia: The château was lavish, refined, and dazzling to behold, but these characteristics proved tragic for its owner: the king had Fouquet arrested shortly after Fouquet's house-warming; the celebration had been too impressive and the superintendent's home too luxurious. Fouquet's intentions were to flatter the King, but Fouquet's plan backfired. ...Fouquet was arrested and imprisoned for life, and his wife exiled. The king confiscated tapestries, statues and all the orange trees. Fouquet died 19 years later, in prison. Madame Fouquet recovered her property ten years later and retired there with her eldest son. In 1705, after the death of her husband and son, she decided to put chateau up f...

Well, I had every intention of writing everyday, but it is a whirlwind here. What day is it? Thursday? When did we start? Monday? Have 4 days already gone by? A brief rundown: Sunday (or was it Monday?) we all worked in the studio with a lovely model, Roza, from Hungary. She was a dream to work with, and all of us loved her. She stayed here with us for 2 and a half days, modeling when we worked, or traveling with us on our half-day excursions. Our excursions : Monday (or was it Tuesday?) -We spent the first half of the day at the local brocant--an antiques yard sale, blocks and blocks of all sorts of luscious things to fill a little French cottage with, if one happened to have a little french cottage (and one might tend to fantasize about having one, if one were in France, browsing the brocant). Original art, furniture, china... but knowing that I only have 3 extra pounds available in my check-in baggage prevented me from purchasing that wardrobe...and that cottage... Tuesday (or was...

Katie, Frances, Judith and Alice have arrived, some after harrowing trips across the ocean. Lunch on the rose and wisteria covered patio: terrine, fresh tomatoes and mazzerella, salad, finished off with the incredible French cheeses and a little chocolate. Then they were sent up to their rooms to take a restorative nap. A couple of hours later, our beautiful model, Rosa, from Hungary, arrived. We all went up to the studio; I did a demonstration to show them how I use pastels. Then downstairs to the main house for a candlelight dinner. Pork roast, new potatoes, green beans, salad, bread, cheese, a yummy lemon dessert and stimulating conversation. I completely forgot to take pictures. Not to Beth: your mother is doing just fine. She seems happy as can be. And even though she was chagrinned at your efforts to keep her safe, she redeemed you in our eyes with the Tasha Tudor story.

We're preparing for the arrival of students. So today we set up a boudoir scene for our model. I'm thinking Toulouse Lautrec, Van Gogh sorts of images. Can't wait to get started tomorrow. I'll have more to write then.

Got here after 11 hours traveling, had a cup of tea and crashed for about 6 hours. Kippy and Gerome took me to their friend's home for dinner, where I had a chance (after a couple of glasses of wine) to practice the French I have been studying in my car the past year. I am told that I don't speak with an American accent. That I speak the language very well! It was fun this evening. I didn't bring my camera because I'm still groggy from the trip and just didn't want to bother with it. Instead, here's a picture of my little bedroom for the next few weeks. Students begin arriving Sunday. Kippy wanted me to have a little time to rest before class started. I'll write more tomorrow--I'm going back to sleep.

Been busy working. This is just a change of pace. I think I'll do more. 101 South is an 18x24 LA street scene.