The massif looks like a fortified stone ridge or a sharp triangle pointing to the sky, depending on how you approach Mont Sainte-Victoire. Regardless of the time of day or season, the only certainty is that the mountain, located on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, never looks the same twice. Artists …

Artists and the Sacred Mountain Mont Sainte-Victoire was a recurring subject in Paul Cézanne’s paintings. The painter born in Aix-en-Provence completed over 30 canvases, in oil and watercolour, of the mountain situated to the east of the city. On the other hand, Pablo Picasso chose to not paint “Cézanne’s Mountain” …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: This is a massively popular event and I read that places are filling up fast. The Rallye Découverte des Vins de la Saint-Victoire The official closing date for registrations is Friday 16th September but it could be full earlier. The rally, which is the 15th, was started …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: This event, being held this year on Saturday 17th October, gets booked up early so don’t delay! 2015 sees the 10th anniversary of the awarding of AOP to this attractive area which you will explore as you drive from cave to vineyard following clues – …

The south is a world of light. Luminescent brightness is the first, clearest and most lasting impression it makes when you arrive, and its absence is what hits you when you go back north. For a painter, the challenge is somehow to evoke this world using colours and canvas. It’s …

Provence is divided by ranges of mountains running parallel to the sea and by the valleys which cut through these mountains, taking rivers to the sea. In historic times these valleys served as corridors of communication. The valley to the east of Aix is no exception as the medieval walled town …

We asked artist Jill Steenhuis to share her definition of Perfectly Provence. You can read more about Jill’s background, her connection with Cezanne’s Chateau Noir and her workshops. Explore Provence It depends on the person and their personal interests. It would be pointless to show someone Chateau Noir if they …

This is the third Perfectly Provence article on American artist Jill Steenhuis – you can read more on her background here and here. In this post learn about Cezanne’s artistic approach and one of his favourite spots Château Noir from Jill. Several things I learned from the Marchutz School that …

Provence-based artist Jill Steenhuis explains her painting style to Perfectly Provence readers (in case you missed part 1 you can read it here). “My soul was made full again by the daily activity of painting in the fields and allowing myself to become one with nature.” Jill Steenhuis   I paint …

Jill Steenhuis is an American artist who has lived just outside of Aix-en-Provence for 30 years. Jill paints en plein air (outside) the way Cezanne did much of his work. Inspired by this master painter and one of very few artists with access to Château Noir Jill agreed to share …