Born in Kiel, Germany, a meandering path led Miriam Hartmann to her artist’s atelier in the village of Ménerbes. Why Provence? Over 15 years ago, Miriam Hartmann stood on the terrace of a modest studio in the Provencal village of Maubec. Gazing at Mont Ventoux, she had an overwhelming feeling …

Artistic Menerbes Once you have visited the hilltop village of Menerbes, it is easy to understand why the Luberon and this town has enchanted so many. The charming main street compels you to pause and wander through an art gallery, or have a drink at one of the restaurants, particularly …

My favourite painter that sells in Provençal markets is undoubtedly Grigore Dontu. This handsome Moldovian is a little camera shy (the mysterious silent type); however, since I see him so often (as I wander the markets so often) we’ve come to know each other. Last year, when my mum visited …

Inspired by the scenery to let out your inner artist the Ateliers Fourwinds Artist Retreat located just outside of Aureille it is a perfect venue for aspiring artists of all types. Or perhaps your inner artist could gain inspiration from American artist Jill Steenhuis who now paints Cezannes Provence. You can …

Lorgues is located in the middle of vineyards and olive groves. It is in the center of the department of the Var between the Mediterranean Sea and the Gorges du Verdon. Source: Wikipedia Based on that description, it might be difficult to think of a more idyllic location for an …

I’ve been thinking a lot about Uzès recently – walking, looking, taking photographs and looking at photographs. But there’s been more time spent staring at canvases on which I’ve tried to capture something of the essence of the town. From my studio I can see the Duché, the cathedral and …

Barbara Pitcher is a talented lady who can switch from fluent English to French to Italian to Spanish in the same sentence. As I discovered not only is Barbara linguistically gifted, she graduated from the University of Toronto in French and Italian language and literature, but she is also a …

By aixcentric Every June, there’s a must-visit exhibition in Aix from a talented local family – painter Jill Steenhuis, her sculptor husband Sergio Ruffato plus their son Serge, also a sculptor. Jill paints in an impressionistic style and usually takes her inspiration from Aix, the Sainte-Victoire and the countryside around …

Three local creatives are getting together next weekend to exhibit their work. ‘Profusion’, above, is typical of the exuberant and colourful impressionistic/abstract style of Barbara Pitcher. She works with oils, acrylics and mixed media to paint flowers and locations that resonate with her. Barbara is a Canadian/Italian who Explore this …

By aixcentric Jill’s view of the Aix Cathedral. The video clips show how she composes and builds her paintings Jill Steenhuis is an American painter who loves Cézanne. She lives locally with her family and paints in the master’s footsteps. I love her colourful, impressionist-style work with its exuberant brush-strokes …