You could probably guess the theme of this year’s Spring Print Collection from all the Instagram peeks I’ve been sharing lately! I just couldn’t help myself because this Provencial collection is something I’ve been wanting to draw for a long time. Keep reading for the Inspiration Behind The 2017 Spring In Provence Print Collection…
In October of 2014, Mak and I had the incredible opportunity to visit France. I just knew I was going to love it, but I didn’t realize how MUCH I would fall in love with the area and particularly, the southeastern portion known as Provence. Below you will see photos from my trip mixed in with the prints inspired by them!
The Storefronts
The thing that struck me first was the incredible buildings and storefronts. To see the architecture in person was breathtaking. I was smitten with the colors, lettering, signage, chalkboards – everything and inspired by these storefronts, I drew the building illustrations above. The drawings feature a boulangerie (bakery), fleuriste (florist), and a cafe.
The Sweets
If the pretty storefronts weren’t enough, the sweet delights contained inside were heavenly. I particularly couldn’t get enough French macarons, which were already my favorite cookie. To commemorate my love of the macaron and it’s light, chewy goodness, I painted a pretty watercolor design with “macarons are my love language” (They really are!) hand lettering as well as a “patisserie” chalkboard design.
The Flowers
The flowers! Oh my goodness, the flowers! You guys know me and you know how much flowers make me swoon! I had the opportunity to visit Monet’s Garden in Giverny. It was a marvel to see the lily pads and blooms that he used to paint from. Monet is my favorite artist and it was truly a surreal experience. I also tend to agree with Monet when he said, “I must have flowers always and always.” This quote had to become a print in the collection.
The Markets… & More Flowers
Visiting the Farmers Market is a favorite past time at home, but in Provence it was a dream. Each little town holds a market filled with the most amazing produce, herbs, tapenades, pastries, bread, and flowers. Inspired by the markets, I drew the below chalkboard “Fleurs” design. It features lavender details, which is quintessentially Provencial.
The Art
One cannot visit France without appreciating the history and culture of art. Specifically, the impressionist paintings from the hands of Monet, Manet, Renoir, and Vincent Van Gogh. As with Monet, to see the scenes and settings that inspired some of the greatest paintings ever created, I was awestruck. Below is a photo of “Le Jardin De La Maison De Sante a Arles.” Van Gogh moved from Paris to a Provencial town called Arles and admitted himself into this psychiatric hospital, which he painted in 1889.
While visiting Arles, I had the opportunity to see many scenes that became some of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings and learn more about his life and the tragedy that befell him. In the spirit of Van Gogh’s work, I drew one of his beloved quotes on none other than his favorite color, yellow.
I hope you enjoyed reading about the Inspiration Behind The 2017 Spring In Provence Print Collection! To shop any of the specific prints, click the images above and see the full collection here. I can’t wait to hear what you think and Happy Spring!
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