Visions of France

When we left Paris, we began driving southeast in the car we had outfitted with a mattress and cooking supplies. I was so happy to be on the road again after the month in the city - breathing fresh air, seeing space, blue skies and fields. Spent the night at Troyes, in the Aube Department. That night we had sheep bahhing us to sleep. We definitely were not in the city anymore!

[New art exhibit going up at Aurum in downtown Athens, Ga for the month of February! I am sharing the space with the fabulous textile artist Suzanne Gernandt of North Carolina. Reception: Thursday, Feb 6, 6-8 pm]

illustration:

On the Road Again - hand painted silk twill - by Rene Shoemaker - 2013

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a lovely town on the pilgrim route Camino de Santiago, and is on the border of Spain in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques. There was a citadel high on the hill where they have turned the surrounding moat into basketball courts! It was getting late the evening we arrived in town, so we ate french fries and drank wine at a café on the square. The brightly striped tablecloth reminded me that we were in the Basque region - such wonderful stripes everywhere!

Issoire, France

Drinking coffee in the town of Issoire in central France! This cafe’ was welcome after a long drive on the road. The wi-fi (pronounced wee-fee) was strong and free, the people friendly, and the coffee strong! This is the signature piece for my exhibit now up; Art reception Dec 8, 3-5 pm at Hendershot’s in Athens Ga.

Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France

This café was near the Spanish border in France. The spot was a welcome place where the clientele seemed local. It was a hotel with a large dining room beyond the double doors - we sat in the bar area and watched the staff hustle between the outdoor seating area, and the dining room beyond us. The Pyrénées Mountains were all around us, and the air was crisp.

Art reception Sunday Dec 8, 3-5 pm. Exhibit on display for the month of December. Hendershots Coffee, Athens, Ga.