Oil on canvas – 5 x 7 inch – Unique work

This is the story of a road trip for girls only on a magnificent September Saturday in Normandy.

Thanks to some wonderful neighbors with really great ideas, the three of us found ourselves driving along small country roads in the heart of the Pays d’Auge. Around every bend, there was a beautiful house surrounded by centuries-old trees. I might be exaggerating a bit about the age of the trees, but the scenery was absolutely stunning.

We are stopping in a small village I had absolutely wanted to visit: Beuvron-en-Auge. Here is why. The previous year, I went to the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris for an exhibition dedicated to David Hockney—who was still alive at the time. I discovered this exceptional artist. His painting opened up new inner horizons for me; I could finally use all the vibrant colors I love without fearing I was overdoing it. I stood spellbound before A Bigger Grand Canyon for what felt like an eternity. And I discovered that he had lived in Normandy—a region he particularly cherished—right next to this small village of Beuvron-en-Auge.

When we arrive, a wedding procession is leaving the village, and we have to wait quite a while—letting all those cars pass—before we can move on! Finally, we’re parked and strolling among houses that are each more beautiful and distinctive than the last. I feel like a child on Christmas morning; I don’t know where to look first. I’m snapping a thousand photos that will serve as the basis for future paintings. It is truly, incredibly beautiful.

Thirsty, we choose a tearoom with the charming name Aux Trois Demoiselles—a choice made spontaneously and perfectly suited to the moment. I am sitting comfortably; the weather outside is still mild. As I sip a Coke, I sit there daydreaming, looking out over the square. I captured this moment, and here I share it with you. It is my first painting of Beuvron-en-Auge. There will undoubtedly be others. It was so hard to choose; every square centimeter is worthy of a painting!

I want to give a huge thank you to my wonderful neighbors for this road trip—it’s one I’ll always remember. We didn’t just visit that village; I also discovered another really lovely town. But that’s another story, another scene. I’ll let you guess which one…

Normandy is my home now, and I’m happier about it with each passing day. It’s magnificent!