Oil on canvas – 5 x 7 inch – Unique work

It is 6:00 a.m. on March 31, 2025. I am leaving my suburban apartment to head to Normandy and visit houses. It isn’t the first time; I’ve already visited about twenty of them. This time, I’m going a bit further from Bernay, my starting point. I pick up my daughter along the way, and suddenly the day becomes much more enjoyable. A special mother-daughter treat!

I’ve been coming to Normandy for four months now to literally change my life. Why Normandy? I’m tempted to answer: why not? We shortlisted eight houses. We started with the one that really stole our hearts, in Beaumont-le-Roger. It was a unique property—very much an “artist’s studio” vibe. But then… it’s a no go. There was too much renovation work ahead, and the location turned out not to be anything special. Then, we drove up to a house set on higher ground; it had a lovely garden, a full basement, no proper entryway, and… In short, though, I felt a sense of peace and calm the moment I stepped out of the car. For my daughter, it was love at first sight.

We visited others, went back for a second look, and… I’ve been living here for 11 months now! And it’s the best choice I’ve ever made. I love being here; I feel so good. It’s unspeakable—it’s just a feeling. I’m never tired of watching the trees dancing and the stars in the sky at night. Life is so so so awesome in Conches-en-Ouche.

It’s a city deeply focused on culture and the arts in general. The glass museum is superb. I love going to the Micro-Folie, the fab lab, and the media library—not to mention the Jean-Pierre Bacri theatre. Obviously, do I really need to convince you?

The Conches-en-Ouche Dungeon is a former 11th-century fortified castle, and its remains are listed as a historical monument. As a local resident, I felt compelled to pay tribute to my town, and here is my very personal interpretation of the Dungeon! And yes, of course, there are plenty of colors—as always. I haven’t changed my purpose: bringing joy to everyday life through color.

Normandy offers me a huge palette of inspiration: the countryside, the city, and the sea. Everything is possible, and everything is within reach. I look forward to discovering all the treasures of its landscapes, just waiting for paintbrushes.