In the afternoon, we visited the ancient Roman city of Arles, marveling at its in tact amphitheater from 90 AD, triumphal arch, and ancient theater, while retracing the footsteps of Van Gogh and seeing his colorful vision of rather ordinary painting locations. Last stop on our Van Gogh tour, we chose to paint at the asylum where he stayed, creating our own versions of the lovely courtyard garden.

That night, we feasted on mussels, sea bream, various meat dishes and mouth-watering pastries at an award-winning restaurant. Bon Appetit!

On the first night of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in southern France, we arrived at our B and B and went into town that evening for a wine tasting and amazing dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant. The food was out of this world, the weather was perfect for dining outside, and our new group was great company!

The next morning, our painters stayed at our b and b and painted right there since the grounds were so beautiful.The light raking across the balcony and shutters was so dramatic, and I loved how the gnarly trees framed the composition to make a window within a window. Meanwhile, the photographers visited a nearby 11th century Abbey and took some incredible photographs. We met up later that day and headed to the nearby town of Arles for lunch.

On the last day of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in the French Riviera, we all enjoyed a leisurely morning. The painters went down to the harbor and set out to capture the turquoise Mediterranean one last time, while the photographers shot around town and others visited the sights in Villefranche. Dining for lunch one last time along the waterfront, we gave everyone the afternoon to swim, shop or relax.

We gathered later that day to view a slide show of the photography students’ work and to show the paintings we created for the week. It’s always so much fun to see what everyone captured during the trip, with each student’s perspective so unique! That night we dined on a delicious dinner, sad that the trip was ending but glad that we got to enjoy it with new friends.

On the next day of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in the French Riviera we packed in a busy day. Starting out the morning on the far edge of Nice, we visited the archaeological and Matisse museum for anyone who was interested. Next, we dropped everyone off at the Marc Chagall museum, which had an incredible collection of his paintings and a few of his stained glass windows along with a fascinating video.

That afternoon, we went into the old city to tour, shop, walk along the boardwalk and dip our toes in the ocean. Dining on a delicious dinner in town, we headed back to Villefranche at the end of the day.

On the fourth morning of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in the French Riviera we visited Renoir’s house along the coast. Seeing his studio and garden, along with some of his lesser known impressionist paintings was truly a thrill!

Next, we headed north to the Medieval town of St. Paul de Vence, where some of us took a fascinating wine tasting class while others explored and shopped. That afternoon the painters met up and we each chose a different subject. Some chose to paint the rolling hills and valley below, while I was intrigued by this balcony being overrun by Bougainvillea. The magenta color explosion was out of this world, and I just had to capture it!

On the next morning of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in the French Riviera we all went in different directions. I took the painters to this beautiful scenic overlook while Scott drove the photographers along the corniches in search of the best vantages and photographs, while others relaxed at the pool at the hotel.

That afternoon, we explored the bustling old city of Monaco and later that evening tried our hand at the casinos. One person in our group even won $336 on the slot machines! That evening we dined al fresco on a delicious three course meal, enjoying the company of new friends.

On the second day of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in the French Riviera we spent the morning exploring the Medieval town of Eze perched on the mountainside high about the Mediterranean. With amazing views below, a massive other-worldly succulent garden, twisty stone passages and fascinating shops, there was something for everyone to see and do.

That afternoon, we headed back to the hotel and while some of our group relaxed, my painters and I set up our easels in front of this beautiful ocean view, framed by tile rooftops and luscious palm and cypress trees. Our treat that evening was a boat cruise along Villefranche and the surrounding harbors. A perfect end to the relaxing day!

On the first day of our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop that my husband, Scott Williams, and I led in the French Riviera we spent the morning touring the gorgeous grounds and estate of Beatrice Rothschild. Composed of nine different themed gardens, each one managed to be even more beautiful than the one before with jaw-dropping views of the ocean below.

That afternoon, my painters set up their easels in the pictureasque nearby harbor or Beaulieu while the photographers and tourists joined Scott at another impressive villa and for a walking tour along the harbor. The beach was alive with activity and we set out to capture that energy with the colorful umbrellas and clear turquoise water set against the lush vegetation and unique stately homes in the background. A great day!