I am taking my easel, paints, and brushes to Europe. The trip is set for March. I want beautiful scenery, quiet, and a country with a large city for a few days where I can visit museums and such.<BR>The places I have been:<BR>France, a couple of times<BR>Italy, a couple of times<BR>Spain, twice<BR>Portugal, once<BR>England, three times<BR>Czech, once<BR>Austria, once<BR><BR>I don't want to return to these destinations. I don't want to freeze, either, . Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, <BR>are contenders at this point.<BR><BR>Where would you suggest I set up my easel for a week?

South of France, it was good enough for Van Gogh, it'll be good enough for you.

<BR>Vincent, hearing problems again??<BR>The lady says she does not want to go to France again!<BR>In March, and no freeze? Try Greece.

True artists will know how to capture the beauty and meaning of whatever scene they paint. You could go to Albania and paint a masterpiece if you were gifted with the talent. Galleries today are overflowing with static and stagnant art churned out by countless uninspired artists for the gullible publics' consumption. If you have to ask where beauty resides, well then, I don't know what to tell you.

Nathan, beauty obviously does not reside in your heart and mind. <BR><BR>Gigi, might I suggest Scotland. You will find beauty beyond belief and lots of inspiration. Edinborough is a terrific city that will offer you some art, too.<BR><BR>Have a great time. I have never taken my paints, but, I would like to sometime.<BR><BR>

Gigi, if you were to paint Nathan if would be a truly ugly painting, indeed.<BR>

Thanks, Artist. Your reply is worth noting. <BR>

Hi Gigi<BR>You say you have been to Italy, but you didn't say where.<BR>Have you painted the Santa Maria della Salute (Venice)in the morning, the evening, by mmoonlight?

My I suggest Croatia?<BR>Spend few days in Zagreb and explore many, many galleries and museums. When in Zagreb take a trip to Zagorje, province just north of Zagreb, with its green hills and medieval castles. Then continue to Split which also has some interesting galleries and cultural sights to explore. On your way to Split stop at Plitvice Lakes for incredible nature. After Split visit some of islands (Hvar, Lastovo, Vis, Brac, Korcula...) for beautiful and inspiring Mediterranean scenery, small art galleries and scenic little villages. And finally, don't miss Dubrovnik and its surroundings.<BR>Search Google for any of places mentioned above to find out more.<BR>

What about Istanbul? Though I'm not sure how the warm or chilly it is at the beginning or end of March. Mosques and the Bosphorus. I just got back from Dubrovnik - incredible scenery. The Old Town nestled between the sea and the mountains - royal palm trees - rocky coast line - blue green Adriatic - harbours filled with boats - beautiful light. Lots of places to set up an easel and have an incredible belvedere.

Gigi,<BR> I too think Istanbul is a good idea it is so mystical and has an air of mystery.

I went to Istanbul, once you been there, like all places that hold a certain mystery for people, it wasn't so mysterious. <BR><BR>What it was, was crowded.<BR><BR>

Gauguin<BR><BR>I'm hearing just fine, thank you. The ear lobe is one of anatomy's most over rated appendages.<BR><BR>I hope young Gigi, who, by the way, may be a man in today's modern times, will try southern France. The light is magnificent, the landscapes timeless, the colors iridescent.<BR><BR>I only hope she/he doesn't make a living from their painting. It can be tough sometimes to sell a painting. As you know, I only sold one during my brief life. Too bad I didn't live until the mid 20th century, finally someone appreciated my tortured genius. <BR><BR>However, if I had been sucessful and had the money to correct my near-sightedness, then the stars in Starry Starry Night would have never been so glorious.<BR><BR>Life is indeed a mystery to behold is it not?<BR><BR>Vincent

Hello, Ira<BR>I have been to Italy a couple of times. The first trip was my first trip to Europe and it was magical. <BR>I went to Venice then, and also this last March after a week on the Amalfi Coast. You are so right in thinking that would be a wonderful place to paint. I deeply regret not taking my paints with me then. <BR>Thanks for the suggestion. Next time...<BR><BR>Jon, your suggestions are marvelous! I will look into these cities. Several friends of mine have been in this region and all have spoken highly of it.<BR>I deeply appreciate your input. <BR><BR>Mark, Cecille, Istanbul has been on my short list my a couple of years. For assorted reasons, I haven't gone. I will give this serious thought again. <BR>Thanks!<BR><BR><BR>Vincent! I have been through Arles and that area only once before. It offers lots of inspiration. Too bad you only sold one (or was it two?) paintings while living. Was it your madness that caused you to paint or the yellow paint toxins that caused your madness?<BR>I appreciate your talent and input now, Vincent! <BR><BR>Thanks, everyone. Anyone else? <BR>

Santorini or one of the other islands?

F.art at school -- that's a good suggestion!

Anywhere in Greece would probably be ideal. I'd suggest The Netherlands, but I think it might be too cool for you weatherwise.

I'd suggest you go to Santorini, a Greek island. The scenery is stunning from the caldera edge - it really takes your breath away. It would be perfect for painting. You would go through Athens, which is interesting for a few days, with great scenery at the Acropolis, as well.<BR>Martha<BR>

Puppies make cute subjects don't you think?

How about Sardinia or Sicily? { unless you have been there too