Recent Inspirations - Day Ten

"Memories of Montmartre"

Oil on Cradled Panel  6x12"

I had fun with this little photo I took in Montmartre last Summer. Very good memories indeed!

Day Twenty Six - French Women

Elegant Lady Shopper
oil on linen panel   8 x 6"

I found myself noticing the beautiful women in Paris and everywhere that I have traveled in France. Always well put together and rather elegant the French women seem to take extra care with themselves and their skin. I think it might have to do with the pace of living, they enjoy life a little bit more and take the time to take care of their health too. This lady was very beautiful and was dressed for a day of shopping and seemed to be taking her time as she went about. I had to sneak a photo after she went by.

Day Twenty Four - manger à l'extérieur

manger à l'extérieur      Oil on Linen Panel   8 x 10"

I loved walking in the villages where everybody was dining outside or "manger a l'exterieur". One of my favorite things about "All Things French".

Day Twenty Three - Very French!

That's "Very French"
Oil on Linen Panel   8 x 6"

As I was walking with my camera in Paris, looking like a "tourist", I snapped this photo of the waiter because I loved the backlight with the waiter opening a bottle of wine. I didn't stop to take the photo because I felt too self conscious about it and the concierge was standing at the door. I was lucky enough to get a good picture of what prompted me while snapping the camera as I walked by. 

I've painted this before and the painting sold right away. It is one of those worth painting again I think.

Day Twelve - Les Deux Musee'

Les Deux Musee'
Oil on Canvas Panel  6 x 6"

This quaint Bistro across the street from the Musee d'Orsey was a nice stop for lunch and also a rest for our feet after a few hours studying the Masters with Ovanes last May.

Day Eleven - Castles of the Languedoc

Castles of the Languedoc
Oil on Linen Panel   10 x 8"

This was painted from a photo of the Languedoc Region in Southern France, the location of my upcoming Oil Painting Workshop. We will paint in and around the small villages of the region and also do some sight seeing. My hope is that we are not too late in the season for poppies!

Day One - French Cows

"French Cows" Oil on Linen Panel
8 x 10"

Finished up my first piece for the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. My theme is "All Things French". Last summer I attended a workshop with Ovanes Berberian in France. We stayed at a chateau north of Cluny in the Burgandy area. 

Each time we went to Cluny to eat dinner we drove along a beautiful highway with a view of the valley below. It was so beautiful and changed every day with the weather and time of day. One evening I decided to turn off the highway and we drove through this countryside. 

The cows seemed to know we were American Tourists, because they just stared at us!

Three French Hens?

Okay, I have settled on my theme for my 30 paintings in 30 days. All things French!
I was torn because I wanted to stick with France paintings, and I was considering landscapes of Southern France. Somehow it seems a little too limiting and I also love the still life so I've decided on All Things French. Perfect!
I'll start tomorrow, but I won't get to paint until we get home from Truckee in the afternoon. Hoping to post my first painting tomorrow night, but it might be Thursday morning instead. Can't wait to get started!

"Three's a Crowd" Oil on Linen
8x16" framed
 Available   $600

Remembering Market Day in Beaune, France

Remembering Market Day in Beaune, France
by Randy Blasquez
Oil on Linen  14x11"

This was a remarkable day from the trip to France last summer. We were caught by surprise when we walked outside our rooms at the local Abbey to see the streets full of vendors. We barely had time to shop because it was almost noon and they were getting ready to pack up. We had slept in while getting acclimated to the time change, took our time with breakfast and almost missed it. I did get a chance to take some photos though.
I feel a series coming on.....