Art Trippers: Travel Guides for Artists & Art Lovers

08/18/2021

The horseshoe or keyhole arch is very emblematic of Moorish architecture. This is a doorway at Sintra Palace in Portugal but you can find much more dramatic variations of the keyhole all over Spain (the ones at the Alhambra are particularly lovely). More photos like this available in our Facebook Group, Free Reference Photos for Artists (check out the Windows and Doors album).

With love, your fellow ArtTripper Nan Dawkins

08/17/2021

Roomy Leonardo tote bag has plenty of space for supplies and travel essentials! r • 100% certified organic cotton 3/1 twill • Fabric weight: 8 oz/yd² (272 g/m²) • Dimensions: 20” x 14” x 5” • Capacity: 6 US gal (23 l) • Weight limit: 30lbs (13.6 kg) • 1” wide and 25" long s...

08/14/2021

In the summer of 1877, John Singer Sargent visited Brittany, France and found inspiration in the little town of Cancale. Back in Paris, he painted the Oyster Gatherers of Cancale at his studio the following year and entered it into the Paris, Salon (it won an honorable mention). Cancale is still a sleepy little village today with a thriving oyster trade (and many tiny seaside bistros that serve them up). On a clear day, you can see the faint outlines of the iconic Mont St Michel in the distance. I visited Cancale a few years ago, but did not have a chance to set up my easel and paint (too busy eating oysters and drinking wine with Sharon Davis). If you go to Brittany, try to plan for a stop in Cancale. You won't regret it! (Photo credit: 2005, Alan Hughes)

Your fellow ArtTripper, Nan Dawkins

08/11/2021

In October of 1826, Joseph Mallord William Turner spent a short stay on the banks of the Loire and took twenty-one views of the river and its famous chateau. Want to go? Download our Loire Trip Guide for artists and start planning your painting trip to this beautiful spot in France. More castles, gardens, and river views than you can shake a stick at: https://arttrippers.com/store/loire-fairytale-castles

Go there. Paint.

Your fellow ArtTripper, Nan Dawkins

08/10/2021

One of the most charming things about Brittany, France, is the local culture, which hasn't changed much since Sargent, Gauguin, Corot, and many others painted there. Want to go there? Get the artists' Guide to painting along the Coast of Legends in Brittany, France: https://arttrippers.com/store/brittany-coastlines

(With love from your fellow ArtTripper, Nan Dawkins)

08/10/2021

Need a little push? Put on your Picasso tee and get to the easel. Durable, tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look that will withstand repeated washings and still remain super comfortable. • Tri-blend construction (50% polyester/25% combed ring-spun cotton/25% rayon) • Pre-shrunk fabric

08/07/2021

This very famous painting (attributed to Luca Penni, first Fontainebleau School) depicts the mistress of a French King, who caused a certain Queen quite a lot of trouble. The Queen eventually got her revenge though...read the story at https://arttrippers.com/blog/2020/9/13/the-mistress-gets-the-castle-tales-from-france

With love from your fellow ArtTripper, Nan Dawkins

08/03/2021

This painting of Berthe Morisot's sister, Edma, was done en plein air at the harbor in Lorient, France, on the coast of Brittany. Edma was a talented artist herself and had exhibited at the Salon in Paris (alas, she gave up painting when she married a naval officer). You can still find this spot in Lorient, and many other beautiful scenes of the region that were captured on canvas by famous artists such as Cecilia Beaux, Edgar Payne, Paul Gauguin, Paul Signac, Camille Pissarro (the list goes on and on). Better yet, plan a trip to the region with this free itinerary that covers many famous painting spots: https://arttrippers.com/store/pont-aven

Get out there and paint!

Your fellow arttripper Nan Dawkins

07/31/2021

This lovely scene was painted by Claude Monet along the cliffs near the village of Pourville, France. The dramatic sea views in this area enticed many famous artists, including Turner, Degas, Renoir, Gauguin and Pissarro. Would you like to paint here too? Get a copy of our FREE Monet Road trip at https://arttrippers.com/store/monet-road-trip

07/28/2021

This painting depicts the death of the great Leonardo da Vinci, who died not in his homeland, but in the arms of the King of France (so they say), just down the street from the King's castle in Amboise, France. Leonardo's house, and bedroom, is still right where he left it (and yes, you can go inside). Best of all, the town of Amboise is a stone's throw to some of the best (and most paintable) castles and gardens in France.

Want to paint there? Use our Trip Guide for Artists to plan a painting holiday: https://arttrippers.com/store/loire-fairytale-castles

07/28/2021

Do you love to cook AND paint? Or do you have a partner who needs entertaining while you paint? Here are 5 great spots in Europe to do both! Beautiful accommodations, luscious food, and even landscapes to die for!

If you love to paint and cook, or if you love to paint and your partner loves to cook, check out these unique properties in Europe that cater to both passions!

07/25/2021

The tiny village of Chedigny, France, is filled with no less than 700 rose bushes. A huge draw for artists, it also happens to be near some of the most stunning castles in France.
Want to paint here? Plan a trip for yourself or a group with our detailed Loire Valley Trip Guide for Artists. (And yes, you can paint on the grounds of some of the Loire's most beautiful chateaux! Get the Guide at https://arttrippers.com/store/loire-fairytale-castles