I was drawn to this painting of the local landscape while walking around Vaison la Romaine. The blue mountain in the distance is particularly emblematic of northern Provence, and I like the way the path takes the eye up and through the fields into the distance. It's reminiscent of Raoul Dufy's expansive blue and green views around Nice. Truth to tell, no one could really miss this picture as it's actually a mural on an unpromising piece of wall that has been completely transformed by this piece of art for all.
It's even better when you can see more and appreciate the perspective. Look how the drainpipes and wires are assimilated - it seems to me a really joyous piece of work because it lightens a grungy corner and reminds us of the setting - unseen here - that opens up only few streets away.
According to the notice on the door, the cafe Les Terrasses de Ninou has views over the Roman bridge and the medieval city high on the rocky cliff above and it definitely seems an invitation worth pursuing, even if only to ask after the artist. The room or apartment above is A Louer - to rent - and if you're anything like me, that gives pause for thought: what would it be like to take it and live there for a while in a small town where such creativity is all around? Who might you meet and what experiences could you have...?
