MONTMARTRE ( The Hood )

My Apartment is in the 18 Arrondissement MONTMARTRE.
Montmartre is a village within Paris, it combines the atmosphere of an ancient village with trendy shops,fabulous restaurants and artists. High above Paris in Montmartre is the Basilica Sacré-Coeur the beautiful white church whose moorish style architecture is world famous. I am taken with the curves and arches ,shadows and light and the magnificent view out over all of Paris.

As I roamed around the"Place du Tertre" where the artists have set up their easels and sold their art for a hundred years,I ran into an artist whose work I purchased in 2007 "MAZOY" and met his artist friend Aram who creates delicate pen and ink renderings with watercolor washes of Montmartre as the small village it use to be before the tourists began to crammed in.
After an afternoon with the artists and all those creative juices flowing, I went on a quest to find an art supply store to purchased watercolors and paper to sketch few memories for myself.
I found this wonderful art supply store with a Westie outside the door, I knew that this was just where I needed to be.!!
Enjoy these photos of Montmartre my neigborhood!!

LE BON SOIR DE MON PARIS DE BEAUTE(Good Evening from my

LE BON SOIR DE MON PARIS DE BEAUTE!!!
You can see by the smile on my face that I am one happy girl!! It's midnight with a full moon on my first evening in Paris and the weather is amazing. Je suis désolé if I am but another francophile cliché. J'aime juste cette ville( I just love this city).
I will post mostly images as I go along, not too much text, this will give all of you the opportunity to enjoy Paris in your own way.
Feed back would be great, and I will try to respond to questions if you have any.
Well

PRAGUE

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe in terms of its setting on both banks of the Vltava River, its townscape of burger houses and palaces punctuated by towers, and its individual buildings.
The Historic Centre represents a supreme manifestation of Medieval urbanism (the New Town of Emperor Charles IV built as the New Jerusalem). The Prague architectural works of the Gothic Period (14th and 15th centuries), of the High Baroque of the 1st half of the 18th century and of the rising modernism after the year 1900, influenced the development of Central Europe, perhaps even all European architecture. Prague represents one of the most prominent world centres of creative life in the field of urbanism and architecture across generations, human mentality and beliefs.
Prague belongs to the group of historic cities which have preserved the structure of their development until the present times. Within the core of Prague, successive stages of growth and changes have respected the original grand-scale urban structure of the Early Middle Ages. This structure was essentially and greatly enlarged with urban activities in the High Gothic period with more additions during the High Baroque period and in the 19th century. It has been saved from any large-scale urban renewal or massive demolitions and thus preserves its overall configuration, pattern and spatial composition.

I was most impressed with the architecture of the some of the important buildings such as Prague Castle, the Cathedral of St Vitus, Hradćany Square in front of the Castle, the Valdgtejn Palace on the left bank of the river, the Gothic Charles Bridge and the the Romanesque Rotunda.




St. Nicholas Church on the square Lesser Town in Prague, was most impressive with over the top Baroque style interior. I was taken by the paintings on the ceilings, pulpit and naves.


"
Prague has at least six different national art museums and galleries, I visited the most contemporary VELETRŽNÍ PALACE
housing the 19, 20 and 21 century modern art. I found the work of Antonin Prochazka who's work was influenced by the Cubistic period and mixed media.



Dave and I finished this romantic city with trip down the river, and a train ride to the Karlstejn Castle out side the city.

But the Highlight of the trip for me was the classical performance of the Czech Philharmonic in the grand Concert Hall playing Antonín Dvořák and Tchaikovsky.

I have lots of great new experiences to translate, and memories to catalogue. Hope you are enjoying this brief overview of my
new adventures. Give me your feed back.

Next is PARIS!!! my love!
Marti

UK City Streets Phase 2

Greetings from London!!
And What a great city London is too. With so much to see in so little time, I hit the streets running to the tube and found my way to the northern bank of the Thames River in the art district of Chelsea. Walking for hours absorbing the art, the sights and the cityscape of one of my favorite areas of London.
The Tube is the underground subway system of London, and I am proud to say I found my way around the system pretty well. But walking was my main mode of transportation.
I met up with my friends Susan and Andy, artists who have lived and worked in London all their lives. Susan is a well known jeweller , her work is shown in the finest galleries around the world. http://www.susanmay.org.
Andy is a printmaker like me, we all met in the South of France years ago, painting and printmaking together.
Susan took me to the opening night of a jewelry show , entitled
"Architecture In Jewelry"where I met artists from all genre and felt welcomed and accepted as part of the group.
Susan and I viewed two great exhibits at the Royal Academy of Arts and stopped in Soho galleries, one was showing the work of Barbara Rae and Alf Lohr whose work greatly inspired me.




Strolling near the Thames River I viewed Westminster Abbey across the way and saw up close the incredible carved doors of the Abbey.
As days in London came to a close Dave and I walked to Kensington Palace, and through the park and gardens there. We found a sculpture of King Albert , all shined up with gold, illuminated by the sun and thought this was the perfect way to say our goodbyes to one of our favorites cities in the world. We will return, with more time and other points of interest to discover.



Til next time!!
Marti

UK Country Roads and City Streets

HELLO ALL!!
We crossed the pond into the motherland safe and sound... with just a bit of jet lag to contend with.As we made our way to the midlands of England to meet up with family, the train ride took us through farmlands and small villages with names that called out for exploration. Names like, Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Stoney Statford, Woburn Sands and Aspley Guise.
I walked these village streets and onto the Glades and hills of the country side.
I stumbled upon this quaint thatched roof house called the Glade House, I think it is epitome of the English Cottage with the yard full of English Garden along the dirt glade road. As I visited the village of Aspley Guise horse and rider ( english saddle of course) ambled by me and a small family of ducks crossed the street in front of me. It felt like a scene from "Pride and Predjudice"!!
Lots of Earl Grey at tea time and delicious English Lager with Fish and Chips at the pub in the evening kept me satiated and happy.
Now on to London for few days , Phase 2 , with plans for a play, a museum , an art opening, gallery hopping and dinner with friends!!
Cheers!
Marti

"SUR MA VOIE ENCORE!!" (on my way again!!)

Hello Again My Friends~
It has been way to long since I pulled out my travel books and French dictionary! And even longer since I entered a page into my blog.
After two years of planning and saving (mostly saving) the planning phase for my trip to places known and unknown is just about complete.

This year I have the opportunity to travel abroad for the month of September. I will visit friends in LONDON,England and attend a family wedding in northern England, tour PRAGUE the capital of the Czech Republic. I will share an Apartment in PARIS,France for a week with my friend Beth Dillard and attend Maison&Objet-Paris
and then on to MARRAKESH, Morocco for exotic things for ALL the senses!!!

As my artwork develops further and my art career builds, my intention with this year's travels is to collect images ,experience new cultures and meet new friends. These things will unquestionably stimulate new works of art.
While I am in these great cities I will visit galleries and endeavor to meet with curators to develop contacts for representation.

I will post on my blog along the way as often as possible and look for comments and suggestions from all of you. Please join me on this new adventure and invite your friends to come along too.

Talk with you soon
Marti

TOULOUSE WOMEN!!

Serena in Les Capitouls, Toulouse, France
Marti At the L'Esquirol Bar, Toulouse , France

Hello Friends,

It has been a while since I posted in my journal for you...my apologies.
The week with Serena was incredible, We did not stop for very long. One day of rest at the cottage and then off we went .
We traveled to six small medieval villages , two great towns and two exciting cities. We drank wine and cafe au lait and ate local cuisine. We had the pleasure to visit and spend time with my talented artist friends Rob and Jeanette who live in a magical 11 century French Chateau (completely renovated with the latest conveniences)...
As we made our way toward Toulouse, we gathered experiences to keep as memories to share when we are too old to travel.

Toulouse, France

The Ville Rose ("Pink City") of France - Toulouse is the capital of good life, a city of students, and a center of cutting-edge European technology, located between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast, with a rich and diverse culture, taste for celebrations and fine food to attract a growing number of new inhabitants. Population of 80,000, most of those young students.

This city is vibrant like Paris, but smaller and more compact, it is rich with history and art. Filled with lots of gardens and parks. We shopped in fantastic French boutiques ( Our favorite was a consignment store with first class designer labels) and toured City buildings with walls and ceilings painted in classical French style. And always we listened to amazing music on the streets.We visited the very busy farmers market, where everything you desired in fresh food was available, it was hard not to buy deserts and cheese and bread constantly.

We ended our stay enjoying an intimate evening with my friend Silvie at her authentic French apartment in downtown Toulouse. Enjoying lessons in French history and language and drinking Champagne.

There are about 100 photos to share and choosing one for this blog was difficult but you can see some of them posted on my face book France 2009 Album if you care to have a look.
Just copy and paste the link below.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/album.php?aid=2031988&id=1514750910


I have added a few notes on some of the places we visited enjoy please contact me if you have any questions.


Bordeaux, France
We took the hour and a half train ride to Bordeaux, through the wine country and into the city.
With white stone arches and parks and amazing statues and fountains this city was too big to see in one day. So another visit is on the agenda for next year.I have attached a link for a photographic tour for your pleasure.

http://www.virtourist.com/europe/bordeaux/01.htm#

Penne d'Agenais,France
Penne is almost a one-street town - start at the bottom of the town and keep walking upwards and you won't go far wrong, although there are some interesting small alleys and passages to investigate en-route. There are many attractive houses and buildings in Penne d'Agenais, most carefully renovated in recent years. There are also a couple of 'arty' type shops and nicely located cafes to stop and enjoy the atmosphere.

At the top of the hill (and village) is the substantial basilica of Notre-Dame du Peyragude, surrounded by plenty of open areas suitable for your picnic. Unexpectedly, there are also some caves containing shrines at the top of the hill.

Lauzerte,France,
Lauzerte is an historic bastide or fortified village and can trace its origins back to the signing of the village charter in 1241 by the Count of Toulouse. As a stronghold, Lauzerte governed the surrounding area up until the 18th century. It was an established stopping off point on the pilgrim trail to Santiago de Compostela, with many modern travellers following the same route to this day.

Thanks for your interest and support.
See you all soon,
Love
Marti

UN JOUR PLUVIEUX AVEC LES TOURNESOLS (a rainy day with the sunflowers)

Cher mes amis,

Today Serena and I took off for our first adventure. Rain did not deter us from our road trip around the Lot et Garonne area of the Midi-Pyrenees in the L' Aquitaine region of France. Our first stop was the beautiful village of Penne-d' Agenais , set high above the river Lot. Among the Artists studios and Galleries ,we found some of the finest renovated medieval homes one could find around this area. This is one of my favorite villages, and we enjoyed spending some time choosing our favorite one.

Next we visited Villeneuve-Sur-Lot a town which is situated along the river Lot. Dotted with riverboats and barges and down to earth people made this a real French provincial experience.

As we drove back through the country side we are captivated by the palette of colors that surrounded us .White stone farmhouses and chapels , green valleys and forests among the the plowed fields of ochre and gold and red...and again over and over the yellow, chartreuse green and aubergine shades of the sunflower fields. We were compelled to stop and walk among the Sunflowers, all with their heads turned downward now but still beautiful in a sad kind of way. We kissed them goodbye and continued on our quest to find and follow another little road that will lead us to somewhere.

Au revoir,

Marti and Serena

Au Revoir Castelnau de Montmiral

Bonjour,

This the view from across the valley looking at the medieval village of Castelnau de Montmiral, France where mon école des beaux-arts(art school) resides.

On Thursday,after 10 incredible days of study, my teachers Bunny and Mick Newth, their Jack Russell terrier Eddie, my classmate Jenny from Australia and I took off across the valley into the countryside of this region of Tarn in Southern France. As our little band of trekkers climbed higher and higher, I looked down on the valley and across the fields to the village, so peaceful and beautiful I felt as if I was dreaming. We passed heavy laden fig and plum trees, Eddie ate so many his belly bulged, but it did not slow him down. There were walnut and cherry, apple and pear trees also along the path, no longer bearing their fruit but lovely green leaves covering the limbs and fields upon fields of sunflowers that had passed away.

The fragrance of french earth wafted passed and landed on my clothes. Yummy.

Our evening was spent eating an exquisite meal in the town square, drinking great French wine and talking into the night. So thankful to be here. I bid farewell to my friends and I realized that I have made some new and long lasting friendships this time around.

But alas, I had to pack my bags and head to Toulouse to meet my buddy Serena for a week of exploration of the Midi-Pyrénées where my cottage lives. There will be more country side to enjoy and wine to drink so off to bed .

Stay tune for more l'amusement en France( fun in France)

bonne nuit,

Marti

UN COUP D'OEIL RAPIDE DANS L' AVENIR (a quick peek into the future)

Bonjour Mon Amis,

I have been working hard for the last 10 days to achieve the goals I set prior to arriving here at my French art school. The process of printmaking continues to fascinate me and as I learn new techniques they push my abilities to the next level.

What I have learned this time is how to create more then one etching plate at a time and how they relate to one another . Also what is needed to print these plates in a sequence and in registration to produce layers of color and texture. Each plate must be exactly etched to fit together and the outcome is wonderful. The photo is a peek at the piece I completed while here.

Soon you will see the entire suite of prints.

I have been inspired once again and the future holds the promise of new ideas and directions and looks brighter and brighter each day.

Thanks for your support and interest.

Love to all

Marti

LA GRAVURE COMMENCE!!(the engraving begins)

After five days of preparations I have finally begun the arduous process of etching the image onto the steel plate. This is the part of the process where expectation and patience come together. As the plate soaks in the bath of a formula of water and nitric acid ,the acid bites into the metal to reveal the lines and markings I have placed there. I block out areas that I do not want to etch and must always plan ahead and decide where the lines will go and how deep I want them. As the deeper the line the more ink is held and therefore the darker the line.

After I have determined the level of etching required to achieve my desired image I will begin to take quick test prints to see how the etching is progressing. Then continue the process until I feel that the elements are completed.

Once I have achieved a satisfactory print, I will then begin on plate#2 the color plate. This the area that I know the least about and why I have returned once more to study. Registering the plates so that the color falls into specific areas and enhances the over all print.

If other textures and background is needed then another plate is created. and on and on....

When I completed the entire suite of plates then the printing begins.

Oh what fun!!!

So check back and I will post a picture of the completed print.

Love

Marti

Nous permettre d'essayer encore(let's start again)

Bonjour Mes Amis,

Not sure why, but my last entry was published early and was cut short, so here is the rest of the story....

School is wonderful, My class mates who are all from England are diverse in the are world. All are friendly and we share a lot of laughs. Bunny and Mick, my teachers , are so creative and supportive.They have added a new mascot Eddie.He is a Jack Russel Terrier so I feel right at home with him running around.

Now about the photo.

The interior of the Catholic Church of England in Puyscli, France, a medieval village not far from Montmiral was built in the 11th century . I took a day trip here on September 11th and lit a candle in this beautiful church in memory of the lives lost in 2001. Visit this link to learn more about this interesting village http://www.puycelsi.fr (be sure to click on english flag to translate)

on a lighter note...

I have begun a new series of etchings inspired by images and colors found in the hand painted stained glass of these medieval English Churches in France. Not necessarily reproduced in a religious context and so my creative journey has begun.

First 3 days were spent recovering from jet lag and doing my research on the subject of this years lesson. I chose this idea because of the nature of the images and layering of color to create deep rich tones. I have found that the techniques of intaglio etching is rich in information and constantly challenges my artistic abilities. WHEW!

It is all very exciting and as always I find it hard to explain how this country and it's history somehow rings deep in my soul.

More to come....

Love to all

Marti

"L'Art d'emballer ma valise pour France" (The Art of packing my suitcase for France)

Oh my goodness!! Where are the days when I could throw in a pair of  jeans, paintbrushes , passport and a French guide book  into a backpack with my beret and take off...

 Sure, oh yes that's my alter ego,The sensible traveler,

the devil-may-care Marti.

 The" I don't care what people think" Marti.

  RIIIGGGHT! 

NOT! I must admit  ( and this will come to no  surprise  to those of you who know me well)   I am a clothes horse, Love to put my LOOK together and dress to the nines.

I have packed 3 times now, putting in and taking out... and the suitcase is 

STILL TO HEAVY!

 I even convinced Brooke, my beautiful, sensible dresser ,talented packer and experienced traveling daughter,into helping me decide what to take and what to leave. 

" I refuse to carry around a heavy suitcase for 3 weeks ~ my back won't take it"

We spent an entire afternoon, her sitting on the bed and me modeling the various options. It was a lot of fun, and we made all the right decisions. Putting the combinations together just like a painting.

Our color palette will be, black, grey, eggplant and indigo as our base colors, with mustard, orange ,magenta and cream as accents. What! no chartreuse  green ,you may ask,  well yes one t-shirt in that amazing color.

Beautiful, sensible and doable.

Nice but not over the top,

We did an excellent job.   First and most important,  several old painting clothes for art school, things I can just throw away when done , then 4 site-seeing outfits ( interchangeable of course) and last, simple black evening clothes with pearls. Oh yes, and 10 pairs of sensible shoes. 

Just kidding, only 3 pairs, one for each category.

 I forgot to mention the 2 zinc plates, for the etching class that weight about  5 lbs each, the brushes, the paper, the extra art supplies and smock needed for the 2 weeks of class. Oh my, this will be a challenge.

anyway... I cannot lift the case, so I go back in (4th time) to cut more out... maybe just this pair of jeans and  the green t-shirt? Or maybe the velvet coat?

Ok, enough of this compulsive behavior...

  the  beautiful eggplant velvet coat must go. BOO HOO!

I will take my art school supplies and not the coat. And perhaps buy some new thing in France to quench my velvet desire. 

OK, I FEEL BETTER NOW.

au revoir mon ami 

(Bye my friends)

jusqu'à ce que nous rencontrons encore

( till we meet again)

Love

Marti

 

ma maison loin de maison (my home away from home)

As the time grows near when I will once again visit France and my sweet cottage
" Petite Romarin" in Roquecor, the butterflies build in my stomach with anticipation, and excitment , as if getting ready to meet my lover there.

I become nostalgic remembering passed times there and the influence this region of France has had on me and my art.
Ahh yes, the muse waits for me there !!

I am truly blessed, as my lover David has sent me here once again to study and paint.
How fortunate I am to have found this perfect little corner of the world.
Although this year will be a short stay, it will be a new adventure.
Each visit adds a new layer to the comfortable feeling of familiar land,
and sparks new directions in art.

This year I bring along my buddy of 30 years Serena, we have travel many places together and I know that she will also fall in love with this magical place. I can hardly wait to show her my favorite medieval towns, smell the fields of sunflowers, meet the friendly farmers at the market taste the fresh goat cheese and drink some of the best wines of France .

I get to experience it once more through the eyes of another.

It is most definitely "ma maison loin de maison" my home away from home.

On My Way Once Again (Sur ma voie une fois de plus)

It has been 2 years since I have travel to beautiful France, 2008 was a year of weddings, mine and my daughter Brooke married our true loves .
So it is with great excitement and much anticipation that I plan this years Art Sabbatical.
I will attend once again my school, Atelier Montmiral, for advanced printmaking and then travel on to the cottage "Petite Romain" in Roquecor with my buddy Serena. We will visit new and wonderous places and I hope to journal this adventure with Pictures and insights.
Stay tune as we set out in exploration of new art ideas , meet new friends and have the time of our lives.

A Pressing Engagement!!!(Un Engagement qui Appuie)

Exciting News, the arrival of my intaglio etching press from Holland...it took 9 months and I  still have not given it a name yet.

Max ( one of the studio dogs) watches over it, and finds the movement of the press bed most interesting.
While studying at Atelier Montmiral in France I fell in love with the etching process. As most of you know, I have been a printmaker for years, and  have wanted a press to complete my work in a more professional way. This press built by Polymetaal in Holland is the best in it's class.

My new work can be seen on my update website martischmidt.com. 

I continue to push the envelope of my creative spirit and experiment with new techniques.

This press will allow me to take my art to new heights!!

Keep in touch and give me some feed back.

As always I appreciate your interest and support.

Love to all

Marti

"LA FRANCE EST DANS MON AME"

I arrived back to the U.S. safe and sound, already missing my cottage and atelier in France. As I reflect on my time away I am struck with one strong feeling , "FRANCE IS IN MY SOUL".

Even though I am person who trys to live in the moment, I find it hard not to reminisce or plan ahead each time I set foot on this land. I find these voyages to France evoke a feeling of having lived in this country before. Another lifetime. The smells , tastes and vistas fill me with such strong familiarity, I begin to understand on a spiritual level that I have come home once again. Comfortable and secure.
And then,I get a shot of inspiration from the colors and shapes around me .The cerulean blue sky; cerise red of the sumac plant, celadon green of the fields and the raw sienna from the turning leaves on the poplar trees. There I am again , off to create my next painting, rushing forward to catch the muse.
During the last few days in France I began to paint outside "Plein Air"style. Utilizing the wonderful light that is prevalent throughout this beautiful country, this is one of the reasons I come to paint here ( along with all of my impressionists masters and mentors). Not an original thought, you might say, but one that will resonate deep inside me for a long time.
I am already planning my next year sabbatical to my adopted homeland, but first , I must return to the moment and pack up my studio in Orlando, return to my wonderful home and studio gallery in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida and move forward with a new direction for my art and my life.
Until next time mes amis,
Love to all
Marti

Pech Merle Sanctuary

I have had the opportunity to visit many galleries and museums throughout my travels over the years, but my trip this week to the Pech Merle Grotte was an unexpected and magical artistic moment. Located in the Cele Valley in the Midi-Pyrenees near the village of Cabrerets.
I found a treasure of influential markings that will stay with me a long time.

As I descended into the center of the French earth, cool and damp, there among the stalagmites and stalactites were works of art from the prehistoric age, preserved in perfect condition.
This cave was found in 1922 by two teenagers from of village of Cabrerets. It had been sleeping for 24x600 year( you do the math). It consist of seven magnificent "rooms" of the sanctuary, connected by passageways and galleries exhibiting
Engravings, paintings, enigmatic signs, the marks of hands and footprints.
After almost a kilometer of galleries, the dappled horses of Pech Merle suddenly and miraculously appear, and there is a tangible presence of something that reaches from the far depths of time.

You will see the influences from the these Cro-Magnon artists in my new work, layered with my newly acquired knowledge of the intaglio etching process. I am energized by my this latest discovery and look forward to many hours of experimenting and painting and of course sharing this new direction with you all.
Thanks for your interest in my adventures, see you again soon.
http://www.quercy.net/pechmerle/english/introduction.html

Love to all
Marti

Mon Temps en Atelier Montmiral

Bonjour mes amis,
Once again I am in awe of the beauty of South France. The photo you see is a panoramic view of the medieval village of Castelnau de Montmiral,home of my French art school,Atelier Montmiral. High above the clouds in the Tarn region of France it is a magical and inspirational place for me.

I have spent ten wonderful days here emersed in study with art professors Mick and Bunny Newth. As I learn new processes of etching and begin creating new images and directions for my artwork, the influences of the surroundings surface from time to time. Using the words "emersed" and "surface" to describe my focus this year is very apropos and is a true reflection of my new direction as" WATER" seems to be the theme so far. A hint for those of you who might be wondering where I am headed with this collection.

Working hard to acquire the technical knowledge also of the Polymetaal Etching press housed here at the school, was another goal. I have ordered my own press from Holland and it will arrive in December at my studio in Santa Rosa Beach. So you can imagine how my hands and head are full of much needed information.

I am headed now to my beautiful cottage and studio in Roquecor, France for 2 weeks of work and rest. Can hardly wait to try my ideas on canvas.

Watch for another entry soon and thanks for letting me share this amazing time with you all.

Au revoir
Marti

Préparer à la France (Preparing for France)

I am packing my baret, gathering my art supplies and heading to the airport!
My annual sabbatical to France is almost here. I will leave in early October to contiune my studies in fine printmaking, attending Atelier Montmiral once again. www.ateliermontmiral.com.
My artwork is changing and the etching process is the next key for me .Keep an eye out for new images and processes this winter.I am really excited about it!!
There will be also two weeks at my beloved cottage and studio in Roquecor, there I will continue to develope my body of work for my show in Spring of 2008.
Take a peek at the new work on my website http://www.martischmidt.com,this is just the beginning.
Thanks for your support and interest in my artwork
Let me hear back from you on my new direction.
au revoir pour le moment
Marti