Le Marché, The Spirit of France

Having just joined a new group of Francophiles, I was asked the question of whether I preferred gourmet dining or sandwiches à pied when traveling in France. Though I wouldn’t refuse an elegant meal, my primary dining source is the French open air markets. Not only do I eat well, but the experience feeds my soul.

I love to sample the fresh, local fare of my travels and with the help of a guidebook, consider my routes according to market days. The lively animation is an energy that I absorb gleefully. It pleases me to see the colorful display and attention with which each edible is arranged~ as if being surrounded by a perfect still life of fruits, flowers, breads and cheese. And the tastes are just as alluring~ I am recalling a lovely paella from Pont Aven, with just a hint of saffron, manifique!

Le Marché I, pictures a market day in the Breton city of Dinan during a celebration of French speaking countries, honored by their flags. The brightly colored flags and umbrellas, and the bustling marketers hunting and gathering against the neutral notes and solidity of the venerable Église St Malo offered an engaging contrast on that day. At the same time there is in Le Marché I, a sense of honoring all the abundance of the earth.

Le Marché I, reminds me of this consciousness, of living and honoring the abundance that Nature bestows. It is this connection that is so ingrained in French spirit~ food, friends, color, taste, communion. This life affirming awareness of all the threads that are woven into our experience resonates in me. “C’est normal,” as the French say, with a shrug.

~

Melody Phaneuf is a Boston Artist who travels and paints in France. Phaneuf is well known for her evocative still life and landscape paintings and has achieved significant acclaim for portraiture. She has exhibited at Galerie Herouet in Paris, The National Arts Club in New York City, and with Art du Monde, in Japan. Phaneuf’s paintings are regularly displayed at the Guild of Boston Artists, 162 Newbury Street, Boston, MA.

Melody The Artist Home, founded with photographer and color specialist, Martha DiMeo, features the artist’s original paintings on tumbled marble tile murals and coasters, fine art prints, and handmade note cards. Online ordering at MelodyTheArtist.com/shop

Le Marché I, 16 x 20 oil painting by Melody Phaneuf

Le Marché I, is available in fine art tile coasters, limited edition giclée on canvas, open edition prints, handmade note cards and bookmarks.

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Related Links~

• French Markets
• The Cheeses of France
• Route Planner, France