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! https://arttrippers.com/blog/2020/3/4/art-cooking-retreats-three-great-spots

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

07/22/2021

I was thinking about David Bowie today and started poking around. I never knew that he painted!
https://veryprivategallery.com/david-bowie-paintings/

We are all artists in more than one way, right? Go be creative today.

With love,

Your Art Trippers: Travel Guides for Artists & Art Lovers friend and fellow-traveler Nan Dawkins

David Bowie Paintings article shares his very own artwork, influenced by Frank Auerbach, David Bomberg, Francis Bacon, Francis Picabia

07/21/2021

George Ames Aldrich was one of many American artists who traveled to Brittany (France) to paint the unusual light and unique inhabitants of ancient villages. Flowered bridges like the one Aldrich painted in Quimperlé are still a big draw for artists.
Want to go? Brittany is easy on the budget and stunning on canvas. Get a free trip itinerary at: https://arttrippers.com/store/pont-aven

07/20/2021

Did you know that Winston Churchill took an annual painting vacation -- usually alone and often to the little town of Cassis along the coastline in southern France? He painted this little gem, Daybreak in Cassis from the balcony of his hotel room. Moral of the story: Take some time for yourself -- plan a painting trip!

07/19/2021

This sparkling scene was painted by Edgar Payne in the charming town of Concarneau, on the northwestern coastline of Brittany (France). It was a harbor that drew many famous artists, including Paul Cignac, Berthe Morisot, and Cecelia Beaux. It has certainly changed since the 19th century, but the scenes of some of the loveliest paintings made there can still be spotted by visitors.

Want to go? Check out our free trip itinerary: https://arttrippers.com/store/pont-aven

Can't find an art retreat or workshop that fits your budget and schedule? Use our Trip Guides for Artists to plan your own DIY art retreat in beautiful places around the world. Our guides include GPS painting locations so you won't waste time looking for places to paint. Great for instructors, group

07/19/2021

07/19/2021

Name change alert: Ceruleanbluetrips.com is now ArtTrippers.com. You'll find the same great content for traveling artists on our new site, including trip guides, itineraries, gear, and useful resources that will help you get out there and paint in beautiful places!

07/07/2021

02/09/2021

Dreaming of travel? Get our new FREE travel itinerary to a region in France that has drawn famous artists since the 19th century!
https://www.ceruleanbluetrips.com/store/pont-aven

The beautiful little town of Pont-Aven in Brittany, France, has a storied place in art. Once the railway made it easily accessible from Paris, this picturesque village with its sparkling river and unusual light drew artists from all over the world: Bacon and Wylie from America; William Bouguereau, B

10/29/2020

Imagine having a painting of your husband's mistress prominently displayed in your home -- a house you love dearly, which your husband then GIVES to his mistress. It happened. Read the story....

Imagine having a painting of your husband's mistress prominently displayed in your home! It isn’t the only little reminder of who he really loves. Their intwined initials are carved into walls, fireplaces and stairwells throughout the house. When visitors arrive, they bring one gift for you and on...

09/12/2020

A reminder from Picasso: Go paint.

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

09/05/2020

Pretty rash guard shirt with Monet water lilies print!

Cover up when painting outdoors with this colorful rash guard! Imprinted a Monet water lily painting, this smooth and versatile long-sleeve rash guard protects you from the sun, wind, and other elements. The slim fit, flat ergonomic seams, and the longer body gives extra comfort and can be worn unde

09/02/2020

Ever wonder where Edward Hopper found the inspiration for his Nighthawks painting? It was apparently based on a real establishment in Greenwich Village between two streets; Greenwich Avenue and Seventh Avenue South. The site is a vacant lot today, but really, this could be "Anywhere USA" right?

09/02/2020

Ah Vincent...still causing drama after all these years. Nice article on a very famous scene painted by Van Gogh in Arles (and yes, it is still much the same as it was back then, so you too could paint it the next time you are in France).

A recent quip compared the artist’s famed painting to a print by Haixia Liu—and led to much debate.

08/29/2020

Add a little Leonardo to your life! Roomy tote with beautiful Da Vinci drawing!

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...

08/26/2020

This is a terrific event to put on your list! Dublin is a wonderful city and there is such a nice community of plein air painters!

08/26/2020

Imagine having a painting of your husband's mistress prominently displayed in your home -- a house you love dearly, which your husband then GIVES to his mistress. It happened. The French King Henri II was married to Catherine de Medici but the great love of his life was Diane de Poitiers, a woman many years his senior, who had been his governess as a child. A painting of her posed as Diana the Huntress still hangs in the Château Chenonceau in the Loire valley. Fortunately, Catherine outlived her wayward husband and had the satisfaction of kicking Diane out (can you just imagine that conversation?). You can visit this stunning castle and paint in its beautiful gardens too: https://www.ceruleanbluetrips.com/store/loire-fairytale-castles.

Can't find an art retreat or workshop that fits your budget and schedule? Use our Trip Guides for Artists to plan your own DIY art retreat in beautiful places around the world. Our guides include GPS painting locations so you won't waste time looking for places to paint. Great for instructors, group

08/25/2020

Henri Matisse painted Window at Tangier in 1912 on one of his visits to Morocco, where he enjoyed immersing himself in Islamic art. The color blue -- one of his favorites -- is prominent throughout North Africa and you can see that he had plenty of it on his palette on the morning he painted this window. If you have never been to Morocco, consider adding it to your list!

08/23/2020

Why did Van Gogh paint with such brilliant yellows? There are many theories, but the simplest one is that he moved to a sunny climate: Arles, France (which also offered fields and fields of yellow subject matter, i.e., sunflowers!). If you love Van Gogh's sunflowers, check out this pretty tote to carry all your gear! Inspiring quote on the inside pocket reads "If one loves nature, one finds beauty everywhere". https://www.ceruleanbluetrips.com/gifts-for-artists/van-gogh-sunflowers-tote-bag

08/23/2020

Cute aprons now available in the store! Available in white with blue embroidery and black with white embroidery.

Keep your clothes clean with this pretty apron! Yes, it will be covered in your paints before long, which will make it even prettier! The neck loop and long ties, two front pockets, and intricate embroidery in front all come together in an eye-catching and comfy accessory that'll make you lo

08/09/2020

Find me some abstract art to look at...fast!

Researchers at Columbia University show that our minds perceive representational and abstract art very differently.

08/09/2020

Florence, Italy has much to teach us, not only about art, but also about how to survive plague.

Wine windows, or buchette del vino, are totally unique to Tuscany, and haven't been seen anywhere else in the world.

08/05/2020

Recognize this castle? It is rumored to have been Disney's inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. And it isn't the only castle in the Loire that inspired a fairy tale or two! In fact, you can easily spend a week or so painting inside the walls of quite a few! Download our Guide to painting the castles of the Loire valley to plan your own DIY painting retreat ( )! https://www.ceruleanbluetrips.com/store/loire-fairytale-castles

08/04/2020

I was dreaming about a nice swim today, preferably in a crystal blue sea with very few people around. Where would that be? Croatia of course! This photo is the port on the island of Sipan (Dalmatian Islands). You can easily get to it by ferry from Dubrovnik (about 45 minutes). Great painting spots and a lovely, lovely place to swim! This photo has been added to the Croatia album in our Facebook Group if you would like to use it!

08/04/2020

These penguins have excellent taste in art. So interesting to see which paintings they lingered on and which ones didn't hold their attention!

Just because you're a flightless bird doesn't mean you have to be a culture-less one too, as these penguins learned on their field trip.

08/01/2020

We recently posted some beautiful photos of Monet's gardens in Giverny, France. Get 'em on the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/photosforartists

07/30/2020

Check out this FREE itinerary to Monet's favorite painting spots in France!

Start in Giverny and travel to the many villages in France that so inspired the great Impressionist, Claude Monet. Free 11 night itinerary!

07/30/2020

Here is some material for (or to help in your planning for ): A FREE 11 day itinerary to France focusing on the favorite painting spots of Claude Monet.

Start in Giverny and travel to the many villages in France that so inspired the great Impressionist, Claude Monet. Free 11 night itinerary!

07/29/2020

Looking for ways to with materials and subject matter close to home? Take a page from Monet's book. Bonus: The Monet Road Trip, a FREE 11 day trip guide to some of his favorite painting spots in France.

Claude Monet’s gardens at Giverny are just as much a work of art as any of his paintings. But what inspired this passion for gardening? Were the gardens a part of his artistic process? A preliminary sketch? Free photos of Giverny and a free 11 day itinerary to help you !