France: Inspiration du Jour

by Rae Dunn

Brimming with joie de vivre, France provides a glimpse into the gorgeous sketchbooks that artist Rae Dunn compiles during her annual sojourns in Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera. Colors, tastes, and smells come to life with each turn of the page, as Dunn's charming watercolor sketches and dreamy photographs beautifully depict the cityscapes, landscapes, foods, and pastimes that epitomize the romance of France. Additionally, hand-lettered notes reveal Dunn's inspirations as an artist. Francophiles, armchair travelers, and art lovers alike will rejoice in this thoughtful celebration of this beloved region's myriad everyday pleasures.

Genres: Art, Travel, Nonfiction, France

125 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2017

Reviews

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this little book. I think I have a crush on a new-to-me genre, but I don't know what it's called so I'm not sure how to find more. Argh.

This is a journal of a ceramic artist's trip to France, where she goes annually for some sort of creativity program for her craft. Her professional camera was stolen so she was left using watercolor sketches, and a few photos that might be phone snaps, to document her trip. There's more art than writing here, but it all goes together so well. It pulled me in and took me there.

I went through it once almost to the end and then stopped. I went through it again very slowly, a little every day or when I couldn't help myself, as I do with books of poetry. Savoring, leaving time between dips so they soak in and linger with me. I don't leave time between reading other kinds of books. But poetry and these little watercolor journals demand it, or what's the point?

I read a watercolor journal recently that was a style book, but mostly it was a light memoir integrating text and the author's watercolor renderings of objects from her past and present. I loved that one too. It was the beginning of this new obsession. I stumbled over both books. Now I want to stumble over a (dry, empty) swimming pool full of them.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Je trouve ci plaisir si doux et so charmant.”; I find pleasure so sweet and so charming.
Loved the tea cup photo and painting of pears 🍐
This book it a Sunday pleasure book, a momentary jaunt to a lovely place.

[Cindy Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is simply a sketchbook of an artist who spent 4 summers in France, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Besides her charming sketches and photos, I like the little observations she makes to solidify her memories of people, places, and things.

[Whitney Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rae's book makes me want to pick up my pen and start sketching! Part of the message of this book is to enjoy the day, YOUR day, whatever that may be, while taking note of the details. Rae's scenes and watercolors are not elaborate, she picks and chooses what interests her artists' eye, and that has the power to inspire the artist within all of us. A quick and lovely read that will put a smile on your face.

[Gina House · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟 An absolutely inspiring sketchbook book! I love the French language and lovely French things. As a complete newbie to keeping a sketchbook, I find that Rae Dunn’s book makes my creativity come alive and sparkle in my heart. I adore her combination of watercolor swatches, sketches, photographs, writing and pressed flowers (or other interesting items). Relaxing and exciting to look through all at the same time. ❤️❤️

[Helen Leigh-Phippard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring travel sketchbook. Wonderful combination of photos, sketches, ephemera and notes. Chronicle Books is such a superb publisher os this kind of work - I generally know that if they’ve published it, I’m going to love it!

[CharityJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming little visual memoir of the author's time in France. Recommend for all true Francophiles.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's quaint, and very short. Too short! But it is inspiring to see what she likes and what she draws & paints. I want to do something like this when I travel, too.

[Keetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delight, from start to finish.

[John’aLee · Rating 3 out of 5]

France…. In tidbits, sketched out by the amazing hand of Rae Dunn. A delight.