From left to right..Anne, Linda, Kathleen, Janine, Shirley, shirley, Barb, Sue, Jim, Gale and Don.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Hello from all of us!
From left to right..Anne, Linda, Kathleen, Janine, Shirley, shirley, Barb, Sue, Jim, Gale and Don.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Off We Go!
Most of group one is headed to France! I am out the door as soon as the airport shuttle arrives in about 45 minutes. I am really looking forward to spending time sharing the French countryside with you! We will have a wonderful adventure.
For those of you in the May 8 trip, I should be able to receive your emails when I am in Limoux, but it is best to contact me through this blog or thinkpaint2@yahoo.ca rather than my studio email.
Off we GO!!!
For those of you in the May 8 trip, I should be able to receive your emails when I am in Limoux, but it is best to contact me through this blog or thinkpaint2@yahoo.ca rather than my studio email.
Off we GO!!!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Plan A, Plan B, Plan C
Hello my friends! Our painting adventure has certainly become more of an adventure than we had planned. Who would have guessed that a volcano would create such a concern for our trip to France? This being the case, I want to keep you up to date with emergency information that you may need to get you to Limoux.
1. Here is how things stand for today:
-At this point two of our group have had their flight cancelled (Kathleen and
Shirley had planned to spend a week in Paris before traveling to Limoux). They were able to re-book and so will join the group a bit later.
-Janine and Shirley (2) were to fly from Toronto last night - the last message I received was from the airport and they were checked in - so I am assuming that they were able to fly.
I also just received an email from Isabelle, our wonderful guide and commander, who tells me:
"Things are starting to get better airport wise. All flights in Toulouse are flying and apparently the one through frankfurt too. By this week-end it should be all in order. In any case for those that are not arriving saturday, let us know who and when thy are arriving we'll go and pick them up. Tell them not to worry.
Isabelle"
Plan A
You will be picked up in Toulouse on time! Once you have your luggage make your way to the waiting area. It is a small airport and you will easily find benches and washrooms. If you arrive early you may be on your own for a little while - don't panic - more guests are on their way. Stay in the airport. You will recognize another guest when they drag in with suitcases and look eager but rather dazed and tired. If they have an art case it is another good clue.
I arrive at from Frankfurt at 9:45 on Sat. April 24. I will also look tired, but enthusiastic and happy to be in France! Someone from le Monastere will come about noon to drive us to Limoux.
This of course depends on flights going as planned, unfortunately due to the volcanic ash and flight delays this may not be the case. When I travel, I am always sure to have a piece of paper with the address and phone number of my final destination! So I want you to have that information too, whether you are traveling by your arranged flight, train, bus or by foot.
PLAN B...
Your final destination is:
Le Monastere
3, rue de la Mairie, Limoux, France
Phone: 01133468310909
Here is how the phone works - if someone is calling from Canada you need the whole number
If you are in France at apay phone you do not need 01133
If you are in Toulose call 468310909 - if that does not work try again but do not include the 4
This is the number for Le Monastere - however, there will probably not be anyone able to take the call at that moment, so leave a message to tell us
1) who you are
2) where you are
3) what you anticipate your situation to be
4) what time you will call back - give us a couple of hours to retrieve the message and someone will stay by the phone to receive your call.
The drive from Limoux to the airport takes about 2 hrs so it may be some time before someone can come and pick you up. When we speak we will sort through those details.
Please stay together as a group and if possible stay at the airport. If overnight accommodations are necessary you can get a hotel shuttle and we will pick you up the next day. I have stayed at the Novotel Aeroport or Ibis Toulouse Blagnac Aéroport hotel - both are close to the airport and a good price.
PLAN C - more adventurous
If you arrive in Toulouse and for some reason you decide to get to Limoux on your own you can go to the Toulouse train station and take a train to Carcasonne. It is a shorter drive from Limoux and we can pick you up closer to when you might call.
Fingers crossed that you will only need Plan A!
1. Here is how things stand for today:
-At this point two of our group have had their flight cancelled (Kathleen and
Shirley had planned to spend a week in Paris before traveling to Limoux). They were able to re-book and so will join the group a bit later.
-Janine and Shirley (2) were to fly from Toronto last night - the last message I received was from the airport and they were checked in - so I am assuming that they were able to fly.
I also just received an email from Isabelle, our wonderful guide and commander, who tells me:
"Things are starting to get better airport wise. All flights in Toulouse are flying and apparently the one through frankfurt too. By this week-end it should be all in order. In any case for those that are not arriving saturday, let us know who and when thy are arriving we'll go and pick them up. Tell them not to worry.
Isabelle"
Plan A
You will be picked up in Toulouse on time! Once you have your luggage make your way to the waiting area. It is a small airport and you will easily find benches and washrooms. If you arrive early you may be on your own for a little while - don't panic - more guests are on their way. Stay in the airport. You will recognize another guest when they drag in with suitcases and look eager but rather dazed and tired. If they have an art case it is another good clue.
I arrive at from Frankfurt at 9:45 on Sat. April 24. I will also look tired, but enthusiastic and happy to be in France! Someone from le Monastere will come about noon to drive us to Limoux.
This of course depends on flights going as planned, unfortunately due to the volcanic ash and flight delays this may not be the case. When I travel, I am always sure to have a piece of paper with the address and phone number of my final destination! So I want you to have that information too, whether you are traveling by your arranged flight, train, bus or by foot.
PLAN B...
Your final destination is:
Le Monastere
3, rue de la Mairie, Limoux, France
Phone: 01133468310909
Here is how the phone works - if someone is calling from Canada you need the whole number
If you are in France at apay phone you do not need 01133
If you are in Toulose call 468310909 - if that does not work try again but do not include the 4
This is the number for Le Monastere - however, there will probably not be anyone able to take the call at that moment, so leave a message to tell us
1) who you are
2) where you are
3) what you anticipate your situation to be
4) what time you will call back - give us a couple of hours to retrieve the message and someone will stay by the phone to receive your call.
The drive from Limoux to the airport takes about 2 hrs so it may be some time before someone can come and pick you up. When we speak we will sort through those details.
Please stay together as a group and if possible stay at the airport. If overnight accommodations are necessary you can get a hotel shuttle and we will pick you up the next day. I have stayed at the Novotel Aeroport or Ibis Toulouse Blagnac Aéroport hotel - both are close to the airport and a good price.
PLAN C - more adventurous
If you arrive in Toulouse and for some reason you decide to get to Limoux on your own you can go to the Toulouse train station and take a train to Carcasonne. It is a shorter drive from Limoux and we can pick you up closer to when you might call.
Fingers crossed that you will only need Plan A!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Please...
send your flight information to Rosemarie and to me so we can be sure to arrange your transport to Le Monastere!
Rosemarie monastere@compuserve.com Linda thinkpaint2@yahoo.ca
Thanks!
Rosemarie monastere@compuserve.com Linda thinkpaint2@yahoo.ca
Thanks!
Answers to your questions...
Thanks to those of you who have emailed me questions!
What size tubes of paint do you take?
I use the large tubes of watercolour - 15 ml. I go through lots of paint and like it freshly squeezed. The little 5ml tubes are too tiny for me and cost wise much more expensive! I do know that DVP and the lines they make come in larger tubes - great value and good stuff, but of course it does add to the overall weight and prob. more paint than you will use in two weeks.
Can you take your brushes in the carry on or do they have to be in the checked baggage?I would put your brushes in your checked luggage. There really shouldn't be a problem, but the security will take away knitting needles from little old ladies and I did have a pair of pliers taken so, best not to take a chance.
What size suitcase are you taking?
You should check with the airlines to see what is allowed for luggage. Most limit to 2 bags checked, max 50lb each. It is surprising how quickly I reach that weight limit. My plan is to only take one bag and my back-pack or smaller case. My suitcase is 24 x 18 x 10. It does have expendable sides that increase the depth by a couple of inches. I notice lots of people at the airports with much larger bags.
Have you seen those nifty vacu-pack bags? I have a couple for packing sweaters - they work great! The ones I have are just "zipped" and rolled to compress the air. They are easy to use and allow you to pack more in less space. (they don't reduce the weight!) You can find them at department stores, Walmart, and good old Canadian Tire.
We do need to lug our stuff up a long set of stairs so perhaps two lighter bags would be a smart idea - just figure out a way to hook them together for wheeling though the airport.
Dress code?
The dress is very casual - there is no need to bring fancy clothes and shoes. You might like to bring one nicer outfit, but there is no where that we go that casual won't work. I pack mix and match, wash and wear - makes it easier. There is a laundry mat down the street, but most people just wash socks, unders, and Ts and hang in the shower or out on drying racks in the courtyard on warm days.
What is the weather like?
I have added a link to weather in Limoux at the right side of the blog. I do remember that it was on the "fresh" side. You will need to take a jacket and a sweater/sweatshirt or two.
What size tubes of paint do you take?
I use the large tubes of watercolour - 15 ml. I go through lots of paint and like it freshly squeezed. The little 5ml tubes are too tiny for me and cost wise much more expensive! I do know that DVP and the lines they make come in larger tubes - great value and good stuff, but of course it does add to the overall weight and prob. more paint than you will use in two weeks.
Can you take your brushes in the carry on or do they have to be in the checked baggage?I would put your brushes in your checked luggage. There really shouldn't be a problem, but the security will take away knitting needles from little old ladies and I did have a pair of pliers taken so, best not to take a chance.
What size suitcase are you taking?
You should check with the airlines to see what is allowed for luggage. Most limit to 2 bags checked, max 50lb each. It is surprising how quickly I reach that weight limit. My plan is to only take one bag and my back-pack or smaller case. My suitcase is 24 x 18 x 10. It does have expendable sides that increase the depth by a couple of inches. I notice lots of people at the airports with much larger bags.
Have you seen those nifty vacu-pack bags? I have a couple for packing sweaters - they work great! The ones I have are just "zipped" and rolled to compress the air. They are easy to use and allow you to pack more in less space. (they don't reduce the weight!) You can find them at department stores, Walmart, and good old Canadian Tire.
We do need to lug our stuff up a long set of stairs so perhaps two lighter bags would be a smart idea - just figure out a way to hook them together for wheeling though the airport.
Dress code?
The dress is very casual - there is no need to bring fancy clothes and shoes. You might like to bring one nicer outfit, but there is no where that we go that casual won't work. I pack mix and match, wash and wear - makes it easier. There is a laundry mat down the street, but most people just wash socks, unders, and Ts and hang in the shower or out on drying racks in the courtyard on warm days.
What is the weather like?
I have added a link to weather in Limoux at the right side of the blog. I do remember that it was on the "fresh" side. You will need to take a jacket and a sweater/sweatshirt or two.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Getting organized..
Here are a few things for you to add to your check list!
- voltage converter and plug adaptor
- extra memory card for your camera
- extra batteries or charger for your camera
- PASSPORT!
- Check with your airlines to see what your baggage limit is - remember to travel LIGHT!
- liquids, gels, aerosols that are carried on to the plane in containers of 100ml/100gms (3.4 oz) and fit in ONE clear, closed, resealable plastic 1 qt bag. Do check with your airlines to confirm.
- Do not carry on your paints - they must be in your checked luggage.
- Leave your prescriptions in their containers with your name (must match ticket) these do not need to go in a zip bag, but must be declared to screening authorities.
- Wear comfie shoes and socks while flying. You will probably have to remove your shoes and put them through the x-ray
- TAG all of your luggage on the outside - include your destination
- TAG all of your luggage on the INSIDE - just in case the outer tag gets ripped off. This does happen and bags are lost
- give family and friends this blog addy so they can see what we are up to www.2010paintfrance.blogspot.com
Please invite them to add their comments. We would all love to hear from them!
- voltage converter and plug adaptor
- extra memory card for your camera
- extra batteries or charger for your camera
- PASSPORT!
- Check with your airlines to see what your baggage limit is - remember to travel LIGHT!
- liquids, gels, aerosols that are carried on to the plane in containers of 100ml/100gms (3.4 oz) and fit in ONE clear, closed, resealable plastic 1 qt bag. Do check with your airlines to confirm.
- Do not carry on your paints - they must be in your checked luggage.
- Leave your prescriptions in their containers with your name (must match ticket) these do not need to go in a zip bag, but must be declared to screening authorities.
- Wear comfie shoes and socks while flying. You will probably have to remove your shoes and put them through the x-ray
- TAG all of your luggage on the outside - include your destination
- TAG all of your luggage on the INSIDE - just in case the outer tag gets ripped off. This does happen and bags are lost
- give family and friends this blog addy so they can see what we are up to www.2010paintfrance.blogspot.com
Please invite them to add their comments. We would all love to hear from them!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Colour? Color? How ever you spell it- you need it!
Have you started to think about packing your art supplies? You will certainly want to bring lots of beautiful colour in your kit. The larger tubes of paint are better value and there won't be a concern about running out of your favorites. My preference is Holbein Watercolour, but bring your choice of manufacturer - remember that Artist's Quality is generally more reliable for better results.
For your reference I am including a list of some of my standard colours, but please feel free to bring your favorites! I have included the pigment code for those of you who want this information.
Transparent Non-Staining Pigments: Cobalt Blue (PB14), Burnt Sienna (Pbr7), Raw Sienna (Pbr7 or may contain PY43)
Transparent Staining Pigments: Marine Blue (Phthalo Blue PB15), Bamboo Green (Phthalo Green PG36), Rose Violet (Quinacridone Violet PV19)
Opaque Sedimentary Pigments: Cobalt Turquoise (PB28) or Cerulean Blue (PB35), French Ultramarine Deep (PB29), Cadmium Yellow Orange (PR108), Vermillion (PR108) or Cadmium Red (PR108)
The following colours are used only occasionally. PLEASE don't purchase especially for this trip, just bring what you might have or add your "can't live without" favorites.
Holbein Leaf Green (PY 154, PG7), Cad Yellow (PY37), Cad Red (PR108), Cobalt Violet LT (PV14), Shadow Green (PBl31)
Specialty opaques: Holbein Jaune Brilliant 1&2, Holbein Blue-grey, American Journey Blue Stone, Sag Harbor, Costal Fog, Coffee w Cream, Olive Green, Sour Lemon, Holbein Acrylic Gouache Ivory and Peach.
Now is a great time to "top up" the wells of your travel palette with fresh paint and leave the lid open to allow them to solidify.
You will need to also pack fresh tubes to replenish the supply, so when you are at the art supply store or checking out on-line supplies be sure to peruse the palette department.
I reccomend the Heritage folding palette! You will find it at a number of sources such as: http://www.cheapjoes.com/art-supplies/5555_heritage-folding-palettes.asp
The smallest one has been my favorite travel partner, but I have just picked up one of the larger models. I am working to modify it - I will let you know how that goes and post a picture.
You will find information about brushes and paper on an earlier post.
For your reference I am including a list of some of my standard colours, but please feel free to bring your favorites! I have included the pigment code for those of you who want this information.
Transparent Non-Staining Pigments: Cobalt Blue (PB14), Burnt Sienna (Pbr7), Raw Sienna (Pbr7 or may contain PY43)
Transparent Staining Pigments: Marine Blue (Phthalo Blue PB15), Bamboo Green (Phthalo Green PG36), Rose Violet (Quinacridone Violet PV19)
Opaque Sedimentary Pigments: Cobalt Turquoise (PB28) or Cerulean Blue (PB35), French Ultramarine Deep (PB29), Cadmium Yellow Orange (PR108), Vermillion (PR108) or Cadmium Red (PR108)
The following colours are used only occasionally. PLEASE don't purchase especially for this trip, just bring what you might have or add your "can't live without" favorites.
Holbein Leaf Green (PY 154, PG7), Cad Yellow (PY37), Cad Red (PR108), Cobalt Violet LT (PV14), Shadow Green (PBl31)
Specialty opaques: Holbein Jaune Brilliant 1&2, Holbein Blue-grey, American Journey Blue Stone, Sag Harbor, Costal Fog, Coffee w Cream, Olive Green, Sour Lemon, Holbein Acrylic Gouache Ivory and Peach.
Now is a great time to "top up" the wells of your travel palette with fresh paint and leave the lid open to allow them to solidify.
You will need to also pack fresh tubes to replenish the supply, so when you are at the art supply store or checking out on-line supplies be sure to peruse the palette department.
I reccomend the Heritage folding palette! You will find it at a number of sources such as: http://www.cheapjoes.com/art-supplies/5555_heritage-folding-palettes.asp
The smallest one has been my favorite travel partner, but I have just picked up one of the larger models. I am working to modify it - I will let you know how that goes and post a picture.
You will find information about brushes and paper on an earlier post.
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