Nicknamed the « Raphaël of flowers », Pierre-Joseph Redouté spent almost 60 years collecting and identifying flowers that he then meticulously painted. His artistic talent rivals his scientific rigor as we can see at Musée de la Vie Romantique, in the first ever exhibition devoted to his art in France. There are 250 items celebrating flowers and the garden of the museum, … Read More
Gardens, classical and contemporary at Grand Palais
I was surprised to find out that Laurent Le Bon, president of the Picasso museum and formerly at Pompidou Metz, was the curator of the much awaited show of « Jardins » at Grand Palais. I had noticed his wit at the opening of the Picasso exhibition in CDG airport a month ago and he was just as much fun while pointing … Read More
Double bill in Rueil Malmaison
There is something magical about the two exhibitions taking place at Atelier Grognard, in Rueil Malmaison at the moment. The first one is dedicated to Parisian suburbs painted by Corot, Vlaminck, Marquet or Harpignies… in the 19 th century. The second one, a few hundred yards away, at Château de Malmaison, shows a collection of the Empress Joséphine’s fabulous court … Read More
Another magical “Journée des Plantes” at Chantilly
It was once again a fascinating day at Chantilly’s Journée des Plantes where garden magicians brought in new species and colorful autumn trees. Roy Lancaster, the famous British botanist, who is a member of the Jury, was once more amazed by the creativity of French, Belgian and British nurseries and three Prizes went to the « Jardins d’Ecoute s’il pleut », a … Read More
Henri Fantin-Latour, full of charm
« Painting is my only pleasure and my only goal » says Henri Fantin-Latour at 19. His retrospective at Musée du Luxembourg is a soothing moment of charm and beauty in anxious Paris. And what a surprise to discover his many flower paintings which came from all around the world.
Marie Obegi, an artist to watch
It’s always a little bit nerve racking to discover the work of someone you know. What if you hate it and can’t find the words to remain polite and flatter the artist? Well I had no problem this time, congratulating Marie Obegi, a young Lebanese French artist, who works in New York and was opening her first Paris exhibition at … Read More
Sicily, land of contrasts
Spending a week in Borgo Bonsignore, in Southern Sicily, is like traveling through time and history: never had I encountered such contrasts as this year, on my third trip to Casa Platani.
Cornwall, old and new
I have been going to Cornwall for 25 years and every time my heart pounds with excitement as I drive from Exeter airport to Penzance and Land’s End. This year was full of surprises with a new sculpture garden in Gulval and more delicious trendy cafés, which took over from the Tate St Ives.