20 Jun

Wanderlust

Firsts

There can only be one first.
First date.
First child.
First job.
First falling star.
First taste of wine.
First melting of gelato on the tongue.
First glimpse of French blue shutters….in France!

Memories like that deserve a special place in our hearts…..and in our journals.
No matter how many times I paint the windows of France, each new one I see….it is a first for that one:)
Even if it’s the same window painted before, it’s the first time on a Thursday, in June, in 2013 at 5 in the afternoon:-)

a peek inside my personal journal 🙂

So here’s your seat with the view I have to  make your own watercolor entry.  Make it part of your journal (I know you have one:)) or create a postcard to send to someone special in your life!

(Please note:  The photos I share here, of our time in France, are to be used as reference for  doing watercolors for  journals or postcards only.  I please ask that they are used soley for that purpose:-)
And just to really put you in the France state of mind….here’s a short video of the real place!

If video does not appear, click here to view:))
P.S.  I will be giving away the watercolor postcards I do while here in France:))  Love making them, love sharing them!  To get your name in on the drawing, just leave a comment on my site:))

Dreama Tolle Perry Log
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  1. Mary Reilly

    Dreama, Love all of your posts but I love you most of all.

  2. Ursula Marquardt

    The Loki picture and video are the cutest ever!
    He is like a little puppy carrying a branch, so funny.
    Love the audio too.
    Thanks again for sharing!
    Love the painting and am wondering if you did any more or were you just “goofing off” over there in France?
    Just kidding of course.
    Can’t wait to here from back in Paris KY.

  3. Debbie Bruce

    Love your paintings!
    Debbie

  4. Robert McAlpine

    Watercolours are the heart & soul of art.

  5. Elaine Golt Gongora

    This video brought back such wonderful memories from Veaux Couvant. It’s been a few years for me. Your watercolors are delightful. Say “Hi” to everyone for me.

  6. Dana Burton

    Oh my goodness, such loveliness! Wow! Thank you for including us in your travels.
    Dana Burton

  7. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I know this place after have been there 3 times already, and are going back in July.
    Love your beautiful and colorful paintings.

  8. Sandy Maudlin

    Love the video and journaling. So much fun there.

  9. Enri

    I am so enjoying your short daily videos from France and thanks for the great tips on painting!. I’ll just wait for my postcard this year:)

  10. Melissa

    That window is stunning! Winning that postcard would almost be as good as being there in person. I am going to attempt these watercolors too….hope I can do something recognizable!

  11. Dreama, Thank you for the lovelt trip to France. Your journal pages are wonderful…I will be watching/painting every day with you.
    Lucinda

  12. Laura Geske

    Beautiful!

  13. Gail Storti

    Mmmmm…..how beautiful! I’m so anxious to see what lies ahead as you share this amazing adventure with us! Having been on your other travels in the past and loving every minute….I’m waiting with great anticipation!
    Gail

  14. Anonymous

    Just loved the video Dreama. Made me want to rush outside and paint my gate turquoise!

  15. Anonymous

    Just loved the video Dreama. Made me want to rush outside and paint my gate turquoise! Have fun.

  16. Ann McCann

    What fun to watch your videos. I did feel like I was there.

  17. Oooooohhh, I could watch that video a million times. I’d love to have it on a continuous loop. It’s a little piece of heaven, a wonderful zen place that I can dream about. I’ve SO been looking forward to following you, Dreama, on another journey to the wonderful French countryside. I’m so glad it’s started, and I’m walking every footstep with you (in my mind). Going to paint along with you, too! I know you’re a famous oil painter, but girl, you ROCK as a watercolorist, too!

  18. Ana Maria Bosque

    There are so many beautifull villages in France…but I enjoyed very much hearing your voice! That was really good for me!

  19. Anonymous

    I love that you’re adding video! It is beautiful there, I had no idea. I just subscribed to you channel on YouTube, can’t wait to see more paintings and video.

  20. Sherry Defazio

    Just saw your video of the beautiful little French village. Such tranquility and beauty in one space. Like a delightful window into their world.

  21. Sharon

    Wonderful and I must thank you for sharing your trips with us. They make my day.

  22. Ada Truesdell

    can’t wait to get my watercolors out! Yours is inspiring!

  23. Helen Farson

    Merci for the inspiration to journal today! Endless beauty in France…

  24. Kathleen Bureski

    Thank you so much Dreama, I loved the video, can’t wait for tomorrow’s,
    Kathleen

  25. Jeanne de Jongh

    Thanks for sharing this with us, it is so beautiful!

  26. Barbara McCafferty Weeks

    Your pages are absolutely glorious! I love the feeling of spontaneity, the fresh color as well as the layout!

  27. Judy Baker

    Beautiful! Thanks for sharing photos for our enjoyment and sketching.

  28. Holly Rose

    Loved the video, and could smell the Jasmine!

  29. Marion Corbin Mayer

    Dream a, I love the edges of your journal. What kind is it?

  30. Marion Corbin Mayer

    Thanks for the video. You are so lucky in the weather. June was cold & rainy, according to friends visiting Paris.

  31. Debi Matthews Murray

    I love that we we can be there with you and the gang and share in your experiences in a “visual and sensory” sort of way! Thank you so much for taking precious time to provide this for us!

  32. Catherine

    Hi Dreama!
    I would love to receive one of your postcards from France. I have never been there but would love to go. Like many, many others I just LOVE YOUR WORK! Stay happy and healthy! Thank you.

  33. Barbara Hust-Ray

    Fun to see France through your eyes. Thanks

  34. Brenda Gibbs

    Love the video and if you happen to accidentally bring that kitten back- I have room for it here. So cute.
    Brenda

  35. Corinne Murphy

    Gosh Dreama, this place is like a fairytale, or even better, just like one would imagine it to be. Beautiful. Hope you and the gang have great weather and create great art. Bonjour!

  36. Valerie McMullen

    It’s beautiful! Just lovely! Dreaming of gelato!

  37. Starr Hull

    Your sketchbook and postcard are beautiful. I love the colors. The video is a wonderful addition to your e-mails. Keep them coming so I can live vicariously.

  38. Dianne Nasworthy

    So beautiful! Please send more videos of France almost like being there love the birds in the background!

  39. Firsts…. my first grandchild was born just two months ago! Wonderful fun… I’m taking lots of photos of her for painting and drawing.
    Thanks so much for taking us along on your trip to France with videos and fun challenges to create our own postcards and journals!

  40. Lyne Wogan

    Love the turqoise in this one

  41. Dreama, thanks so much for the video. I enjoyed walking around the little French village with you!

  42. Thanks so much for really taking us along Dreama! What a pleasure to spend a few minutes in France while I have my tea!

  43. Monica

    Dreama,
    love the inspiration you spread once again!
    Just when I think I am done w/ watercolors,
    they pull me back again (thanks to you!)
    I think a Dreama watercolor tips (instruction/
    inspiration) book is in order!
    Happy days in France!

  44. Jerry Stocks

    I have just informed Ray that we are coming with you next year. He loves you, so of course, he said yes.

  45. Kim Boyer

    Thank you Dreama for the fun video of where you are in France…I love it! I’ve never been to Europe so this is great! I feel like I’m there, getting so inspired!

  46. Tyanne Agle

    I am looking forward to following along on your trip. Thanks for sharing a photo with us. I love painting interesting windows. It is rainy and gloomy here today which ruined my plans to go out sketching so I think I will grab my journal and “go” to France today.

  47. Marilyn

    Thank you for sharing with the video clip! The blue gates into the courtyard must be the ones we painted last fall….just wonderful to get the flavor of France.

  48. Dear Dreama,
    I’m already enjoying “my” trip to France. Thanks for the ride.
    Adele Bower
    Houston, Texas

  49. Your video brings back delicious memories. You will have so much fun!

  50. Love the post and just so true. Seeing and being in that moment fresh and new is what it’s all about. Beautiful sweet little painting. I love your watercolors! Inspiring and can’t wait to be there one day!

  51. Amy Wolf

    Looks like a dreama come true

  52. Hi Dreama
    So lovely to see an actual video where you are staying… looks amazing, (picture perfect as they say) …I so love France. You are truly inspiring and I thank you for sharing with all of us…. always such a privilege and a fabulous ‘journey’, creatively, artistically and more importantly, so obviously from the heart. We’re heading off to France on Wednesday for our summer hols. Have a great time and I look forward to your next instalment. I would so love to have one of your watercolour postcards. Caroline (from UK)

  53. What a wonderful way to wake up! I was so excited I could hardly sleep. Thank you thank you thank you for taking me along. Now to get my watercolors out. The village is lovely!

  54. Caroline Gilbert

    Hi Dreama
    So lovely to see an actual video where you are staying… looks amazing, (picture perfect as they say) …I so love France. You are truly inspiring and I thank you for sharing with all of us…. always such a privilege and a fabulous ‘journey’, creatively, artistically and more importantly, so obviously from the heart. We’re heading off to France on Wednesday for our summer hols. Have a great time and look forward to your next instalment. I would so love to have one of your watercolour postcards. Caroline (from UK)

  55. Thank you so much for taking us along with you on your travels and adventures. Really loved the video you posted today. Can see why you love that place and hope to see it in person myself. Until then, please draw my name out for one of the postcards, this way I can have a small slice of the paradise also. Enjoy the rest of your trip and I look forward to your next posting.
    Joyce

  56. Claire Snyder

    The addition of video is wonderful. I feel I am right there with you. Thanks!

  57. Gay

    I simply love receiving your daily paintings and writings – I leave in San Antonio, TX quite a ways from any of your classes.
    I’m retired from work in convention industry but still enjoy painting and I, too, started out as a watercolorist and in 2006 took up acylics studying with artist in Jacksville, Fl while living there a few years Until I saw your watercolors I almost forgot how I used to paint – thank you – and I would love for my name to be put in any drawing for your little paintings.
    Question? What do you draw with before adding your beautiful touches of transparent colors – a pen, brush, pencil? Gay

  58. Terri

    From Paris to Paris (or at least in France) – love reading your adventures and so hoping I get a postcard from you!! T

  59. Lisa

    Thank you SO much for posting this video and bringing us with you in this way- I can’t wait to see more!

  60. Linda Phillips

    I’m sooo excited to be there…rats, I’m not there…yes I am, I see it in my journal!!

  61. Dawn Davis

    Greetings from Bremerton, WA, Dreama! I am so jealous you are in France–I attended a painting workshop in Provence years ago and it was so beautiful! I painted in my journal recently when I was in Portugal,and also took painting supplies for the three women I was traveling with–we had so much fun! Wish I could attach a little painting I did of the dog who begged at our kitchen door! Can’t wait to paint your reference photos in my journal, thanks so much for providing these! Looking forward to seeing more, have a great time! Dawn

  62. Andrée Casaubon

    What a special gift from you to us! I have a special thanks to you for the little video of Le Vieux Couvent , France is where I have my origin ,I am from Quebec Canada. I know that you love the french language also…Continue to fill our eyes and our heart of beautiful things…Thanks for the postcard you give!
    Andrée

  63. It felt like I was walking through some of your paintings when I saw your video tour. WOW!!!! I can’t tell you how fun it is to get to travel with you from home. Very cool!

  64. Donna Abbott

    Thanks, Dreama, for the video! I’m so THERE!

  65. I’m looking forward to “our” time in France minus the jet lag! Love it!!!

  66. Love the video of where you will be working in France! So lush and green. I see why you choose that little village. I look forward watching your videos and sketches.

  67. yvonne ankerman

    How I love France in Summer, enjoy it for me and have a wonderful time. From a cold Wintery Cape Town, South Africa

  68. Love your French watercolors and would love to receive a postcard of one! I sure am going to miss having your workshop come here to Carmel!
    Barb

  69. Clare Strohman

    The beauty and peace you are experiencing lights up my heart.
    I LOVE visiting places like this……
    Thank you for taking us on your journey.

  70. Alice Craig

    Bon Jour cher Dreama!
    What a treat to be able to see where you are! It looks like Paradise and I wish I was there with you to smell those roses for the first time!
    Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful journal too – I feel inspired to start one myself.
    Hugs,
    Alice

  71. Debra LaRocque

    Your watercolors are beautiful. You capture a moment using minimal information. Absolutely stunning!

  72. Jobi Kocher

    How blessed are we to be invited along on your journey!! Thank you Dreama! I awake every morning with eager anticipation for your next lovely post! Hugs from New Mexico, Jobi

  73. Lorrie

    Put me in the drawing. Have fun! I can’t imagine how tired you were when you arrived! lol Hope you have gotten some rest.

  74. Donna

    Put a smile on my face and made me sigh with gratitude. Merci beaucoup 🙂 Looking forward to your next email. Enjoy your painting today.

  75. terri

    Wow! I am speachless with seeing that video! Beautiful! You gave me some gardening inspiration as well!

  76. What a wonderful treat! Thank you so much for sharing this gorgeous little village with us. I wish I could be there with you. Now I must get my paints out and see what I can create from your video! Happy painting.

  77. Merci pour ces belles découvertes de mon pays :-), je n’ai pas vraiment l’occasion de partir en vacances et grâce à vous je voyage à travers vous
    Vos peintures sont vraiment magnifiques

  78. Helen Sturgeon

    Nothing compares to the blue of Southern France! Love traveling “with”you!
    Have a croissant and French press cafe for me!

  79. patricia obrien

    Just LOVE your journal. I am a watercolorist by heart, but will be taking your oil workshop at Marco Island in 2014! I have a water color journal that whispers to me everyday. Though I don’t have time to paint everyday, I know the times of do, I get lost in the moment! Thanks for sharing your journal!
    patty O’Brien

  80. Mandy

    I love your shutters and doorways paintings; so this is the perfect FIRST for me!! 🙂
    Mandy

  81. Maybe this year….I’ll win a postcard that captures the magic of Le Vieux Couvant!

  82. My first … Opportunity to imagine I’m in France with Dreama and the lucky artists who are there. Happy painting everyone!

  83. Maryann Stephens

    It is so beautiful….thanks for taking us all along

  84. Beth Powers Badger

    I LOVE seeing France this way…maybe someday with you in a painting workshop!

  85. Tania Helms Bogenschneider

    Thanks, Dreama, for letting us come along virtually with you to France!

  86. I love the video Dreama ~ thank you for sharing ~ 🙂

  87. Oh my! Your watercolor is beautiful. You are inspiring me enough to think that maybe I will give it a try from the other side of the world on the west coast of Canada. The video gives one like me, who has never traveled anywhere, some insight into the lovely place where you are teaching. I hope it goes well for you and your students. They are so lucky to be there with you. Tomorrow I shall get out my watercolors and try to create a post card from your reference photo. Thank you for sharing this experience with us.

  88. Oh my gosh! Wonderful post and video, Dreama! Thank you! XOXO Nancy

  89. Karen Gifford

    Wow, I can tell I am going to be drooling the whole time you are in France — looks like a lovely place.

  90. Sooooo Jealous!!!! I took your fabulous workshop in Lexington, should have waited for this!!!! Have FUN!!!! Love traveling along with you!!!

  91. Thank you for allowing us to take a peak into your “window” in France! I love the video! and your beautiful journal!

  92. Fannie

    Bonjour, Dreama!
    Thanks for taking the time to share with us. Love your post.
    I see magic . . .
    ~Fannie

  93. LOVE the video and wish we were there! Working in journal right now!

  94. Thank you for taking the time to take us along on your journal journey. What a special gift you are giving us.

  95. Tony

    Hi Dreama,
    cannot see the comment I made earlier re your painting in the journal (which was wonderful to watch) and your offer to give away postcard watercolours. I left a begging note for you to please, please, leave me a postcard with Corinne..
    Love your video too. Bill and Corinne should have it on their site.
    Once again thankyou.

  96. Shawn

    What a beautiful, quiet morning! “Our cottage” is so charming and I am ready to draw and paint alongside your group. I am so thankful they have wi-fi so that you are able to share this wonderful experience with us armchair artists! Thank you for your generous hospitality (and to Nancy in Texas who posted about your workshop)!! bonjour!

  97. June

    Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! Tres tres bon!
    It’s a first for me – in that I actually DID take a break from all my crafting work/deadlines, made myself a gorgeous cup of coffee, got out my watercolours and my watercolour pad, put this beautiful photo up on my screen in front of me, smiled a big toothy grin, daydreamed a little of being right there in that beautiful place, and then…I painted it!
    Yep! I took your much-needed-to-hear (and read) words (and photo…not to mention the gorgeous video too) to heart and just treated myself to the sheer pleasure and joy of simply being in the moment and painted – just for me. Just for pleasure. Just for the bliss of it.
    Thanks for this, Dreama. And thanks again for taking us all along with you on your latest French excursion. Can’t wait to see where we’ll be going and what we’ll be doing and enjoying tomorrow, if this is the first day.
    And remember…today is the first day of the rest of your life.

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