France, and in particular Provence is a major inspiration to the work of John Dyer. John's connections with eden stem from his original set of work completed in 1999 studying the plant people relationships of the grape harvest in and around the small village of Rasteau.

Above: Ferme La Garriguette 24 x 36 inches acrylic on board.

John and his family stay in an apartment in Rasteau owned by Peter and Joan Coulson, Ferme La Garriguette.

A large mural completed in 1999 by John and Joanne Short can be seen at Ferme La Garriguette, and there is also a large painting of the grape harvest on display by John.

If you are interested in staying in the same location selected by John then please have a look at the web site dedicated to this wonderful holiday destination.

www.rasteau.co.uk

"I first travelled to Provence in 1997 with my wife Joanne on our honeymoon, and it was during this special time that we both decided that we would have to return with our paints and boards; and so in the autumn of 1998 and the spring of 1999 we sat in the fruit filled landscape of Provence and painted. Provence is a sumptuous subject for a painter, it is filled with exciting new colours, people and places. I feel at home amongst the vineyards and orchards and the activity in the fields provides endless inspiration. The landscape presents itself to you, inviting a response. "

Above: 'Rasteau Seasons' Mural by John Dyer and Joanne Short. On display at Ferme La Garriguette. 
The mural was commissioned in 1999 by the Coulsons, and depicts the grape seasons - from winter with the bare ground and vines, spring as the green shoots grow, summer and the ripening of the grapes, and finally the harvest and a bottle of Rasteau Red.

Above: John, Joanne and Martha-Lilly by the mural - photo taken September 2004

Martha-Lilly has learnt to swim and ride a bike at Rasteau !