In classic South of France fashion, I have been using watercolor as another way to explore Aix-en-Provence. Many famous artists throughout history have visited the South of France to paint. The one that is most closely related to Aix is Paul Cezanne. He lived in Aix and did many paintings of the mountains here. As a lover of Impressionist painting, this inspired me to play as a resident painter of Aix-en-Provence.  

My sketchbook and I 

The fountain at Place d’Albertas 

A painting I did of Place d’Albertas 

I started taking my watercolor sketchbook with me everywhere as a way of appreciating where I was. It is easy, especially when first arriving abroad, to spend a lot of time in your living space instead of exploring. I was nervous and missing home, so I was guilty of this during my first few weeks. I decided that whenever I was feeling sad, I should go find a place to sit and paint instead of doomscrolling through Instagram in my bed.  

My painting of the market outside of the Palais de Justice 

The fish stand at the market 

Spread showing my paintings of the market 

This is how it started at first, but it very quickly became one of my favorite activities. I found a friend who had a similar break between classes as me, so I asked her to meet up with me during these times. We would grab a coffee, and she would read or do homework while I started a new painting. This has helped me get back into watercolor and drawing while helping me to connect to the city more.  

Cours Julien in Marseille 

Paintings of a restaurant on the Cours Mirabeau in Aix and Cours Julien in Marseille 

I’m excited to take this home and look back on it to remember my amazing semester in the South of France. So, to everyone who is considering studying abroad, it can be hard at first but don’t give in to anxiety and try your best to find your own way to connect to the city you’re living in. You’ll build a deeper relationship with the city, and it will help you to have an activity to do with friends. Even though it can be scary, studying abroad has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and I’ve really enjoyed painting my way through it. 

Water coloring while having coffee with my boyfriend 

Watercolor spread showing a painting of Le Petit Bistrot and Cafe Passion