"Vincent (van Gogh) believed that art consoles those who are broken by life."

The grown children of Arianna Papadopoulos-Miller encouraged her to take some time for herself. They know their mother has devoted herself to family all their lives, especially to their father, Ben, since he was diagnosed with Pick’s Disease, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and the changes it has brought to all their lives. Arianna will attend a 2-week en plein air workshop at Le Mas des Artistes in Les Alpilles, Provence. Excursions will include fascinating opportunities to explore the surrounding area, particularly Vincent van Gogh’s time and art created in Arles. Will the workshop awaken the love of her art and love of travel that she set aside years ago? Will she enjoy the time away, or will guilt have her returning home early?

It is a glimpse of one woman’s experience, and although fiction, it shares the poignancy of a medical prognosis, grief before death. The silence of a woman, as a daughter, wife, mother, business partner, with the future now different beyond words, and although not all tears are hidden, she has not wanted to burden family or friends as they proceed through their grief. In this case, Arianna is surrounded by a loving and supportive family, but she has self-doubt, changes in self-confidence, and has retreated from living life.

This moving and beautifully written novel is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking. Using the backdrop of an art workshop, the reader travels with Arianna from Toronto to the south of France, experiencing the beauty of the landscape, the rich culture, delectable food and wine, and the sharing of diverse experiences by strangers. The setting is the luxury of a first-class flight for armchair travelers and for artist or art lover to revel in the art of van Gogh.

It is women’s fiction at its best, delving into a broad range of emotions and sharing a struggle that is often not talked about because it is difficult. Difficult to find the words to express fear from this point forward. Difficult to express grief before death. It is a book that shares with women they are not alone in this type of struggle. It shares hope. ( )

Full review here: http://girlwellread.blogspot.com/2020/04/drawing-lessons-by-patricia-sands.html. ( )

Author Patricia Sands gives us a beautifully written story of human frailties and human strengths, of facing a major change in your life and learning to move on, of healing.

When I began this book I was expecting it to be a romance novel, but romance is actually only a small part of the story. And when it does enter the story it is beautifully done with a slow progression of two mature characters getting to know each other. But the strength of this book lies in how GREAT characters from various backgrounds with their own mix of life challenges come together to further their love of art and how they compassionately share their collective life experiences and lessons in support each other. For the main protagonist Arianna it is truly a life-changing two weeks as she struggles to come to terms with her new life.

Ms. Sands’ love of the French countryside is revealed in her stunning descriptions. I was so enthralled I just had to view the images myself on the internet – images of the walls of Aigues-Mortes, the wild horses and the enormous salt deposits of the Camargue.

I was able to totally lose myself in this delightful story and highly recommend it. ( )

Patricia Sands writes beautiful stories that transport the reader to the Provence area of France. She knows how to make the area part of the story. The group of artists who spend two weeks together was a very hodgepodge of personalities who got along great. I enjoyed learning a lot about the area. What I had a hard time with was two people barely knowing each other and one changes their life because of this short encounter. I just don't believe stuff like that happens. I know it's fiction but it felt rushed at the end. Other than that, anything by Patricia Sands is enjoyable. ( )

Life can change dramatically.

The title Drawing Lessons can be interpreted in different ways, it can relate to the arts, or our life experiences.

Patricia Sands takes you on an incredible journey to the south of France. Culture, food, wine, history of Arles and the eclectic group of people she meets at the the retreat.

Arianna is a sixty two year old women who is on a journey after the devastating news that the love of her life has dementia. Her family encourage her to take a trip to Le Mas des Artistes in Provence, to find her happiness once again.

Sometimes letting go is the hardest part.

Arianna is reluctant to let go of everything back in Toronto, she is stuck in the "now" of her life. The journey she takes with her new found friends and fellow artists help her gain strength each and every day. As she progresses so does her artwork. Where once she could not find her muse, now it was all around her and she couldn't wait to fill her journal and take pictures.

After reading the book there was so much that I wanted to research from the life of Vincent Van Gogh, the Camargue and surrounding areas. I felt as though I was experiencing everything Arianna was.

This was an incredible journey that I believe everyone should experience.

@patriciasands @lakeunionpublishing ( )