Sara Midda's South of France: A Sketchbook

Midda spent a year in the South of France. She takes her pen and paintbrush and records notes of all kinds in her journal; types of olives, a page of colorful espadrilles, signs, flower pots, colors of shutters. The cover itself is the record of the colors of the sky, trees, walls-- each with its unique stripe of watercolor wash. If you paint, this is an education in itself. If you keep a journal, this has beaucoup ideas. I keep a watercolor journal and this book (it's fairly small) goes into my suitcase on every trip to remind me to see inspiration in the little, everyday things. Books go out of print, so don't miss the opportunity to get this lovely, unique book of sketches by Sara Midda.

This is a book I run to on the weekends, or after a hard day's work at the office. It is a lush, beautiful escape from hectic urban life. Sara Midda's watercolors are inspirational--I love the handwritten text, so personal. You don't need to be a Francophile to enjoy the sentiment of this incredible sketchbook.

I was given the book by a very dear friend and it has traveled with me to many a foreign country. It serves as an inspiration to my own travel sketches and journal writing, reminding me that there is true beauty in simplicity. With beautiful, little paintings of places, foods, fabrics and signs, she shows us that even every-day objects are worthy of our attention.

I came upon Sara Midda's slim volume of wonderment at a bookshop in Santa Cruz, California a few years ago and was transfixed by it for all of the next day. It is marvelous -- sensitive, witty, and oh, so right-on with color and technique. I don't understand the negative comments from one of the reviewers here -- this isn't a textbook, nor even a "book" in the usual sense. Rather, it's Ms Midda's exquisite remembrance of a year in the sun in one of the extraordinarily magical places on the earth, all filtered through her remarkable eyes. This book is a rare gift -- an intensely personal collection of impressions offered to all to enjoy. I feel fortunate to be allowed to own it. Do yourself a favor and buy it for yourself and a few friends! It's a gift that speaks volumes about the giver and his/her opinion of the receiver.

This book is a wonderful picture book. The text is more for the overall look then to read. For anyone who can appreciate watercolor this book is wonderful. One of my all time favorites.