French Countryside

Southern France in summer, seen in the particular bleached quality that intense Mediterranean sun gives to color after years of exposure. The lavender fields outside Valensole, the limestone farmhouses of Les Baux, the terracotta roof tiles of Aix — all faded, chalked, worn by sun and wind into something more beautiful for having been used. Iris pearl muted is the key color: not vivid lavender but the softer, dustier purple of dried lavender bundles and aged paint. True gray bloom provides the aged limestone neutral. Honey bloom soft captures the wheat fields and warm stone surfaces. Moss whisper faint adds the faint green of herb gardens and old shutters. Rose mist faint provides the blushed warmth of sunset on pale stone.

Southern France in summer: lavender fields, limestone farmhouses, bleached by sun and wind into something gorgeous. The palette of Provence at its quietest and most beautiful.