Saying it with flowers

Nature dominates the oil paintings of French artist Claire Basler. Photo provided to China Daily

Basler says she had always wanted a dream-like place that could fit her floral paintings as a whole.

She had run several studios earlier, but fell in love with Chateau de Beauvoir at first sight.

In 2011, she and her husband purchased the castle that was constructed in the 18th century and once used as a school. It had been deserted for 40 years before they moved in and the facilities inside had been ruined.

The couple didn't see it as a challenge to renovate the place covering about 3,000 square meters.

They decorated almost every corner of the castle with dynamic plants and paintings. Each of the dozen rooms features a distinctive style of her works.

Basler especially favors poppy flowers that hence appear as a recurring theme in her pieces.

She named her house "Chateau de Beauvoir", meaning a castle with beautiful views. She feels the quality of her lifestyle has improved owing to the renovation efforts with the castle.

Her brushwork continues to be inspired by the colors of flowers and the greenery surrounding her.