It was a beautiful day in France!
We passed through the scenic village
of La Roque Gageac where buildings
are carved into the side of the cliffs before arriving at the Château de Beynac, a castle situated
on a limestone cliff dominating the town of Beynac
below and on the north bank of the Dordogne
River. The castle is one of the best-preserved and
best known in the region. Richard the
Lionhearted stayed here. Beynac castle
has served as a location for several films, including Ever After, Jeanne d’Arc
and others. The village also served as location for the film Chocolat.
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| Richard's Chateau |
After touring the chateau/castle, we spent a
leisurely afternoon in a park by the river with a clear view of it and the town
and sketched and picnicked on pate, fruit, cheese, bread, and, of course, wine.
I learned
from a wonderful artist Dreama Tolle Perry about the handy little water pen
that is used in watercolor in the field for doing quick sketches. You fill the barrel, thereby, having your
water source contained in the pen, instead of dipping in a cup. So handy for working on the fly or in tight
and knock about places! I picked up a
set of three different sizes in a little art shop in Cahors. Isn’t it fun to find art shops in other
countries! I have since learned these
little water pens hold a nice fine point for doing detail work, like a rigger.
Drop in Cary Gallery of Artists 200
S. Academy St. in downtown Cary
for these and other paintings. 919-462-2035
www.sheffieldartstudio.com
