Fun New Tool Along the Way

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.   

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