I’ve been away

I have been away, two weeks not. I am so happy to be home amongst my friends, my paintings, my sketches, all that I love. My niece Rosie, book artist and photographer extra-ordinaire, came to show me and make this book for me, hopefully I will be able to make the next one. Rosie has said she will guide me on Skype. What a lucky person I am! The book looks stunning, I am so delighted. We worked hard for three days, apart from the obligatory visit to the market which we both thoroughly enjoyed. Packed up on Wednesday night and left early Thursday morning to one of my favourite places, the Camargue of course

We arrived at noon and had a bit to eat in St Maries de la Mer and then went to paint the marshes and flamingoes, well Rosie went off with her old and precious Hasselblad (camera). And I with my paints, shedding my fear of crowds watching me, for I had no choice, half term and families and the best time of year to see the Flaments Rose, meant that my insecurities had to be laid to rest! Not that I have many anymore.

I gathered quite a little following as I wandered around with my paints. After a few hours I stopped to sit and paint at a picnic table and was joined by a sweet girl Sarah and her grandmother, Sarah watched intently every stroke I made. I offered to give her a lesson and although only five and she had never used water colours before, she created in moments a work of art. Her grandmother promised to send me photo’s, which alas I have not yet received.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The birds move so quickly I have to paint as fast as my hand will go, just a few seconds and a sketch is done. A family who had followed me around asked if they could have one for their daughter, so I gave her one.

Then a photographer standing near me asked if she could also have one. So this time I thought I might make an exchange and asked her if she would send me a photo and I her a painting, she agreed. Anne-Marie sent me some wonderful photographs. This is my favourite. Photo by Anne-Marie Messerlin. Merci Anne-Marie!

The photo below is by me.

Next Post tomorrow. Rosie and I then went to our hotel in Aigues Mortes, photo’s tomorrow. Off home to the doggie now