Welcome to Polly's Blog

Welcome to Polly's Blog
Watercolour, humour, this and that

Wednesday 16 April 2014

FRANCE & CHALLENGE ME

Have been cruising in the South of France.  Zis was a wonderful 'oliday.  Beaucoup de sunshine and beaucoup de wonderful places to visite!  My objective was to do one sketch each day, even if only 5 mins. Here are a few sketches followed by an Easter Challenge. More of that later .....
Tourancon - A Medieval Castle and sketched whilst the boat was moored.

Avignon - I was singing "Sur le pont D'Avignon..." as I was sketching this bridge that is not complete

Within the walls of this hospital in Arles,  Van Gogh stayed and painted.  It is called Espace Van Gogh now!

Avignon from outside the city walls.  You can see the Palace where Popes used to live at one time, based in France.
Now then time for a Challenge.  Last year I asked you for subjects to paint over Easter, as I have, hopefully, four days to myself to paint (hubby is off playing or watching Golf).  So bombard me with ideas and take me out of my comfort zone yet again.  I so enjoyed it last year, I couldn't wait to get up in the morning and get on with my paintings.  Any subject at at all.

Sorry I haven't been looking at your blogs, but will be back up to date soon.

20 comments:

  1. Wow what lovely sketches! I recognize the Pont d'Avignon and le Palais des Papes. Your work is great and full of life. Thanks for sharing your vacation with us. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting and sharing my journey. Merci beaucoup

      Delete
  2. So sorry Polly! I almost forgot my choice of subject for you. First of all, it's early morning here and there's this neighbour ouside just shoveling this last snow from her windshield with her broom...humph, good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh that's a good and original one! Hm now that is a challenge!

      Delete
  3. Gorgeous sketches, Polly! Did you use water-soluble pencil?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Blaga. Yes, stabilo water soluble. I find them brilliant and once wet with a brush and dried into the paper it doesn't move, so can add colour if I wish. Great for speed. Well spotted!!

      Delete
  4. A holiday that seems so calm ... France outside the big cities always instills this sense of peace. Sometimes I had the impression that the places were even uninhabited, because everything was so peaceful ... I love your practical and effective way of doing sketches, always reflecting the atmosphere of the place.
    I have recently fallen in love with the chicken coop from Villager Jim and i love sheep multicolored proposed by Catherine Aston. I suggest these topic to your watercolor verve!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Dear Rita. Another excellent idea! I have made a note of what you suggest, my mind is buzzing with ideas. My sketches are using a stabilo water soluble pen, which I find invaluable for my quick holiday sketches. And yes, France is lovely, quiet, I feel so calm when I am there.

      Delete
  5. Thanks for the memories of France Polly, how I would love to go back there. Good luck with your paintings over Easter looks like you have an endless list of ideas

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Little challenge has turned into a Big One. France is lovely and you are lucky to have been there. Happy Easter and have fun in your studio

      Delete
  6. Love your sketches of Arles and Avignon since I have been to both. Great job!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And they are such interesting places too. Glad I have brought back memories.

      Delete
  7. I love your sketches, Polly--it is like being there with you. When it comes to traveling, a sketch always seems even better than a photo! Easter always makes me think of hats and gloves. So ....that's what I'll ask you to paint. How's that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Celeste thank you for journeying with me. One painting says so much on holiday. The warmth, the sounds, the atmosphere. And Ok, hats and gloves it is. On the list and thank you.

      Delete
  8. You have been on an enviable tour in France, and your sketches are really great ! Like a small 'carnet de voyage ' . Wish you a Happy Easter .

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lucky you to visit France, it is on my bucket list along with a trip to Italy some day :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. These travel sketches are wonderful Polly! You really captured the essence of each place you visited and knew what to leave in and what to leave out of your sketches. That is not easy to accomplish.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dear Polly your sketches are fabulous. You really captured something special in each one of these. Maybe a little chick would be nice in keeping with an Easter theme. Have a great week-end.

    ReplyDelete
  12. These are really charming ...and the light on the castle is lovely. I would like to go to Arles someday ...
    France inspired you! And I applaud your resolve and follow-through to do something every day; I often say I will, but never do!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello Polly, I love all your lovely sketches and I just see your challenge and I think : Why not painting your hubby playing golf ?

    ReplyDelete