Cornouaille

Last year we spent two weeks in Brittany with 5 days in a friend’s home with wonderful views overlooking the Baie D'Audierne. Like so many places in the west facing the Atlantic, the Baie D'Audierne has wonderful light. I have a picture taken on January the first and it is difficult to tell it wasn't taken in August; such is the brilliance of the light reflecting off the sea.

The coastline is very varied there, plenty of rocks, sand, exposed rugged cliffs and clear blue water. Super for walking. Last summer though the weather was not too good with grey days, rain, showers or drizzle. Desperate, I even tried to draw in the rain! not too successful. Soggy cockled paper and pencil sliding across the pages put a stop to my fun.

Above are a couple sketches from last year, executed between showers (Top, looking west towards Audierne and the bottom, Pors Poulhan harbour). This year I am keen to add some colour. I will have to practice to get into 'rocks and sea mode'. It would be great to learn how to portray the sea and water successfully.

Last year I bought two books by Denis Clavreul, they are full of clever but simple sketches and watercolours that seem to project effortlessly the colours and atmosphere of this beautiful area. These books provide me with plenty of food for thought. If I can produce anything even starting to approach Clavreul's ability to capture the feel and colour of the place, I know I will come away with a real sense of achievement.