Baie d'Audierne in Finistère, (Gwaien in Breton) summer 09

I have just spent a few precious days in a friend’s house, one of many spent enjoying the Baie d'Audierne and Cap Sizun. This is a very special area and always gives my batteries a fast charge.

Now, I am sorry but I can't help it, the following reads very like copy for a promotional brochure. So what, it really is a great place to visit.

Very like Cornwall, the sea surrounds it, and the light you experience is truly breathtaking. Blue light is reflected everywhere, and when the sun shines, the sea is emerald and indigo with lines of startling white as the sea laps the rocky cliffs to the north, and the sand and rocky beaches in the south. Every where there are marvellous seascapes. I once took a picture on January the first and such is the brilliance of the light you would think it was July.

The Sizun area is also peppered with beautiful cottages and small stone chapels, often in quiet places well away from the road. Every where you turn there are subjects crying out to be recorded with paint, pencil or cameras.

Whilst I was there, a first for me, I tried to use a sketchbook in place of a camera wherever possible, recording the many places we visited. Standing, sitting at a bar, even whilst walking, I tried my best making very fast rough sketches without tripping over. I have to say it was fun, though the short stay was far too brief and I was unable to do very little detailed work. Still, I have my sketchbook and some photos to help me work on project during the winter.