Sketching in the Minervois Southern France
The magnificent vista from Chateau Gourganzaud
Take a look at the next 4 days of our 5Day Travel Sketching Workshop in the Minervois. Glorious days once again and not as hot as it soon became - thank goodness.
Tuesday in Olonzac is at our nearby market with such lovely quality clothing, often Italian designed fine cottons or linen. The street of food is mind boggling and we learn lots from the signage as to what things are.
After our morning coffee it’s off for some shopping and some vignette sketching as we go. Such a good way to combine everything at the same time.
Back we go to Cafe Le Tyzac for a very sketch able lunch. Lots of learning today and very impressive results.
Day 3 is again brilliant weather with plenty of shade for us to sketch under.
We start the day at Chateau Gourganzaud in La Laviniere.
Apart from it being a glorious vista with all the lines and patterns looking over the vines way into the distance, this is some of the most highly rated wine in the region.
A bottle or two of something special to take back to Naples is an essential start.
Then down to sketching. Look for your horizon line and what fits below and what fits above. Thumbnails are a big help. We both do a double page spread and how terrific they look even as black and whites. Even more dramatic when watercolour is applied.
Our next sketch is back in the village of Trausse and the very symbolic cross in Place Nueve. So much detail and story going on here, and we get the main designs in without overdoing it.
This one is homework and we will see the finished sketches soon.
Le Somail put on it’s usual gorgeous setting including a very friendly goose who ‘honked when boats appeared on the canal. The steep stone bridge with Church behind, water tower nearby, and people and vehicles trotting across the steep incline to see what’s on the other side were constant.
Our afternoon sketch was in Trausse Minervois where we studied the amazing symbolism on the Cross in a small square. This we managed to simplify without loosing the importance of the monument.
The vast view from Lastours is quite amazing with its two Cathar castle ruins at the top, to the village houses creeping down the steepness, to the babbling brook at the base surrounded by roses and geraniums.
It takes a little time to observe it all and decide how to sketch it.
Going double page seemed a good answer and that we did. Over lunch we managed to complete the whole story and feel pretty pleased.
How delightful was this week of travel sketching, loads of laughs because we do like to have a thoroughly enjoyable time and immerse ourselves in the pure joy of sketching everything we see together. You’re welcome to join our unique 5Day Travel Sketching Tours so do check the dates.
https://erinhillsketching.com/2023-south-of-france-5day-sketch-workshops-in-the-minervois