Lichen

David photographed these lichen in the ochre woods; an exploration of subtle autumnal colours.

Mark's pastel drawings

During Mark's teaching stint at Les Bassacs he always does a series of drawings, usually executed at the beginning and end of the day. 

Mark's pastels

This is the exuberant and beautiful 2011 edition.

Last course of the year - Collage with Mark Cazalet

We were fortunate that the good weather held out to the last.  The cool mornings with plenty of sunshine during the day made for ideal painting conditions. 

At this time of year the shadows get deeper and deeper as the sun sits lower in the sky, here they exaggerate the fluid shapes of the worn away ochre cliffs.

Viper

David found this viper coiled in the undergrowth this morning.  The low temperature last night meant that he was slow to slither away.

Night skies

A fierce Mistral brings a beautiful aftermath - stunning deep purple skies with a lone planet at center stage

Gros chêne de Murs

The ancient oak tree at Murs where David often drops groups for a mornings painting is one of three oak trees aligned North-South outside the village.  It is thought that the trees are 500 years old and this particular tree has a trunk with the circumference of 6.8m and is 24 m high.  It provides much needed shade for our painting groups and is lovely spot for a picnic with pretty vies through the branches to the village of Murs.

Colour: Light, Space and Mood with Mark Cazalet 10th-17th September

The warm, still sunny weather continued throughout Mark's week with temperatures peaking at 31C, perfect for painting outdoors in the shade.

 Mark encourages James to experiment with colour as he paints in the garrigue above the St Saturnin barrier.   Note Mark's own exciting use of colour in his yellow socks paired with an orange and blue checked shirt!

Rebecca Hind showing at the Curwen Gallery

Rebecca is showing at the Curwen Gallery, 34 Windmill Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 2JR from 9th-30th September. 

The show entitled Causeway features her beautiful watercolours inspired by air, fire and water.  

 Rebecca's lively and expressive work communicates a strong sense of wonder and a joy as she explores the dynamism of these elements.

You can watch a film of Rebecca making one of her large watercolours on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v91lGeSl3kg

The Gallery website

www.curwengallery.com

Adie Parker's group

 The good weather continued throughout the week, with lovely summer temperatures and sunny days, although the heat was definitely getting to the kitchen!  Adie's group took advantage of the opportunity for plein-air painting and pic-nicked in the square at Oppède le Vieux under the shade of the beautiful, ancient plane trees.