Art in Avignon
During our week in Provence, I was able to meet up with Annette Morris who I had interviewed in an earlier blogpost.
Pont Saint-Bénézet
Annette was running a week long workshop in Provence, based in Avignon and luckily for me, the dates coincided with our plans.
Annette was happy to have me join the group for just one day. A further bonus was the opportunity to meet Catherine B. We had connected through my post about Annette and my post about Lindy Viander. More about Lindy in a future post. Also, Chris and I had never visited Avignon, only driven past on several occasions.
Reflections on the Rhone River of Pont Saint-Bénézet
We left quite early and drove the 45 minutes from Bédoin to Avignon. We had pre-planned to park our van in an outdoor car parking area outside the old city walls.
Walls surrounding the old city of Avignon
First we walked along the river’s edge to admire the very famous Pont Saint-Bénézet.
Through the narrow streets towards Palais des Papes
Then we entered through one of the city gates into the old town, taking time to admire the huge building of Palais des Papes.
Palais des Papes
We located the meeting point, for the sketching group, Brasserie du Conservatoire and ordered a 2nd breakfast of baguette, jam, orange juice and coffee. I spotted both Annette and Catherine at another table. I left Chris to go exploring Avignon, while I went across to introduce myself. Gradually the other members of the group arrived and Annette explained what she had planned for us.
Chris enjoying second breakfast at Brasserie du Conservatoire
Our first sketching location was opposite Tour Saint-Jean in Place Pie, which was. right next to the restaurant Brasserie du Conservatoire and close by to Les Halles, the indoor market. This was my very first time with a sketch group and drawing/painting on location in a city. I was a little apprehensive at first but Annette was kind and encouraging. As were the rest of the group.
Tour Saint-Jean in Place Pie was our first sketching spot
A little bit of history about Place Pie, Avignon
We set up our equipment. Some members had a small stool to sit on but having had to manage our luggage for the long holiday, my sketching stool was back in Sydney, so I sat on the edge of garden bed.
Sketching with Annette Morris in Place Pie, Avignon
Annette spent time with each member providing instruction, helpful suggestions and plenty of encouragement. The group of ladies, about 6-7 of us, were from Australia, USA, UK and France. I found this to be a nice number of people to engage with and receive personalised attention. I learnt about colour sequence and finally had the confidence to use my A4 sketchpad instead of my smaller one.
quMy first sketch and water colour painting of Tour Saint-Jean, Place Pie in Avignon
It was really interesting sketching and painting on location. The group attracted quite a few passers-by, who stopped to admire our work and ask questions. The group were chatty and after a few hours, we took a break to have lunch at Brasserie du Conservatoire . Chris came back to join us.
After a nice rest from the increasing heat, we headed off to two other locations. The first location was just a quick pause. I stood up to make a quick sketch of the cute shop, Herboristerie Apøtek in Rue de la Bonnetrie. This was yet another new challenge. I was able to turn my sketch into the painting below when I had a bit more time.
Herboristerie Apøtek in Rue de la Bonnetrie. Chris captured the group as we assessed the subject, deciding what to capture and began a quick sketch. Annette suggested that we always take a photo of the scene we have sketched to refer back to later.
My completed sketch and watercolour painting of Herboristerie Apøtek in Rue de la Bonnetrie
The last location was in Rue des Teinturiers, where once fabric dyeing took take place. There was a lovely old waterwheel.
Our final sketching location in Rue des Teinturiers, Avignon
We started with a small sketch to assess the proportions of the building before starting on our proper sketch or painting. This was a much more challenging subject for me but I was happy with the final result.
My sketch and watercolour painting of the scene in Rue des Teinturiers
Annette (in pink top) leading the group with her expertise and gentle guidance
It was so lovely to spend the day with Annette, Catherine and the rest of the group. Creating new memories and adding new skills for my artwork.
The day was certainly hot and some of the group were flagging in the heat and started heading back to their accommodation. I bid farewell to the lovely group and thanked Annette for the experience, which I found invaluable and inspiring.
Annette runs many workshops in France and beyond, throughout the year. You can find out more about her 2025 workshops here as as well as her Zoom lessons. Merci beaucoup Annette.
It was time for me to get back to the café to meet Chris before heading back to our home at La Belle Histoire in Bédoin. Next time I’ll share photos of Chris’ day in Avignon. À bientôt!
