Nude at the Chateau

Graphite Sketch Isabelle June 2013

Drawing the human body is a revered artistic tradition, and a challenge to confront at every stage of development as a visual artist. Life drawing is endlessly interesting and sometimes frustrating, as one tries to capture the essence of a pose in a few quick strokes.

I attend weekly life drawing in an historic chateau on the grounds of an estate winery. In the civilized way of the French, a sampling of their excellent wine is offered at the end of each session.

With a large community of painters and sculptors in the towns and hamlets of this region, drawing opportunities abound. I spent a recent morning in the garden of the Prieuré St. Martial, the home of Hubert and Veronique de Colombe. (This converted former priory offers 12 beautiful apartments for holiday rentals.)

A third life drawing opportunity is held each week at the charming GalleriMSF. One memorable day we artists took turns posing ‘au natural’ after the model failed to arrive. I won’t go into detail about how we must suffer for our art!