Chateau de Lanquais

Artist - Teacher : Adam Cope

Chateau de Beduer

A little bit of history...

Majestically situated in a dominant position, Beduer overlooks the Cele valley. It dates from the 12th Century & its Lords were fierce warriors in the crusades, the Hundred Years War & even the Wars of Religion. During the Revolution the cousin of the Marquis became the Maire of Figeac, whilst The top of the 'donjon' (tower) was cut off. The poet Paul Valéry sejourned here as well as Princess Rainier of Monaco. Today an English man owns it. Here, on your painting course, you will find much that is remarkable & unique.

There is a lot of interesting architecture to draw. Beduer is a place where you can feel the history, making it a fascinating setting for a painting course.

see more photos of the chateau

'La Grande Salle' - Ceiling, 9 meters high, with painted beams dating from the Renaissance. The Candelabra is Venetian & weighs over a ton. From the 14th Century, the Parliament of Quercy met here

We dine twice during the week inside the chateau. There is also the opportunity to make paintings of its interiors.

The Chateau is set in a typical 'quercynoise' village, with its unspoilt vernacular architecture, pretty gardens, bar & post office within walking distance, so you savour 'La France Douce'.

Le Parc du Château

Safe inside the old defensive walls, you will find peace & tranquility in the park (which is private & not open to the public). Its many old lime trees are a wonderful subject to draw & cast cool leafy shadows. The charming rose gardens soften the painter's eyes & add colour to your palette. Then there are the scenarios around the swimming pool. You will find many good painting possibilities (for all levels, even easy stuff for absolute beginners) & many varied subjects at Beduer.

the old lime trees in the park

A little painting course...How to Draw Trees (why trees are good subject matter for beginners)

Paintings of Trees by Adam Cope

The Terraces of the Chateau Park

Anyone for chess? Late morning mist in autumn.

The many terraces have very impressive 180° panoramic views. You can see for miles & miles. Feels like flying. Those with the eyes of an artist can also see the 'valley spirit' with its mists (even present mid-day on a summer's day as an ethereal blue haze). This is fabulous 'wet on wet' watercolor territory. Oil & acrylic painters will find also the aerial perspective worth squeezing out titanium white or mid-day cobalt blue!

see more photos of the views

On this painting course, you won't have to get into a car to find a good painting spot. The lawn terraces are all within easy walking distance, making this painting holiday also appropriate for those with mild problems with walking (sorry, no wheel chair access, one flight of stairs). We also go on two trips out as well. With Beduer's setting, high in the rolling 'Lotoise' fields & walnuts trees, you donÕt have to amble very far to be in beautiful pastoral calm.

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