Le Château de Béduer
A little bit of history... |
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Majestically situated in a dominant position, Beduer overlooks the pilgrims' path of St. James of Compostelle. 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 sojourned here as well as Princess Rainier of Monaco. Here, on your painting course, you will find much that is remarkable & unique. |
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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 |
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'La Salle de Conseils.' 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 |
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We dine twice during the week inside the chateau. There is also the opportunity to make paintings of its interiors. Still-lives abound. The chateau is set in a typical 'quercynoise' village, with its unspoilt vernacular architecture, pretty gardens, & bar within walking distance, so you savour 'La France Douce'. |
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Le Parc du Château
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Safe inside the old defensive walls, there is peace & tranquility in the park, which is not open to the public. |
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'Lion Gates, Chateau de Beduer' by Joy Sharland, Advanced Level Student, 2002-2009 |
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The charming rose gardens soften the painter's eyes & add colour to your palette. Then there's all those scenarios around the swimming pool. |
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The many old lime trees, with their cool leafy shadows & semi-formal enchantment are a wonderful subject for any painter, whatever the level of experience. Here, you will find many good painting possibilities - even easy stuff for absolute beginners. |
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the old lime trees in the park - "une forêt de tilleuls embaumait le lieu" journal de Jean Chalon, 1950's |
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Ruskin. 'Trees in a Lane, Ambleside.'1847, 45x57cm |
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A little painting course...How to Draw Trees (why trees are good subject matter for beginners)Paintings of Trees by Adam CopeThe Terraces of the Chateau Park |
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Anyone for chess? Late morning mist in autumn. |
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see more photos of the views |
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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' watercolour territory. Oil & acrylic painters will find also the aerial perspective worth squeezing out titanium white or mid-day cobalt blue! |
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Adam Cope - 'The Lot at Albas' II, watercolour, 38 x 28cm |
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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). It's good that you don't have to get in & out of cars just to paint. |
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view of the chateau from the hill behind |
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With Beduer's setting, high in the rolling 'Lotoise' fields & walnuts trees, you don't have to amble very far to be in beautiful pastoral calm - a painters paradise (without car journies!). |
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'Chemin, Chateau de Beduer' by Janetta MELLET, Advanced level student.. |
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