A rare chance

A bit of fun, a rare chance to view…
This morning I visited the elegant chateau de Saurs with my painting at the request of the owner.
He has asked that I leave my painting in his reception for visitors to enjoy and possibly acquire.
Chateau de Saurs foyer with my painting
 
We can do this as it is unlikely I’ll re exhibit The Gaillac Collection https://artfrickers.com/s-w-france/gaillac/ before next summer.
Château de Saurs
As yet I don’t even have a venue in mind so there is an opportunity for you !

Read moreA rare chance

Champagne, origins

Gaillac and Castel de Brames have several surprises for the world.
Only the Champagne department, is allowed by law to call its wines Champagne.
However, at Castel de Brames, Alain Boullenger makes fine a sparking wine using the ancient method from which Champagne originated.
 
In his gift box given to me, Alain has included 2 bottles for lucky me 😀!
 
The origins of Champagne…
Long ago there was a monk who worked with the Gaillac wines at the Abbaye Saint Michele ….
about Champagne
Abbaye Saint Michel, Gaillac

Read moreChampagne, origins

Christmas Spirit

What did you do today?

Today I revisited Castel de Brames near Gaillac.

Ces images sont un vrai cadeau de Noël, et sous le sapin de Noël …” ~ meaning ?

Thus the story of my day begins to unfold …

For years the proprietor, Alain Boullenger has invited local artists to create a design for his wine bottle labels.

He has a collection of the bottles.

Castel de Brames, Alian Boullenger

Alain had not asked me for a wine label design.

When I tentatively mentioned this he said he asked local artists but could not ask a “great artist“.

I was nonplussed.

L'Occitaine, Castel de Brames
Hyperlink to the painting page > Castel de Brames

Read moreChristmas Spirit

Your Christmas?

How was your Christmas day?

Did all your bells jingle?
Good for you and those you love I hope?
Christmas day means many things to many people; the basic message is peace and good will to all people.
I’ll drink to that.
Will you join me in that?

Pyrenees sunset
Pyrenees sunset 25.12.19

I was fortunate; a lovely day, warm under blue skies.
Lunch was by invitation of French friends who speak fair English at the ancient bastide of Castelnau de Montmiral.

Sunset 25.12.19, Pyrenees
Pyrenees Sunset 25.12.19

Read moreYour Christmas?

Finest wines in France?

Castel de Brames, I re sampled the wines very recently and have just updated my website page https://artfrickers.com/s-w-france/gaillac/castel-de-brames/, sample and enjoy !

L'Occitaine, Castel de Brames
Castel de Brames

I genuinely thought the wines 2017 and 18 vintages are the best yet and notice their price has doubled to around 8 Euros a bottle; good.
That can only help the value of my painting !

Read moreFinest wines in France?

Not just for Christmas

What does your house smell of today ?
Mine smells of picture varnish.
A painting is not just for Christmas; from a recognised artist, a painting is an investment.

Château de Saurs, Gaillac

The surface should after 3 to 6 months be treated with 2 coats of picture varnish.
That is what I’ve just done for my “Château de Saurs” which 76 x 121 cm (30″ x 48″), oils on canvas, available, £12,500.

Read moreNot just for Christmas

Cahors plus

Busy days, a selection of photos, everything except Cahors where i was unable to take a photograph, mostly these are from this West Tarn region.

That said, the first is from yesterday Toulouse hence the photo of Place Victor Hugo, a place very near where my meeting with a gentleman from the Toulouse Business Exchange was held.

Toulouse, Place Victor Hugo
Toulouse, a typical street scene

Other photos, other places visited in the past few days and with a bit of luck and a following wind, back to the famous town of Cahors.

Cordes sur Ciel

Read moreCahors plus

Wine and sunshine

‘ve been visiting some chateaux and domaines, in brilliant sunshine, it’s even quiet warm here.
I’m catching up with the news, friends and have bought a few bottles mostly for gifts.
i’ll visit a few more and beautiful Albi next week before I point my bow for home.
 
Today I’m going to Toulouse for a ‘business’ meeting with a representative of the Toulouse Business Exchange’.
This will be fun and interesting.
Wish me luck?
Château de Saurs, Gaillac
 
My painting shown here is of Château de Saurs, Gaillac,76 x 121 cm (30″ x 48″).
https://artfrickers.com/s-w-france/gaillac/chateau-de-saurs-gaillac/

Read moreWine and sunshine