Soup with Francis

A lunch with the brilliant Francis Pratt, potato, leek and broccoli soup, salad and a few other goodies the best of which is our conversations. I met Francis when realising I have very odd colour vision, ‘special eyes’ or ‘colour blind’ being two extremes of description, I first attended his Painting School of Montmiral way … Read more

Arrived safe, ish

Wish you where here ?

After an 8 hr 45 minute drive I arrived safely at the house of my friend Hervé Boitel in the Tarn department.

I drove through a mixture of heavy rain and bright sunshine, yet again wishing I had a co driver.

We have to make the best of what we have don’t we?

I stopped en route at the Aire de Vendee and as it was raining in fair imitation of a tropical downpour and chilly too, I ignored my salmon and mayo sandwiches and treated myself to a nice hot meal.

My mostly very good driving record was blotted for me by my car being side swiped in heavy traffic on the Bordeaux periferique by a driver who did not stop.

That will set me back 90 € for the damage excess on my insurance …

Such is life, I’m shipshape and the car will benefit from a respray on that side.

Read moreArrived safe, ish

L’Occitane

Today I was asked one of those questions that
1. is so good I’d thought it should be shared.
2. I only know part of the answer so maybe you can tell me more?
My good friends of many years Sue and Edwin Morton who live in Canada asked, or at least, Edwin asked “isn’t Occitainie an administrative region in France? May have the ranking wrong”.
Sunrise 6 August
I responded with :

Read moreL’Occitane

A New Sunrise

My #painting “Sunrise 4th August”, new on my web site, one of a remarkable series yet to be exhibited. A mysterious sunrise rich with the promise of a new day, a painting by Gordon Frickers, measures 30 x 40 cm (12″ x 16″), yours for £850. Purchase Now  with Paypal or bank to bank One … Read more

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

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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?

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