French Treats Design Week Day 3

Today we had a trip out to La Rochelle. As it was Sunday most of the shops were closed but there was a craft market down by the harbour. We got to La Rochelle for about 11.15 and all had a walk around.

John and I walked around the harbour from one side to the other and into part of the old town. It was a lovely day so there were lots of opportunities for taking photos.

We then met up again to have lunch together at a creperie (can't spell this). One of the savoury crepes was called 'Fiona'. I didn't choose it but my neighbour at the table did so I took a photo - fame at last!!

After lunch we all had to go and draw. I selected to try and draw the skyline over the top of the craft tents. I haven't taken pictures of my drawings as they were all quite quick (and not very good) sketches, but I might post them another time. However drawing in public does attract a bit of attention and I had several people stop to look at what I was doing. I was very pleased with myself that I managed to tell one lady in French that I was there with my teacher but that was it!

I was asked by another lady if I was an Urban Landscape Artist. I don't think she can have looked very carefully at my drawing. I did take lots of photos while I was there so I could possibly use them instead of my drawings. I know it is a bit of a cheat but 'a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do' to make the most of the design time.

I'll post some pictures of the design development from this day soon.



French Treats Design Week Day 2

The first day was spent in the workshop. John gave use some black and white striped paper and explained the design project for the day was to create some optical illusion pieces of design work by cutting and resticking the striped paper.

I have done this design exercise before. It is a good fun exercise to do but can be very tiring on the eyes as you are looking at black and white and optical effects all day. These are the samples I produced during the day.

These pieces are not meant to be a finished piece but could be incorporated into some other work in small sections. I did start to put some colour into the 3rd piece but have not done any more with these pieces yet. It was a good but very tiring day. We were all in bed by about 10pm!!! very early by knitting holiday standards!

French Treats Design Week Day 1

I am back in France but this week as a student on a design week with John Allen. We arrived on Friday to lovely weather and a much greener Le Vieux Monastere than last year as year as you can see from the pictures.

There were also some lovely irises outside the church. It looks like it should be a good week.