The Tree Bridge
Bridge over tranquil waters
Today I visited Pont-Aven in Brittany, which is named after the river that runs through it. This is a real haven for artists, and there are many galleries along its idyllic streets. The town is well known for its association with Paul Gauguin, the post-Impressionist painter, as well as artist Émile Bernard and the École de Pont-Aven art movement.
It's a lovely place to stroll around and take in the picturesque buildings and gorgeous river views. I crossed over a bridge that on first viewing appeared to be made of wood, but on closer inspection it was made of concrete and had been made to look like wood. We stood there for a while and watched a cormorant diving amongst the fish, he seemed to be failing to catch anything but finally he triumphantly emerged with an eel in his mouth. The eel was not giving in easily and the cormorant appeared to lose it a couple of times, but after a few minutes of struggling he swallowed it whole. I gave him a little clap for his efforts and the great show he had provided. Though I felt a little sorry for the eel too!
We found a lovely restaurant right next to the river, Le Moulin du Grand Poulguin. Pont-Aven was known for its watermills, this restaurant still has a working water wheel.
We had a fantastic view from the window of the bridge as we ate our lunch, so obviously I got my sketchbook out and made a drawing.
I used a black fine liner pen to draw the view of the bridge, river and trees. The cidre (cider) and the crêpes helped with the drawing process!
I finished off the picture by bleeding the pen with a damp brush and adding a splash of watercolour.
'The Tree Bridge' 2017
Looks like a really lovely spot! Sometimes I think it would be fun to create an "Art Bucket List" that was all made up of places with great art traditions and places that have been painted over and over. There must be a very special creative atmosphere there...
Oh definitely, so many artists here and steeped in art history too.
Love the result!
that's a very beautiful pont!
That's a super cool @opheliafu. Do you have a portfolio website with all of your work?
http://www.opheliafu.co.uk/ There is a selection on here. My Steemit blog has a lot more though.
Hello there. Really interesting story and even better art work and pics. I thinks it's really all been said in the comments but seeing where you were and what you did was fascinating. You do have talent and I enjoyed the post very much. I really was surfing around and stumbled across this. Glad I did and you have a new follower.
A successful stumble I hope! Thank you @Stillwater :D
I think it will be and I look forward to more.
Your sketches are good for a fast drawing, I do not know how to draw but I visit the galleries a lot, I can spend an hour glancing at an art piece, it helps me think through difficult times.
Yes @xpency, Art can be an amazing source of inspiration and healing!
I can testify that, all you have to do is watch, and it changes your emotions.
Looks am amazing place and fantastic art work as usual :)
It is a beautiful place, well worth a visit.
Looks lovely, would love to retire in France.
Very beautiful! And I really like you showing where you were drawing from. It's interesting to think about the artists perspective like that.
It's fun for people to see the creative process I think :D
Painters always amaze me. Finding everyday views and making them even better on paper.
A great compliment for all painters- very cool!
Wow!! This is living in your creation!
Thank you @uday625 :D
To me that bridge appeared normal, until I noticed your drawing of it. That was a quick transformation of mundane everyday object to a thing of beauty!
It was a quirky bridge, so I had to draw it!
Really great, your pictures as your designs are amazing. You have a talent! I'll follow you. Good work!
Awesome! Thank you @izbing