Wapping Trip

I was delighted that I was able to join the Wappers this year on their annual painting trip tp France.
The Wapping Group of Artists was formally founded in 1946 and is still going strong.

We departed with our coach from Portsmouth on the overnight ferry. First call on board is the very splendid restaurant where we all get to chat and catch up with what everyone has been up to.
Early next morning we arrived to paint in St Malo, unfortunately it was overcast and the tide was in so, no beach painting, I opted for a view of the carousel outside the walls

St Malo 10" x 12" oil on board

 By the time I'd finished the weather had brightened up so I went to the sea front and did a quick pic of the sea and the island. Very cold though.
We arrived in Le Croisic late afternoon the real enthusiasts went straight off painting, Felicity and I decided to settle into our room and went for a walk to get the lie of the land.

6.30am next day, I was on the beach trying to capture the sunrise

Sunrise, Le Croisic 6" x6" oil on board

After breakfast I walked into the town, a bit of a hike in the heat with all the art gear, it took 20 mins.
The light was lovely over the calm sea and I did a couple of quickies

Calm Sea, Le Croisic 6" x 6" Oil

this was the first one and then I turned to paint behind me, I preferred the second painting but as it is in my 'misplaced' suitcase I can't show you.
We had a couple of days painting in the town

On The Bridge 10" x 12"

By the Flower Shop 6" x 6"

Market Day 12" x 12"

View from our balcony 10" x 12"

 

 

On to Honfleur, our Hotel Ibis was ideally situated near the basin which I have to say was incredibly busy but it was a weekend. I took myself off to a quiet corner and painted the entrance to the harbour

Honfleur 12" x 12"

 I enjoyed painting this but tried a second one in a looser style which I prefer in some ways

The Lighthouse 7" x 10"

Time went very quickly and I was also in danger of running out of boards as I'd only taken 20 but fortunately I'd brought some canvas I started to paint on that, taped onto board.
I decided to try and find the beach - wow what a long walk especially in as the temperature was in the high 20's, it took nearly an hour but was worth it

Honfleur Beach 7" x 10"

 I'd planned on going back the next day but my tummy had different ideas so stayed close to Hotel and painted the Nougat seller

Nougat Seller 10" x 10"

As I was in a good spot I turned round and painted the little boat in the harbour

Green Boat 6" x 6"

I liked the reflections of the water on the hull

On the final day we weren't leaving until 1pm so managed to nip down to the Basin while it was quiet and painted this

Honfleur 12" x 10"

All in all it was an excellent trip and I have met some really lovely people and made lots of new friends. A bonus was meeting the talented Jose Salvaggio who came to join us for a couple of days. I have long admired his work.

Now all I need to do is sell a couple of the paintings so I can start saving up for next year