Sketches

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Limbourg

Sunday afternoon, I drove into the Ardennes to a little town called Limbourg. The centre is located in the valley, on the banks of the river Vesdre. But on top of the hill there is the ancient part of Limbourg, with old houses and a large cobbled marketplace.
I found this abandoned and derelict little house opposite the church. While I was drawing and painting, an old local man came up chatting to me about the old days, as far back as World War 2. As it was in French it was too difficult to listen and draw simultaneously. I admit I was a little annoyed because I wanted to finish the colouring, and the light was fading fast. On the other hand, if I hadn't be there to draw, I would never have heard these lovely stories.

6 comments:

Benjamin j. said...

It's amazing the stories and people we learn about as urban sketchers. I must admit that I would have loved to see the finished sketch without interuption, but now you have a great story to go with it. Wonderful work great use of atmospheric perspective.

Benjamin j.

If you'd like you can check out some of my sketches at www.bmelgares.com
Hope to hear your thoughts on my work.

Rene Fijten said...

Thanks for visiting Benjamin. The guy left in time, I finished the sketch all right, but I had to touch up the painting a little at home.
You have a nice blog yourself.

Michael Lukyniuk said...

Its amazing how you find these places. Are they near your home or a region you regularly visit, or do you research landmarks that may have an artistic value?
Your composition catches our eye - nice brickwork and the 'scribbled' bushes in the foreground give the impression of abandon that you sought to convey.

Rene Fijten said...

Thank you Michael for visiting. This is all in my habitat, I consider myself very fortunate to live here. The German border is about 8km from my house, the Belgian (Flamish) border about 10km., the French speaking parts 25km.
Cologne, Aachen, Liége and Brussels are within an hour drive, Paris and London in 4 hours.
There is a 18th century castle literally around the corner, and a 16th century one on the other side of town. And sometimes I still have no idea what to draw next..... ;)

LuTi said...

Er zijn vele fotogenieke (sorry, tekengenieke:)) plaatsen in de Ardennen.
Mooie schets.

Rene Fijten said...

En de Ardennen zijn voor ons gelukkig dichtbij.