Near Bergerac, France

I like paintings that display the good use of lights and darks and you are certainly not frightened of using really strong darks. I like your style and am envious of you having in laws in an area with such lovely subjects for painting plein air. Good painting Sean.

It's a beauty.

Thanks, Barry. Like you, I am a student of Steve Hall, and also Fletcher-Watson from many years back! Yes I'm old!!! I think we have very similar approaches to watercolour, treatments and final vision. It's good to see a kindred spirit here. Do you paint outdoors a lot?

Thanks Henry

Wow, wonderful contrast Sean, you handle watercolour beautifully!

I'm very lucky Sean, two years ago several friends and myself started a plein air group. We paint in and around Bath and Bristol and includes some brilliant artists Steve Hall, Jem Bowden, Paul Weaver and Tim Wilmot all attend regularly. I feel that they have all helped my art so much.

Love the mass and solidity of your buildings - and how very French!

Lucky indeed, Barry! An illustrious list of fine watercolourists. Love it! And yes, in that company, you ALL learn from one another.

Robert - thanks for the observation. You are right! Hadn't notice that before.

Thank you Fiona - that's most kind.

Lovely work Sean love the dramatic lighting

Thank you, Denis.

Interesting composition, beautiful use of watercolour Sean.

Superb

Lovely subject and treatment

I like it but it looks like a war-torn Biarritz than a sunny part of France. Maybe it wasn't sunny that day ..

Wonderful watercolour, Sean, i like your style that reminds me of great watercolourist Joseph Zbukvic.

Carole - thank you. Yes, this composition struck me as interesting.

Jenny and Derek - thanks for your kind words.

Fascinating observation, Karen. Yes it does look a bit war-like - now you come to mention it, and it most certainly was hot and sunny. That's why I painted from the safety of the shade. I wanted to capture the deep, deep shadows against the bright sunlit.

Cesare - many thanks for your comment. Joseph Zbukvic is indeed a great modern master of watercolour. Your comments are high praise indeed! Of those who've past on, Seago, Wesson and Edgar Whitney are the ones who I have studied the most. Modern masters whose watercolours I greatly admire are Castagnet, Pekel and Zbukvic. I'd also include Amanda Hyatt, whose work is glorious!

Thanks Michael - yes, Monflanquin is beautiful. I'm back in Bergerac next month - looking forward to the light, glorious subjects and French hospitality.

Has that French country town feel to it.

Thank you, Stephen.