Above is my good friend, and fellow painter, Simon Fletcher. He and his lovely wife, Julie, have just spent a few days with us at Chateau Cro.
Old friends are a treasure to be nurtured. We drank, ate, laughed, discussed, listened, swam, and criticised. We almost put the world to rights, but left just a few of the more difficult tasks for a later date.
Certain guests are always a pleasure to have around, and we were genuinely sorry to see them head back to their home in L'Herault yesterday morning.
Some of Simon's work can be seen here..... http://www.simonfletcher.org/gallery.php
Nice paintings!
ReplyDeleteSimon is one of Europe's foremost watercolour painters.
DeleteFabulous watercolours I love the ceramics do have one of the pots?
ReplyDeleteNo, but I do have a couple of watercolours.
DeleteHe reminds me of Bill Travers.
ReplyDeleteI'll tell him.
DeleteAgree about old friends - you don't have to prepare for them coming - they just fit in.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. They were like family.
DeleteThe watercolours are absolutely stunning. I shall come back when I have more time and look at every one! Has Simon ever produced a " teaching course" in any form? I have dabbled in watercolours and his style is what I would aspire to….beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI don't think he's ever written a 'how to' book, but he does write about techniques, materials, etc.
DeleteThe only book mentioned is his "The Painter's Studio Handbook"
DeleteWhat a multi-talented man Cro. I love the free style and the use of colour in his watercolours and I love his ceramics too.
ReplyDeleteA clever boy.
DeleteDoes he still wear his trousers tucked into the top of knee-length boots?
ReplyDeleteNo. It was quite hot whilst he was here, so shorts and T shirts were worn by all.
DeleteAnd knee-length boots?
DeleteSandals.
DeleteKnee-length sandals, like Pan's People? How's Julie?
DeleteOn good form. She's a very smiley person.
DeleteThis is purely out of curiosity (remember, I do work in research): Why would you use a stock photo of a friend visiting you at home instead of one hot off the selfie press?
ReplyDeleteU
Because I didn't take any photos. I hadn't thought of writing about him until early this morning.
DeleteHis work is beautiful. I'm glad you thought to write about him.
ReplyDeleteI hope he won't be mad at me.
DeleteI had a quick look at his paintings, they are divine. Some guests are easier to host than others.
ReplyDeleteThey are very easy people to get along with, even if they weren't good friends. Luckily they are.
DeleteHe is not a watercolourist in the style of "Low tide in North Norfolk".
ReplyDeleteMost modern watercolours can accept some influence from the Norwich School. I presume that is what you meant?
DeleteNo I didn't mean that. I meant that Norfolk is full of water colour painters who turn out creeks and North Norfolk scenes to order. You can pick them up almost anywhere in the county. Mr Fletcher's use of colour is very different as is his subject matter for a water colourist. And no North Norfolk creeks at low tide. I approve.
DeleteIsn't it great to solve all the world's problems in the sanctity of your own home? He produces fantastic works. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteAnd leave a few for later.
DeleteSometimes when I get together with friends I've known for "a while," we will be astonished to realize we met over forty years ago. We never run out of topics to discuss and reasons to laugh together.
ReplyDeleteI will have a look at your friends artwork later today.
Best wishes.
We don't get together as often as we'd like, but it's always great when we do.
DeleteTime spent with old friends is always time we'll spent. I'm glad you had such a good visit!
ReplyDeleteIt was a really good few days.
DeleteI love the colours!
ReplyDeleteGreetings Maria x
No matter which way I try, I can't access your link, so will Google him later.
ReplyDeleteSuccess - finally managed to access the link.
ReplyDeleteFantastic - his use, and clarity, of colour are superb. Interesting to see his "relaxed" approach to painting.