Departure- France.

The tour of France has come to an end. Today I (or moreover we) will catch a train bound for the port of Amsterdam. I have acquired the things one can only acquire while placed outside of their normal circle. This list consists of-

An unexplainable love of Edith Piaf
A relative understanding of how to cook with duck fat
A small grasp on the art form that is the French Crepe
A small amount of the French language
One incredible new rucksack
A hat that I've only seen prior on Turner Classic Movies
An appreciation of fine linen, silverware, and porcelain..

However, all these things, being fantastic as they are, can not hold a flame to the sense of belonging I found in my attic room at the Village. I will be forever indebted to Jonathan Robinson and all the others at Moulin Bregeon for the incredible hospitality and love they bestowed upon me. If you, dear reader, ever find yourself in the Loire Valley of France, make a point to stop by the Mill and eat an apple off the tree beside the stream for me, don't worry, you can't miss it.

If you'd like to see more about the Mill, check it out here.

Paris Bike Polo.

The guys at Paris Bike Polo were kind enough to let me tag along, on three occasions, to their sessions. The first night was similar to the first day of elementary school. Distance is kept while the kids that know each other stand in a circle, comparing their toys and sharing their juice, or in this case- bikes and cigarettes, and the new kids stand aside. One gentleman lent me his bike to play, and upon realization that I was no liability, they warmed up to me. By the third time I met up with their crew at the beautiful background of the Invalides area of Paris, they were offering me Red Bulls and offering me their bikes (and helmets) as though I was an old friend who happened to catch a flat on the ride over.
Great players make for great polo, and Paris has 'em.

Louvre

A few pictures from the Louvre, with cast commentary, some incredible Caramel Salted ice-cream, and an apple crumble. Hope you enjoy.

Paris- Second Look

A postcard for Mom
Macarons
Mrs. PacMan ( Moreover- soup and lettuce.)
Honda
Quiche (Personal-pan and from a pie)
Metro
Fromage.


True story.

First Look- Paris.

Here are a few shots from Paris. Also, a nostalgic picture of my old studio. It is missed dearly every time I see one of these well executed public works of art.

Fetch.

You'll have to excuse me.
Having been transplanted from the country setting I've been in, to a rooftop apartment in the 3rd district of Paris, just on the coat-tails of Marais, has gotten me distracted. However, this isn't about Paris, not yet at least. Todays post is a video of an activity that releases tension for both man and beast. Promotes fresh air consomption, and builds a bond that Elmers School Glue couldn't hold a flame to. It seems that throwing a stick is much more than throwing a stick.

Photo Set- Le Moulin Bregeon, Departure

Off to Paris tomorrow. I cannot express how excited I am to get to see the city and its inhabitants, but the end of these kinds of things is always bitter sweet. C'est la Via.
Here are some shots from the Japanese wedding (video to come!) and a snapshot of Jon teetering around.

Oct. 6th.

Its very busy here at Le Moulin Bregeon. Much gardening and other odds and ends have been tied up in expectation of our newly arrived guests, a wedding party from Japan. This is the cause of my absence, and I do wish to apologize. Here is an incredible video by (again) the beautiful, and equally as talented, Olivia James. You can see her blog at www.olivia-rae.com
Hope you enjoy, and check back soon for more WATERMARK original content.


loire valley from Olivia Rae James on Vimeo.

Serious.

Portrait of Bradford.

My friend Bradford is a character. He sent me an email the other day, and got himself placed in my sub-conscious. So, while I was drawing I turned out this guy. I'd say pretty similar.

Sometimes being friends with other artists is alright, as is the case with Bradford - As I know he won't be upset I portrayed his Latin-stache in such fine detail, or be upset by my absolute butchering of his ears.. Thanks for being a sport, Bradford.

Henry!

Sometimes, side characters are more interesting than those in the fore-front. As is the case with Henry, in this study of G. Caillebotte's "Rue de Paris".
Henry- the faceless, company-less traveler, is caught in the rain. As he was yesterday, and the day prior. It seems, Henry, no matter when you are to come or go, you're bound to do so always in the rain.

Hiding in the attic, Heavy finds solace in the blaming of the cat, or the cold.
Once a soon-to-be will inevitably become a now, won't it Heavy?
And so in the attic, Heavy waits.
The water glasses are tinkers- how now with their this's and that's,
are they so often filled to their brims with not water at all? (If I do say)
Well, of course, that's aside our point.
But, Mr. Bones, I do retire often to your refrain,
and yourself have spoke of whimsy or whirl.
Both rather wet reasons. (If I do say)
Because the water glasses are still full,
and Heavy's cold toes curl down, away.
Because they are thirsty,
and because they are cold. 
And days aren't between now's and then's.
They are between now's alone.
Because, from the views of the attic in the morning,
or more-over from the views of my eyes to the ceiling,
it looks like all we've ever had is now.

Yesterday.

Recently.

Ive been under the weather, hence the lack of new postings. Ive got a couple of new pieces to share and they'll be up soon. For now, enjoy this beautiful video put together by Olivia James, a friend who is here for a short stay. You can see her full blog at www.olivia-rae.com


dinner at le moulin brégeon from Olivia Rae James on Vimeo.

Saumur

The city of Saumur, France, is home to Richard the Lion-Heart, well, his body at least. The setting of the 100 Years War, Saumur is one of the last areas in France where the Aristocracy  still make valiant attempts to reclaim a long forgotten crown, and are more valiant still in their attempts to preserve their blood-lines.
I guess I would be gagged on a social-democracy and inter-breeding too if I had a castle.
C'est la vie, mon cheri.