Ariège Pyrénées - France - la grotte de Niaux

Plans are underway for us to visit the caves of Niaux!
What a fantastic once-in-a-life time opportunity, which I plan to experience twice-in-a-life time!

Unfortunately, the atmosphere in some of the caves has become detrimental to the paintings due to microorganisms caused by the heat and moisture from visitors. How much longer we will have the privilege of witnessing these ancient works of art is unknown. The caves of Lascaux are currently closed to the public.*

At this time, The Niaux Caves are currently still open to tourists, but as visits are very restricted - only one tour per day in English for a max of 20, I have sent a request to our host to make reservations for us.

Providing arrangements can be made, we will go as a small group underground and travel through the tunnels and caves. Lanterns are provided, but it was my experience that there were not enough for each person to have their own. Although I don't know if they will allow flashlights, it might be a good idea to tuck one into your bag, just in-case. Otherwise, plan on holding hands with me. Prepare to be amazed! The paintings that we will see are approximately 15,000 years old and absolutely beautiful! It will be a thrill you will never forget.

You can read more about our caves by following these links:

http://www.ariege.com/what_to_do/castlescaves/info.html
http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/chauvet/other-caves.php
http://www.donsmaps.com/niauxart.html
http://www.showcaves.com/english/fr/showcaves/Niaux.html


*In case you have not been watching the news regarding the closure of the caves in Lascaux, I'm including the following information from: http://www.artsjournal.com/culturegrrl/2008/04/lascaux_walls_to_be_scraped_wa.html

"The International Committee for the Preservation of Lascaux (ICPL) challenges the French National Television (TF1) announcement last Friday claiming the crisis in Lascaux is resolved.The report asserts that the black spots, which have attacked the cave and its prehistoric paintings since 2006, are now disappearing and gave the impression that cave is cured. Nothing could be further from the truth. While the latest biocide treatments have killed the bacteria on some of the black spots, new areas have been contaminated. Melanin, a black pigment produced by the bacteria, stain the walls and remain a permanent, visual, alteration to the cave's 17,000 year old paintings and to the overall integrity of Lascaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lascaux's administrators are currently implementing an aggressive method they call "decolorization" to remove the melanin by physically scraping the affected areas. The scraping not only removes the melanin but also layers of the walls' surface, whether painted or unpainted, thus irrevocably altering one of mankind's most famous works of art. "

WEATHER REPORT - A closet full of clothes and not a thing to wear!

I have posted a link on the right side of our blog for you to check out the average temps and precipitation for Limoux during the month of May. This may help you in selecting the weight of clothing to pack.

Some things to keep in mind:

Let's keep it casual.
While you may wish to bring along a couple of dressy shirts or tops and a good pair of slacks, you will find that for most of the trip, casual is the best way to go! We will eat in a restaurant or two and if we follow with tradition, at a farmer's home, but even for these special nights you may dress-down.

Cotton slacks or jeans, a t-shirt (I might suggest - without big slogans), and a light waterproof jacket or sweater (just in case) will be quite acceptable most of the time. (Ron will tell you that a nice scarf tied around the neck can dress up any outfit!)

There is a laundry in Limoux that you can hike to or hand wash your lighter things and hang to dry in your room or the court yard. Pack clothes that do not require ironing. (What is an iron, anyway?)

Good walking shoes are essential!

Leave your flashy jewelry at home.

Those of you who will travel to Paris after, may want to take something snazzier - better yet, buy clothes in Paris! Wayne will give you some fashion buying tips.

Updates! Mini Kits/WC Blocks/Palettes

In response to a request for a mini-kit I will be putting one together for you soon. (I think this will be helpful for students just starting out with watercolour, who may feel a bit overwhelmed!)

I have also been asked about using a block of watercolour paper, rather than individual pieces and a piece of plexi and a wooden board. I will be working with the latter, but please choose what ever you are comfortable with.... wc block or artist quality wc paper in a bound book.

I will be teaching for Cheap Joe's Art Stuff in Boone North Carolina next week, so if you would like me to pick up a Hommee Palette, let me know.

How much money should I bring?

Good question! Although I don't know how much you personally will want to spend, I will give you an idea of what worked for me in the past.

As far as how much money will you want for daily expenses, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how little is needed. Our breakfasts are great and very plentiful and most of our fantastic dinners are at home. These meals are already paid for in your fees. We are responsible for our own lunches and these can be very simple with cheese, breads, fruit, pastries etc. that can be purchased quite inexpensively at the market or shops in Limoux and taken along with us. Wine is very cheap! "Coca light" is not. Although traditionally dinner is served late in France, our hosts recognize that westerners prefer to dine earlier and so they accommodate us. We are responsible for just one dinner out per week at a local restaurant, of your choosing, or you can bring something home from the market.

Our daily activities and visits to villages are arranged so you will experience real French life, rather than tourist traps. Therefore, you will not have to be constantly putting out euros to pay for admission etc. Money for souvenirs is up to you, but it might be wise to use a credit card for these.

My suggestion is that you only carry in your pocket or money belt what you are comfortable with (or comfortable losing!) There is an ATM just down the street from our home base and although there is a fee to get cash, I think it wise not to carry too much money with you. My bank charges $4.00 for the service and there will most likely be a fee in France. I would rather pay $15.00 to get extra money, when I am running low, rather than risk a stash disappearing from my pocket or pack. We are in a very safe area, however it is wise to be cautious.

Do go to your bank and ask if your debit card will work in France. There are a variety of symbols on the back that your bank will check to confirm this. Also ask which account it will work with. (Most likely only your chequing account.) You will want to be sure to have money in that account. The bank card works only in bank machines and not at stores. Credit cards work at most shops.

I checked just today on the exchange rate to convert US or Canadian to Euros we are able to buy about 63+- Euros for $100.00. As the rates change daily, this will just give you an idea of the rates.

So to sum it up: bring along a few hundred euros and if you need more, walk up the street to the ATM machine. (or ask Ron for a hand-out)

Linda

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS!

Artist Palette

I have recently found this wonderful palette! It is made by Hommee (also called Heritage Palette) and is available though Curry's in Canada and Cheap Joe's in the States.

http://www.cheapjoes.com/art-supply/HWP18_4568_heritage-folding-palette-well.asp

Here's what Joe has to say about it:
The Heritage Folding Palette is a great travel palette that won’t put a crimp in your travel plans! The Heritage Folding palette is one of the nicest travel palettes that we have seen in a while. It’s unusual because the lid doubles as a hearty sized mixing area that has a clear removable plastic tray. This tray can also be used as a second mixing area! In addition the lid has a soft plastic seal, which keeps the palette from leaking and keeps your colors from drying out so quickly. Each well in this palette holds approximately 5ml. of paint. Here’s a tip! If you hold the tube over the deep end of the well then come back towards the shallow end while squeezing the tube, then hold the palette in both hands & gently tap the palette on a flat surface- the paint settles nicely in the wells. 18 Wells

Couldn't have said it better myself, so I didn't!

You may wish to fill the wells ahead of time and give the paint a chance to set up before you hit the sky.

Bring a palette that you like and that fits into a zip lock bag. You may wish to hunt around for an additional mixing surface, such as a white plastic plate. I have a tray from my last flight to France that the flight steward gave to me - honest!

I've include a collapsible water container and mist bottle in this picture - complete with their own plastic bag.

Have Paint - Will Travel

With all the changes in travel these days, it is essential to know how to transport your paints. You must put your paints in your checked baggage! You can not put it in your carry on.

That being the case, you will want to be sure that your clothes are protected from squishy paint tubes. I pack mine in plastic seal tight containers, such as Tupperware or Lock and Lock. The locked box of paints is then further encased in a zip lock bag.

Mark on the outside of the container and bag as shown: Non-combustible, Non-Toxic, Non-flammable and any other "Non" you might like to add. You may be able to get a safety sheet from your supplier it include. I have had my bags inspected regularly when flying as evident by the note that is left to indicate that it has been searched. With the paints labeled and stored in this manner, I have not had a problem. Of course there is always a first time, so let's hope everyone will pass through without an trouble.

I will post a list of my colours, but do bring your own favorite colours and brands. Artist's quality tube paints are superior! Small tubes will most likely be enough for you.

Paper

Watercolour/watercolor paper is surprisingly heavy, so consider how many paintings you might do each day. (Don't bring along old paintings! It is amazing to see how often students drag the sad old things along with them wherever they go.)
Always work with good quality rag paper. Coil pads may seem like good value, but will only result in frustration and poor results. Blocks will do, but I like loose sheets, torn to size.
Bring your favorite paper, weight and surface. My choices include Arches 140 or 300 lb cold press, Saunders Waterford 200 lb CP, Strathmore Gemini 140 or 300 lb.

Tear your paper into the sizes you like to work on before you leave home. I recommend that you work small. For travel, the dimensions I choose are - 5.5" x 7.5" and 7.5" x 7.5" the largest being 11" x 11".

The torn papers are then stacked and sandwiched between two pieces of cardboard or mat board and bound with an elastic band or tied with a string. Neat, organized and light! Each day you can select 2 or 3 pieces of paper of a variety of sizes to take along. The extras can be left behind for another day.

Brushes!

This particular brush caddy came from the drugstore rather than the art store. It is intended for make-up brushes, but I like it because it is much smaller and lighter. A rolled bamboo place mat works well too and allows your brushes to air dry. I will take along a minimum number of brushes. Fewer to carry/fewer to lose - I have also marked my name on the handles.
Best not to bring along expensive sable brushes. Of course, you may bring your own selection or styles and sizes.


My kit includes, from left to right:

- A rigger or signature brush
- 1.5" flat skyflow type brush
- 1" flat skyflow
- A small stiff craft brush for spatters and lifting
- Round brushes - sizes 14 and 10 - your choice of size, but go for big, rather than tiny.
- One or two 1" badger type brush. (Kemp Badger or a Skipper from Cheap Joe's Art Stuff)

Packing your Gear

Have you started to think about what painting gear you will need to take along?

It is very important to think minimal and keep it light! You will need to carry your things as we tour villages and out in the open. There will be times when we will just take out sketch books, but most likely you will want to throw your kit into the van just in case.

I will post my complete list of supplies soon, but to get you started here are a few ideas to keep things simple and portable.

1. A rolling backpack works well to cart painting equipment.

2. A small water flask for drinking or painting. There will be jugs available in the van, but you may wish to have a small container.

3. Watercolour paper.

4. A small piece of plexi-glass cut to size to fit your pack.

5. Brush caddy and brushes.

6. Light weight wooden board. Cut to fit in your pack.

7. Clips or clothes pegs to stop your masterpieces from blowing away.

8. Palette.

9. Sketch book(s) and marker.

10. Collapsible water container and small water sprayer.

11. Pencil case with pencils, markers, sharpener, watercolour pencils if you wish to use them etc.

12. Paints in a sealed container.

13. Small sack or paint bag to use when travelling extra light.

14. Tissue! Bring several packages - multi purpose... there may be times when there is no TP in the public toilettes. Here is a bit of reading to bring you up to speed: http://www.travellady.com/Issues/June05/1520atoilettimidtourists.htm

http://gofrance.about.com/od/travelplanning/ht/toilet.htm

Don't worry - once you get the hang of it you might actually enjoy the adventures that each new day brings!

15. Binoculars/bird watching book for Karin and Pat.

16. Paper towel and a terry-cloth hand towel. The cloth towel works well to sit on if you find yourself on a hillside or other natural perch.

17. Wet wipes

18. How about your camera? Of course I used mine to take the pix!

** note that most things go into your kit in zip-lock bags so as to protect the rest of our equipment and clothes.

No doubt there are more things you will want to add - a light rain jacket, snacks, sun screen, bug repelant (you can purchase small individual wipes rather than bringing big heavy bottles), candy for the teacher...

If you can think of things that I have left off the list, please leave a comment. Why not leave a comment if you can't think of something/anything.. or even if your mind is blank?

L.

An Update on Paris Museum Passes

My Parisian partner Nicolas suggested that this pass might be of interest to some of you:

http://www.parismuseumpass.com/en/home.php

Apparently it allows one to visit any of the national museums and comes in 2, 4, and 6 day packages. It is a much better price than the other passes that we looked at this winter so it is an option if you want to spend short periods of time in multiple museums.