Sue Boal - Painting in the South of France

St Agricole

Size 61x46 cm

The ruins of the chapel of St Agricole are near to the hamlet of les Hérmies in the le Puech commune. The building is in a sorry state of repair and the roof has completely fallen in. The interior walls were richly painted in bright colours. Sadly, the highly decorated walls are unlikely to withstand exposure to the elements for many more years. Forlorn though it is St Agricole has a special appeal as it crumbles back into the earth.

Notre-Dame d'Hortus

Size 61x46 cm

This chapel lies close to the main road between St-André-de-Sangonis and Ceyras. It was built in XIV century as an oratory, originally open-sided to allow worshippers a clear view of the altar. I love the heaviness and strength of this building, it seems as if it could stand forever.

Montalaurou

Size 61x46 cm

The chapel of Montalaurou is situated in a clearing in pines near the village of Pailhès. George discovered this chapel and includes it on his website The Secret Chapels of Herault. His website is well worth a visit. The clean, simple lines of this chapel appeal to me. George describes it as 'showing its best side to the camera' the other walls are slate hung and rather dilapidated. I know how it feels.
I'm working on a short series of these lovely, hidden chapels.

L'Ermitage St Antoine du Lac

Size 65x50 cm

Near to Castlenau de Guers the hermitage stands on the hillside surrounded by beautiful views. The walls are crumbling into the earth but the arch rises, solid and defiant. I wanted emphasise the loneliness, the sense of infinity, of wide empty skies in contrast to the firmly rooted vigour of the pine. The hermitage endures. Its peaceful atmosphere is enjoyed by walkers and practitioners of Tai Chi.

Rennes-le-Château

Size 55x38 cm

The mystery surrounding Rennes-le-Château, includes rumours of a fabulous treasure concealed by the priest Bérenger Saunière.
"Il y a deux histoires: l'histoire officielle, menteuse, puis l'histoire secrète ... " (Honoré de Balzac)

St Pierre et St Paul, Lamalou-les-Bains

Size 24x35cm

Pont Romain, St Thibéry

Size 55x38cm

I sold this one from one of my exhibitions at 'The Marroniers' restaurant in Lamalou-les-Bains. Andy and I came across the Roman bridge quite by accident. There are picnic benches and tables beside the mill. It's a lovely place to visit and the bridge is in a remarkably good state of repair for its age!

Canal du Midi

Size 46x38 cm

As you know by now, I'm rather keen on watery scenes. This was a beautiful, bright day.

Canet Lumière d'Hiver

Size 33x46 cm

The Plane trees, so familiar in the south of France, are solid and enduring. They shed their bark to reveal the clean new skin beneath in shades of cream that reflect the winter light.

Canet le Pont

Size 46x33 cm

The old and the new under a winter sky.