I really dig this Rochechouart Castle painting by French artist, Gav Banns. I love the composition. The sky is so soft and the yard is so inviting. It kind of looks like an illustration in a storybook.

The Rochechouart Castle was built in the 13th century. The Viscounts of Rochechouart reigned for 800 years in the castle. I can’t believe that any building would last that long!

Many rulers came and went. An interesting story is the wife of Aymeric VI (1170-1230) who built the current castle,  Alix, was accused of adultery by the official of the castle. It is said she was locked up in the lion’s cage in the east tower where the animal did not devour her, but lay down at her feet instead. She was cleared and the intendant was thrown into cage, where he was eaten soon after.

Who knows if it’s true or not, but I’m sure it’s safe to say this castle is filled with stories.

Gav says that for the past decade he has immersed himself in reading and studying the old masters. He says that submersing oneself into art silences the constant chatter of the mind, it allows you to enter a state of flow and being without any of the trappings or disturbances of modernity. As such, it is a necessity for myself personally, to make a meaningful connection with the physical world as perceived by the senses, as well as the internal.

Indeed.

Gav is in the Saatchi Gallery. He lives and works in France. If you dig this as much as I do, here is my link to purchase.

#art, #gavbannsart, #artforsale, #featuredart, #impressionistart, #landmarkart, #saatchiart, #wallart