Sunday, November 16, 2025

Le Rendez-vous International du Carnet de Voyage 2025

 

Stuff I bought
Mid-November I always try to show up the annual 3-day Carnet du Voyage in Clermont-Ferrand.

Every year 
Is a great source of inspiration 
Of art, artists, 
Illustrated 
Sketchbooks.
Artists all over the world 🌍 start applying in May for a chance to come and show their travel-related artwork at the fair.
Many of the artists 
Work in watercolor.
This artist works 
With gouache, a more difficult medium in my opinion.
And there are no limits to where you can travel 
Or what you can sketch.
These artists are fearless 
Adventurous. 
No pastry shops or afternoon tea on their agendas 😬 
Not for the feint of heart ❤️ 
Every artist present, must provide some printed matter 
To sell in the boutique. Then they autograph it for buyers, usually adding a unique original sketch ✍️ 
Endless Adventure/travel BOOKS 📚 
Of all kinds are available, 
Some with no illustrations. The French are mad for books 📚 
But if you see something of interest, grab it. They are not into reprinting last year’s books.
I had no problem grabbing up some delicious art supplies, always on offer at the fair, like irresistible cookies 🍪 

Are you mad for French art supplies too?
My favorite watercolor paper was here (see 1st picture) - Montval by Canson Paper. Have you tried it? 
Pas cher but as responsive as many more expensive papers. I like their X-L too 👍
Here is a delicious tiny watercolor sketchbook I found on Etsy, with paints & brush included. The mini tube is shown for scale.
In addition live demonstrations and lectures were going on.
Such a relaxed and casual event 😊


21 comments:

  1. mary p. stewart10:22 AM

    i prefer an artist who makes time for tea in the afternoon, myself....from following you and purchasing much of your art, i too have become intersted in watercolor painting and tried some last vacation in feb....alas, i haven't gone back to it but want to so much...its so relaxing....thanks for the inspiration and i love all your posts <3

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    1. Anonymous4:59 AM

      Try doing really simple things like just coloring in squares with paint, wet on wet (like above)
      That’s how I warm up when I feel rusty.
      Maybe I will do a post…✍️

      Delete
  2. Bonnie L12:33 PM

    Love looking at the artist’s work…and yours! Delightful, so much talent. You must be like a kid in a candy store with all those watercolor supplies. Have a pleasant train ride home. 😘

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    1. Anonymous4:57 AM

      Yes art supplies are my candy.
      I bought exactly the same DiVinci watercolor brush I fell in love with and bought last year! Nutz 🌰 But having 2 of the same brush is rather nice 😊

      Delete
  3. I would be insane here. I wouldn't no where to go first and I'm sure they would be throwing me out at closing long before I was ready to leave. It looks fantastic, Carol. The question being, when will YOU be one of the artists!

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    1. Anonymous4:55 AM

      No one gets thrown out Jeanie!
      Especially you. Lots of fun

      Delete
  4. Anonymous1:17 PM

    Carol, Thank you so much for posting this. My dream is to attend this event sometime. I’ve been fortunate to attend workshops here in Seattle with Gabriel Campanario, the artist (from Spain) who started the global Urban Sketchers org. He attended this event, too. Love your watercolors!

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    1. Anonymous4:52 AM

      Thank you!
      I took a workshop with Gabi at London Urban Sketchers
      An amazing artist but he works really small!!
      https://parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com/2019/11/rendez-vous-carnet-de-voyage-clermont.html

      Delete
  5. Anonymous1:41 PM

    This looks like heaven, wondering if and why you aren't a part of this? Seems perfect for you. Your work would be such an beautiful addition!

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    1. Anonymous4:48 AM

      Because my sketchbooks are tiny Clairefontaine ring-bound notebooks 📓
      These people work B I G!!! HUGE.
      Mine are 3 1/2” x 5 1/2” 😬

      Delete
    2. Anonymous4:54 AM

      https://parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com/2022/11/rendez-vous-du-carnet-de-voyage_20.html

      Delete
  6. Anonymous1:56 PM

    I recall you posting about this event in previous years and it would be such a dream to attend!!! I agree with all the others that you should be there, but even more so, I feel you need to create a book filled with your art and your story! Hugs, kisses and ❤️ from 🇨🇦

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    1. Anonymous4:46 AM

      It is So much work Nicole.
      And my travel adventures are limited to mostly Paris 🥐

      Delete
  7. Anonymous4:08 PM

    I would love to attend an event like this one. I got a beginners set of watercolors recently and a watercolor booklet just to see how I like watercolor painting for fun. Thanks for sharing this post Carol. -Suzanne P.

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    1. Anonymous4:41 AM

      You would love it Suzanne! There are 2-hr intro classes taught by the sketchers as well. Everyone is sharing how-to and demonstrating

      Delete
  8. Sukicart5:00 PM

    Such a fun exhibit even though my artistic talent is limited to crafting. I’d definitely be buying some of those books.

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    1. Anonymous4:44 AM

      You would be surprised Suki. You have a good eye 👁️
      That is half the battle 👍

      Delete
  9. Anonymous7:33 PM

    So much eye candy! Does if feel overwhelming?

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    1. Anonymous4:42 AM

      Yes! But then you recover. So much to explore.

      Delete
  10. An unusual topic for a convention! But I'd love it. Beautiful supplies!!!! Thanks so much.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:43 AM

      Travel sketchbooks expo? There are others but this is the biggest & oldest.

      Delete

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