Few roads head through the Camargue plain. This area unfolds between
the two mouths of the Rhone river on the southern coast of France. While travellers
rarely leave these roads the Camargue horse moves with sure-footed confidence
through this marshy wasteland.
With an area of over 930 km2 (360 sq mi), the Camargue is western
Europe's largest river delta. It is a vast plain comprising large brine lagoons
or étangs, cut off from the sea by sandbars and encircled by reed-covered
marshes. These are in turn surrounded by a large cultivated area.
Approximately a third of the Camargue is either lakes or marshland. The
central area around the shoreline of the Étang de Vaccarès has been protected
as a regional park since 1927, in recognition of its great importance as a
haven for wild birds. In 2008 it was incorporated into the larger Parc naturel
régional de Camargue.
But the bell of the ball are those Shaggy-maned, Camargue stallions, scarred
by battles amongst their own herd, their shrill calls echo in the vast emptiness
of the area, and their presence, impressive and intoxicating.
The horses of the Camargue are believed to be of Arab breed, introduced
in medieval times by Saracen invaders who landed on the nearby coast to sweep
into Spain. Some of the Saracens’ sturdy white horses roamed riderless into the
Camargue area and bred there, creating a new home for themselves.
Whether you are a painter or photographer, the light here is golden.
Whether it is kissing the water of the medetranian, caressing the white coat of
the Camargue stallions, or creating that perfect catch light in one of the
thousands of birds eyes… you have to visit the area to appreciate what we
experienced.
I already decided I will return next year. Look for a private workshop that I will be doing in July of 2014 and a 2 day extension to my Paris workshop with Denise Ippolito in September 2014.
Contact me if you are interested,
Kev
