Day 10

The Rhythm of the Day

Life at Château Orquevaux is entirely self-directed. There’s no schedule, no classes, no critiques — just time, space, and freedom. Each artist here shapes the residency to suit their own rhythms and needs. For me, it’s about staying grounded in routine, while allowing room for the unexpected.

Each morning begins slowly — a stretch, a moment to take in the view, and a short walk from my guest house down to the studio. I like to open up, set out my brushes, check in with what I was working on the day before. Then I head up the hill to the château for breakfast… and most importantly, coffee.

Back in the studio, it’s time to prepare. I don’t dive in straight away — it takes a little while to really see what I’m doing. That warm-up period is essential. I spend time mixing paint, preparing medium, laying out my tools — brushes, gloves, solvent, palette, iPad, camera, paper towel. Only once all those little rituals are complete does the real work begin.

At home, I treat painting like a job. I like to start early — between 8:30 and 9am — and work through until late afternoon. But at Orquevaux, the rhythm is gentler. Breakfast is later, so I settle into the studio around 10am. I work through until lunch, take a short break, and then dive back in until the dinner bell rings at 7pm.

After that, I let it all go. Evenings are for conversation, sharing work, or maybe just an early night. It’s a balance — solitude and connection, quiet and community. And somehow, this place makes it all feel easy.

There’s something powerful in shaping your days with intention, especially in a place so dedicated to artistic growth. It’s not just about productivity — it’s about presence. And here, with the light slanting through the windows and the studio door flung open to the fields, it’s easy to remember why I do this work.

With love from Orquevaux.

Robyn xx