The magic of the Moroccan desert
I had the chance to go several times to the Moroccan desert as part of trips organized by Xavier Roduit educational psychologist, addictologist, Life Coach, organizer of healing stays in the mountains and in the Moroccan Sahara in collaboration with Zineb and Jean-Pierre Datcharry, Owners and managers of Dar Daïf and the agency Désert et Montagne Maroc. And every time, the magic of the desert operated on my creativity.
A single moment immortalized
During these group trips, I made sketches (quick sketches) and sometimes immortalized the landscapes that surrounded me, the pilgrims who walked with me, the members of the support team but also my impressions of the reliefs of the desert, my feelings of the lessons given in the morning by Xavier Roduit (my father) and all others details that inspired me during my stays.
A memory to relive
The sketches are a trace of a unique moment. They are made with mixed techniques allowing me to experiment freely. I mix different color applications such as watercolor, pen, ink, colored pencils, neocolors or graphite. The variety of medium allows me to give free rein to my imagination and intuition thus making each drawing different.
Positive emotions to share
I am happy to share with you today a selection of my sketches for the first time. Those are colorful memories which will undoubtedly remind you of your trip to the desert! It is also a gift idea with the holidays approaching. This is why I also offer versions without frame or with frame according to your needs.
These small works represent my own interpretation of travel.
Here is a short explanation for each of the drawings to help you dive back in in the moment :
Stretched bow: In reference to the story of the monks playing in the garden. An ever tense bow gives way. He needs rest.
Camel: A camel ready to leave for the day's walk.
Scarab Path: the traces of insects in the sand evoke labyrinths. Where are they going?
Sky and dunes: The magical place of the evening bivouac with an infinity of dunes all around.
In front of the big dune: Break in front of the gigantic sand dune. The pilgrims rest and discuss.
Dunes and camels: Before leaving for the morning walk, the container with snacks for the day is ready. The camel that will accompany us grazes while waiting for the end of the course.
Mountains and Sunset Duo: At nightfall, the ocher mountains bordering the valley are tinged with purple.
Berbers and camel: On arrival at the bivouac, the camel drivers bring and let the camels graze near the tamarisk trees that surround us.
Grenades : Pomegranate trees laden with fruit in the oasis of Fint near Ouarzazate.
Fountain of Dar Daif: It is the gentle lapping of the water on arrival in the interior garden of Dar Daïf that accompanies the tasting of tea and biscuits.
Desert Master: Xavier who, using the stick, draws Plato's carriage in the sand during the morning lesson before the start of the walk.
Bivouac tent: The small tent in the bivouac kitchen which welcomes us every evening after the long walk.
Minaret from Dar Bladi: Sunset from the magnificent terrace of Dar Bladi with a view of the mountains in the distance and the minaret.
Shadow play in the dunes: The rounded shadows left by footsteps in the sand create a soft shadow play that appears as soon as the sun begins to set.
Shadow play in the sand: In the morning, the group finds itself in the hollow of a dune to still enjoy the cool shade. The silhouettes are projected on the sand forming harmonious lines.
Pilgrims during the break: Short break in the afternoon during the walk to enjoy a well-deserved snack.
Ancient coins: The sand holds secrets. Here coins with the Star of David certainly belong to Jewish traders.
Cactus pot in Dar Daïf: The guest house offers many intimate terraces decorated with local plants in pots, such as this magnificent cactus.
In Fint Oasis: The peasants harvest by hand the grass that borders the gardens of the oasis.
On camel back : Sketch ofdrawn from the camel's back. View of the pilgrim who accompanies me on this end of the crossing.
Hidden treasure: In reference to the story of the master and student who will sleep in two different houses. One with a dilapidated wall that the master redid during the night because the occupants are undeserving of discovering it.
Berbers near the fire: During the evening, the Berbers warm up near the embers of a small fire.
Caravan in the wind: Following the request of a pilgrim, long-legged camels to show flexibility and avoid the dunes.
Duo dunes : View of the dunes and tamarisk surrounding the camp in the morning during the lesson.
Dimensions :
Large and medium sketch
14,8 x 21 cm-21 x 30 cm frame
Sketch small
10.5 x 14.8 cm - 13 x 18 cm frame
Papier 200 mg
Certificate of authenticity
100% cardboard packaging