Confluences - International Watercolor Festival

Confluences: International Watercolor in Aiguillon

Since 2008, the Confluences festival has made Aiguillon, a small town in Lot-et-Garonne at the confluence of the Lot and Garonne rivers, a must-visit event for watercolor and travel sketchbook enthusiasts. This event draws its roots from the town's rich artistic past: in the 18th century, the Dukes of Aiguillon owned a fabulous collection of master paintings and watercolor drawings in their castle, perhaps created by naturalists like Buffon or Linné. Today, the festival continues this tradition by re-emphasizing watercolor and travel sketchbooks.

An International Event

Each edition brings together about fifty renowned national and international watercolor and sketchbook artists from about ten different countries. Established talents mingle with promising young artists, offering visitors an exceptional panorama of contemporary watercolor creation. More than 250 original works are exhibited in three emblematic locations in the town: the Musée Dastrac, the Espace Théophile de Viau, and the Municipal Animation Center.

Exhibitions, Workshops, and Demonstrations

Beyond the exhibitions, Confluences offers a rich program of artistic activities:

• Watercolor workshops led by guest artists, allowing amateurs of all levels to perfect their technique
• Free public demonstrations where artists share their know-how live
• Urban sketcher meetups (sketchcrawl) in the streets and landscapes of Aiguillon
• Meet-and-greets with artists and discussions about their works and careers

Prestigious Guests of Honor

Each edition honors renowned artists, the festival's guests of honor. Among the artists who have participated over the years are recognized international watercolorists, contributing to the festival's reputation far beyond the borders of Lot-et-Garonne.

A Festival Rooted in its Territory

Aiguillon, located at the confluence of the Lot and Garonne rivers, offers a remarkable natural and heritage setting for this festival dedicated to the art of water. The town, rich in its ducal history and river landscapes, provides a privileged source of inspiration for watercolorists and sketch artists. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, contributing to the cultural and tourist dynamism of the Val de Garonne agglomeration community.

Sale of Original Works

The festival also offers the opportunity to purchase original works directly from the artists: framed watercolors, unframed originals, and art books are available for sale throughout the event, making Confluences a prime location for collectors and art lovers.