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Monday, May 23, 2016

Blacktown Medieval Fayre 2016

My Lords and Ladies, I'll take you to an international jousting competition, historical battles, archery, crafts stalls and lots more! A great fun, Blacktown Medieval Fayre, all free! The jousting excited audience most! A contestant and kind lady explained me the rules to get a score. Hit the target/shield on the opponent (= a heart) or hit upper the shield (= a head). Interesting, the lady also told me that the contestants armoured in the 14th Cetury style. It means that armour does not full cover a body. Yes, in my sketches, horsemen/women put on leather or colthes. In the 14th C, the total weight of armour was from 35 or up to 50 kg. In the 15th C, it became heavier, 50 kg in average. I tried the helmet later and felt it so heavy! Thank you for the historical information, the lady at "Full Tilt."   
Of course, all the people at Medieval stalls teased at my complaint of the heavy armour, saying, "You have to protect your life!" Ah, yeah, not the matter of fashion. In the knocking off, sometimes, broken lances flew up very high in the air, which made audience, "Oooohhh!" The jousting contestants and their horses looked colourful and noble. In watercolour painting, I only weighed on values and colours, because I could only see the subjects in detail from the distance. It worked out positive. The jousting participants and audience loved my sketches. Thank you!  Below, a brave "lady" was in a bull like helmet. 
Btw, do you realise that all jousting participants use right hands? I asked the kind lady, "What about a left handed person?" A horseman must use a right hand is the jousting rule. "So, a left handed person struggles to get used to a right hand in jousting," was the lady's answer. Wow, really fascinating! 
The most beauty of jousting is the sportsman ship. The contestants praised at each other after the fighting. Lovely. 
OK, does anyone want to see a battle field? All armoured men made a good fight on the ground. The big bashing sounds scared me enough. I could imagine how heavy the swards and other weapons were! But some guys played like clowns and made us laugh. Oh, thank goodness, it was the entertainment, not the real war.   
In the battle game, the archers hit the shields of the armoured soldiers. One lady in a green dress was very eye catchy. Here we go! Btw, I tried to pull a bow and a guy at a stall helped me. No, I could not!! Friends, it means you pull 30 pounds or so. (*I have no idea!) "Oh, I'll give up archery," said I. "No, no! You can't drive a Ferali from the beginning. Start from an easy bow and gradually, move onto a hard one." Ferali made me laugh loud though, his kind say gave me hope! I may join the group and try it?!  Thank you for kind help, "The Society of Creative Anachronism." 
The Medieval Fayer had craft stalls. Glutton Sadami wanted to try food though, the food in that time deprived my appetite. So, I enjoyed to look at weaving. This lady explained the very long process, how women made yarns and clothes. All day long, women worked on making fabrics for family, while men hunted for food and they cocked for busy women. To be honest with you, I could not stand it, if I were born in that era. Oh, I REALLY felt the meaning of "Industrial revolution" and thanked for the mass production. At the same time, I told myself, "Don't waste!"   
Thank you for the lady and her lovely daughter who taught me lot and demonstrated the weaving! 
Another demo stall I visited was Blacksmith. This 20th Century man fell in love with an artisan's demo when he was in a teenage and decided his direction to be a blacksmith. I love to look at craftsmen and admire their craftsmanship. 
Did you enjoy the Medieval Festival with me? Which image do you like best? These are my precious references for illustration. I'd say special thanks for Blacktown Council and all the organisations that carried out the event. The fair was wonderful and freebie. Many people so much enjoyed to look around it for two days. I sometimes wonder if I were in the 20 Century or not! The enthusiasm of Medieval lovers was great. All of the society members said, "I wish I could get in a time machine. I want to go back to that time and see their lives." Their passion and dedication amazed me most. The Blacktown Meieval Fayre was held on the huge reservation area and the beautiful park. This should be recognised that the free event offered plenty of free car parking spaces. In particular, there were lots of disability parking spots. It enabled people with disability, their carers, family and friends to access the event easily and enjoyed it fully and together, which included me! Thank you!! 
Friends, you, too, enjoy to sketch around events and people. It's a great fun! 
Have a creative week!   


  













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18 comments:

  1. Wonderful sketches and stories, Sadami! I love Medieval Faires. We have one called "King Richard's Faire" in Carver, Massachusetts. Such fun to spend the day there. I did some knife throwing and archery one year when we went. My husband got a blue ribbon from the Beautification Committee for helping to beautify their town with his good looks. LOL If was loads of fun. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. So much fun!

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    1. Thank you very much, Carol. Sounds you had a wonderful time in fairs. I hope you will enjoy the medieval fayre in your local. The Blacktown Meieval Fayre was held on the huge reservation area and the beautiful park. It was great. You, too, enjoy adventures. Best wishes, Sadami

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  2. What a wonderful event, Sadami! Your drawings give a great impression. I like the blacksmith, the way you sketched his movement.

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    1. Yes, Judy, if you have a similar event in your local, try and have fun. It's great to sketch them. Thank you for the feedback. I love the blacksmith, too and will put colours on him -- emphasised light, I'm thinking. Cheers, Sadami

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  3. Fabulous sketches Sadami, looks like it was so much fun there for the participants and for you! I haven't commented on all your previous posts, but enjoyed them as always and am inspired by your energy and passion!

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    1. Oh, sweet and busy Cathy, I know you've always supported me and we have helped each other. I appreciate your friendship. Yes, this event was very popular and so many people enjoyed them all. I look forward to a next year and some organisations invite me for a winter one. Cheers, Sadami

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  4. Pero Sadami... qué bien te lo pasas con estas justas medievales!! Ya conozco el tema puesto que cerca de mi casa, en Francia, hay un castillo que hace todas esta exhibiciones: Justas de caballos, peleas entre caballeros, tiro con arco, herrería y... baile medieval. He ido dos veces con mis nietos, pero nunca he tenido tiempo de dibujar. Tu lo has hecho y muy bien. Te han quedado fantásticas estas acuarelas y es muy difícil dibujar o pintar con tantas personas, colores y movimiento. Te felicito!
    Un fuerte abrazo.

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    1. Oh, gracias, Joshemari! Cuando se visita una próxima vez Meieval Feria, espero que puedan disfrutar de esbozar ellos. Podría ser una buena idea, no decirle a sus nietos? !! Es maravilloso para disfrutar de esbozo. La gente parada e incluso los visitantes disfrutar de mis bocetos y compartimos la alegría. El bosquejar tiene un poder maigcal! Seguro que va a tener esa superpotencia con usted! Divertirse, Joshemari!
      Los mejores deseos, Sadami

      Oh, thank you, Joshemari! When you visit a Meieval Fair next time, I hope you can enjoy to sketch them. It might be a good idea, not to tell it to your grandchildren ?!! It's wonderful to enjoy sketching. The stall people and even visitors enjoy my sketches and we shared joy. Sketching has a maigcal power! Sure you will have that super power with you! Have fun, Joshemari!
      Best wishes, Sadami

      >>> Joshemari said...
      But Sadami ... how well you spend it with these medieval fair !! I know the topic since near my home in France, there is a castle that makes all this exhibitions: Justas horse, fights between knights, archery, blacksmithing and ... medieval dance. I went twice with my grandchildren, but I never had time to draw. You've done very well. They've been fantastic these watercolors and is very difficult to draw or paint with so many people, colors and movement. Congratulations!
      A hug.

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  5. Dear Sadami amazing sketches if thus wonderful festival. All are so excellent but my favorite is the second one. Love the movement if the horse in this one. Please take care and have a super day. Hugs!

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    1. Thank you, Debbie! Very happy to know you like them. You, too, please take care and enjoy your life fully! ((Hugs))!

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  6. Such great sketches, I feel like I was there without the noise, of course! ha ha I really like the archer - I think you should have put your face on her (or him), though :) Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Oh, sweet Rhonda, thank you! Yeah, I should put me on the lady archer aiming at a target. I'll focus on the future and work on!! Thanks for encouragements. Cheers, Sadami

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  7. Oh wow, Sadami, what a festival! My boys would have loved to be there. I love your sketches/painting as always. So beautifully loose. I think I like the black smith (with his hammering arm) and the archer best, but it is hard choose. Thank you for stopping by my elephant parade;-) - always delighted and honored when you visit!!

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    1. Thank you, Minnemie, sure your family will love it. Come over a next year. Very happy to know you love the blacksmith and the archer. It seems visitors love them. I always enjoy your blog posts. Keep up your wonderful work. Best wishes, Sadami

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  8. I haven't visited blogger for quite a while... you have been so productive, Sadami. I see so many wonderful sketches and paintings. You keep telling stories and taking us places, as well as involving us in discussions. It is always fun visiting your blog! Keep having fun!

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    1. Thank you, Blaga! We are in winter. You can enjoy to sketch waves plain air. I hope I will keep up my blog post and it will give visitors joy and rest in their busy lives. Best wishes, Sadami

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  9. Seems like a great festival for wonderful sketches by you :) I can feel the fun you had !

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    1. Meera, you have to come a next year and let's sketch together!! Cheers, Sadami

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