There've been players from many countries strutting their stuff across the Charleston stage over the past three-and-more centuries. Judging from the restaurants in the area, the French still are, but then they've been around here for a while.
The French Huguenot Church (established on this site in 1687) is the oldest continually active such congregation in the US. Services are, of course, in English, but there's one service a year conducted in French---a service to celebrate the Edict of Nantes (1598.) Charlestonians have long memories.
I sketched the Huguenot Church and its backdrop of cobalt sky and gibbous moon, while perched on a stone pedestal, jostling with a planter for seating space.
Then, I walked to John Street and 39 Rue de Jean, a bistro I'd happened by at the beginning of the week. They call themselves 'a taste of Paris' and, in lots of ways they were. The waiters wore white shirts, black ties and black trousers, with long white aprons. The menu and wine list were well selected. I'd meant to sketch and eat and that is what I did.
The charcuterie plate ( click on sketch to read ingredients) was delicious. Before I ordered, I sketched the people sitting across from me. I know it looks like the woman has two heads, but there were really two women, as you can more easily tell from the original sketch. 
Dear Laura: Your sketches are gorgeous. I am so happy I logged onto your website. Please tell me what kind of a sketchbook you use (brand name and size) Obviously it is one that will withstand watercolor paint. When you sketch do you use a pen or pencil? Thanks for the info.
Georgia
Posted by: Georgia Pogue | March 21, 2007 at 02:44 PM
Thanks very much, everyone. The cafe scene was really fun to do---and I somehow managed not to sample it before I finished sketching it. I had my paints and pencils and other accoutrement scattered all over the table set for four, where I sat alone. Stuff expands to fill the space, eh?
Posted by: Laura | February 28, 2007 at 02:31 PM
This plate of food is making my mouth water, I adore salmon. The chair and fork anchor this painting nicely. Of all your latest postings I tried to pick my favorite...and would favor the food as I am hungry and it so colorful- your trademark style-however I love the contrast of the church against the blue sky and palm tree (limited color palette) a nice change of direction. Bravo!
Posted by: Maggie | February 27, 2007 at 10:12 PM
Gosh I thought you were back in Paris, but then read down, I like the different colours and paper and what you are doing with them. Great stuff.
Posted by: Penny | February 27, 2007 at 05:26 PM
realy liked that afternoone sketch in restaurant..simple but very nice.
Posted by: Boris | February 26, 2007 at 05:52 PM
Lovely sketches ... the cafe scene is my favorite also. Great composition ... and your use of colors is yummy.
Posted by: Nancy | February 26, 2007 at 10:29 AM