I love Paris in the springtime. I love Paris (almost) every moment. I've had three scant days here and have packed in so much. The first evening I had dinner with dear friend Tara of Paris Parfait and her precious daughter Jordana. I was jetlagged but managed to keep going, with the help of their scintillating company and a couple of coupes de champagne.
Yesterday, I walked through seven arrondissements, made some sketches and happened upon one of those fabulous events you do when you're in Paris. There was a huge ceremony at Luxembourg gardens, honoring and giving medals to several army officers for valiant service. There was a miltary band that numbered in the hundreds, there were several hundred soldiers in dress summer uniform, there were all sorts of governmental officials bestowing medals and two-cheek kisses, there were the families and friends of the honored soldiers, and there were many, many raggle-taggle onlookers (like me), who just happened to be there when the stately, martial music and procession began. It was thrilling to witness. I made a quick sketch of some of the band members and it is below, with the rest of the day's sketches.
Vive la République!
Another gorgeous spectacle were the flower beds at Luxembourg gardens, all scarlet, violet, bright yellow, orange, so many greens, planted in castor bean, verbena, swiss chard, zinnias and more. Amazing aesthetic those French have!
I'd spent all of October last year in Paris and it was interesting to see how different the light and colors of September are. Comparing this year's Luxembourg garden fountain with last year's will give you an idea of what I'm talking about.
Here are the trip's first sketches in order of appearance.
Today was a marvelous day! I met Casey of rue Manuel bis, who lives in Amboise and whose energetic and robust drawings and paintings I'd long admired. She took a three hour train to meet me in Paris and we spent SIX hours together, sketching, art supply shopping, checking out the street where we both to want to live in Paris (rue Vavin), having lunch at la Coupole, sketching more, having poems read to us by a pétanque player, and getting on so famously, I miss her already! I made a quick drawing of her, which I gave her and she's going to post, along with the incredible sketches she herself made today. Be sure and check her out if you're not already familiar with her work.
I will post mine, too, as soon as I can.
I have lots more to say about Casey and about today, too, but these words will wait.
I leave tomorrow for a week watercolor workshop in les Bassacs, in Provence.
See you there!
I really enjoy your post. Lovely drawings (I live in Paris !)
Posted by: Binh An | October 29, 2010 at 10:36 AM
Hmmm, I don't know if I would like to live in Paris -my artist side: yes, but for the rest? When we were there, mainly to research my background, my then teen kids were not impressed, and couldn't wait to get back to Holland (that's where I'm originally from - but I've lived in L.A. for the past 20+ years)
Anyway - I love your sketch of the fountain!
Posted by: jeannette stgermain | March 01, 2010 at 03:08 PM
Good impressions from lover Paris, nice and pretty blog, beautiful art pics. Me also get visit Paris next vacancions and i bealive me also will take same impressif. Thamks!
Posted by: Paris Hotel | October 27, 2009 at 06:14 AM
I am so very envious! Paris! I have always wanted to go to Paris. Your paintings are breathtakingly beautiful. You do water so well! Your sketches of people are full of character and life. Sounds like a wonderful visit and I'm happy you had such a grand time.
Posted by: Sherie | November 08, 2007 at 08:46 PM
My trip is just a few short weeks away. I get even more excited after seeing your and Casey's wonderful sketches. I too am looking forward to a sketch day with Casey and Ronell! Thanks for such wonderful inspiration!
Posted by: marta | September 17, 2007 at 07:44 PM
What wonderful sketches and watercolors from Paris! I especially love the fountains, particularly the third one down...something about the palms and water speaks to me. Did you use a bit of liquid gum arabic? Can't wait to see more, safe travels!
XOX M
Posted by: Maggie | September 13, 2007 at 09:41 PM