This trip has been a blend of work and play, with a few days dedicated to sketching and a fortnight devoted to a leisurely vacation. Paris, my destination, beckoned me for four nights, and it was a welcome return after a decade.
Revisiting the City of Lights
It’s incredible to think it’s been a whole decade since I last strolled the Parisian streets. Looking back at my earlier sketches, I can see how my style has blossomed. In 2009, I was captivated by capturing the essence of Paris with pencil and ink. This time, I was drawn to the vibrant world of colour.
A Twist of Fate, A Twist of Inspiration
Ironically, on my last trip, I lost my watercolour kit on the plane! I had to rely on watercolour pencils for the first few days. This time, I intentionally incorporated Caran D’ache Museum Aquarelle pencils into my work, which will be explored further in a separate article.
Wandering Through Parisian Charm
As a seasoned visitor, I didn’t feel the need to tick off any “must-see” landmarks. Instead, I embraced the spontaneous nature of travel, letting the city guide my steps. Each day was a unique adventure, with my pencil capturing the moments as they unfolded.
Sketching in Solitude: A Creative Retreat
Two days of solo exploration were a welcome retreat. It allowed me to fully immerse myself in the city’s tranquil beauty. Though I savored my solitary moments, I also reconnected with my local friends – Madgy and the USK Paris group – at the start and end of my stay.
A City of Enduring Beauty
Even though I had cherished memories of Paris from a decade ago, its splendor surpassed my expectations. It was even more beautiful than I remembered! I enjoyed three days of glorious sunshine, without the discomfort of oppressive heat.
A Glimpse into My Parisian Sketchbook
Now, let’s peek into my sketchbook, a testament to the magic I encountered in Paris:
Day One: Notre Dame, Louvre, and Parisian Delights
- A quick sketch of the Notre Dame towers captured the essence of this iconic landmark while enjoying dinner with Madgy.
- A morning stroll brought me to the majestic Louvre, where I captured its grandeur before the crowds arrived.
- The charming Sennelier art store beckoned me in, where I made a few purchases to experiment with new colours.
- Afternoon tea and scones at Mariage Freres were a delightful indulgence.
- A challenging sketch of Notre Dame bathed in sunlight brought my sketching session to a close.
Day Two: Pantheon, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, and Luxurious Tranquility
- The intriguing exterior of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, a church steeped in architectural history, became my subject for the day.
- This building holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of fascinating lectures and a memorable university assignment.
- A relaxing afternoon was spent soaking up the sun at Le Jardin du Luxembourg, a serene oasis in the heart of Paris.
- A final sketch of the view from my hotel room brought my second day in Paris to a close.
Day Three: Notre Dame, Hotel de Ville, and Artistic Delights
- I used my new pencils and brushes to capture the imposing Notre Dame, though I felt ink might have been a better choice for this complex subject.
- A spontaneous use of green in my sketch of the Hotel de Ville added an unexpected twist.
- Lunch at Laduree, a Parisian institution, offered a charming backdrop for a quick sketch of their opulent interior.
- A quick sketch of a corner building with a red awning cafe captured a typical Parisian scene.
Day Four: Notre Dame, Le Jardin du Luxembourg, and a New Favourite Place
- Another encounter with Notre Dame, this time sketching its western facade, brought me face-to-face with a throng of tourists.
- A sketch of the Pantheon and a delicious dinner in the sun at Le Jardin du Luxembourg capped off a wonderful afternoon.
- Magdy’s map led me to the charming Place de La Contrescarpe, where I captured its essence with both ink and watercolour pencil.
- A quick glimpse into the interior of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont provided inspiration for a future full-scale sketch.
- A search for a “good coffee” cafe led me to Paris’ oldest houses, a hidden gem I stumbled upon.
Day Five: Les Halles, USK Paris, and a Golden Hour Sketch
- Meeting up with the USK Paris group in Les Halles area sparked a flurry of sketches.
- The intricate canopy over Les Halles presented a complex and intriguing subject.
- The Église Saint-Eustache, a prominent church in the area, was also sketched, capturing its unique architecture.
- A group critique session provided a platform for sharing our work and connecting with fellow artists.
- A memorable sketch session at Ponte Neuf during the golden hour rounded off the day beautifully.
Day Six: Notre Dame, Place Dauphine, and Final Sketches
- A few final sketches of Notre Dame, capturing the iconic facade from different angles, marked my final morning in Paris.
- A picturesque sketch of Place Dauphine, a charming square in the heart of the city, offered a delightful glimpse into Parisian life.
- One last sketch by the river Seine and a final sketch in my hotel room marked the end of a wonderful journey.
A Farewell to Paris: A City that Captures the Heart
My Parisian adventure was a delightful blend of solo sketching, reconnecting with friends, and embracing the unexpected. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to explore this beautiful city, to lose myself in its artistic tapestry, and to carry its magic within me.
