Cafes of Paris

"La Source" cafe, Paris
(c) Lesley Powell 2013

Ever since arriving in Paris, I have been suffering "cafe envy". I walk by and hear the clatter of the dishware, the chatter of voices, the smells of coffee and coissants--and I long to be sitting right there myself with friends. My favorite cafes are located on corners, with generous awnings wrapping around the intersection.

This cafe, La Source, is one I walk past every day. I checked out the light conditions at various times of day, and decided it was a morning motif. When we finally got a sunny morning, I rushed out to try to capture the scene. Here I am loaded with my gear on the way out the door:

This was a moment when I could really appreciate the benefit of painting en plein air. I could see the sweep of the sun as it washed the side of the building. The shadows were so cool. The dappled light on the red awning so fast-changing. I could never have gotten this from a photo! I even found a spot to stand that did not interfere with pedestrian traffic or draw attention from passers-by.

Stay tuned for the "reveal" of the final painting...

Sketching at the Louvre

At the Louvre

Who needs models when you can draw from sculptures like these?? We had another rainy day, and my friend Marie and I met at the Louvre to sketch in the sculpture galleries. What a humbling experience! Drawing is, for me, a discipline that requires constant attention. I crumpled up several very expensive pieces of paper (frustration!), and resolved to devote more time to my drawing skills (hope!). 

I stayed at the Louvre all day. Sketching got harder as the day wore on, partly because I was growing tired, and partly because the museum was growing crowded. It was like trying to concentrate in the middle of Grand Central Station, with lots of curious on-lookers. Still, I ended up with one or two interesting things that will make the trip home. I particularly liked this sketch of the funerary lion (above), which is from classical Athens, and dates from 350 BC. 

Room with a View

One brief moment of sun. I knew there was not enough time to get outside and set up my easel before the clouds covered the sun again, so I quickly set up in front of the kitchen window. Sometimes having extreme time limitations can serve me well--it definitely prevents over-working the painting. 

The focal point of this painting is not the Eiffel Tower, but rather the rooftops and chimneys between my window and the Tower. I consider it a victory for the little guy when the nondescript part of the scene steals the show. 'Tis twists like that that make a painting especially interesting...