As I'm traveling alone, I had to pinch myself. Groggy from jet-lag, I awoke today to a chilly, wet, gray Paris morning, rather like the Seattle I'm used to. But the similarity stops there...this is no Seattle!
Yes, it's finally here...the opportunity of a life time to sketch, paint, draw, study and experience the architecture and urbanity of this amazing city, thanks to the incredible generosity of one George Parker Jr. and the jury who saw fit to award this year's Gabriel Prize to moi. To them, I am profoundly humbled and grateful--grateful to my core--and I hope I can honor this legacy by producing some beautiful work over the next three months.
I also awoke to a state of shock...yes, I've left my husband and two kids back in Seattle for a big chunk of time. Yes, I'll be on my own most of the time in Paris (have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit alone in a romantic Parisian cafe?) And yes, the pressure is ON to find my artistic self at last, draw and paint non-stop, and produce something worthy of this incredibly, unbelievably rare opportunity. I hope I rise to the challenge.
Today in the rain, I made my way to the nearby Jardin du Luxembourg, peppered with young people in romantic poses at one end and with small groups of tourists in the other. It was raining, but under the canopy of the dense rectangularly-trimmed trees, it was very dry, so quite a few people were huddled together listening to the rain hit the leaves overhead. It was lovely.
I pulled out sketchbook number one, turned to the first blank page, and plunged in.
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| Palais Luxembourg, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris May 16
Above is the first post from Paris on my blog "Drawing Perspectives" www.stephaniebower.blogspot.com...I figure I'll post a few images in the next three months on the Seattle Urban Sketchers website, but I'll refrain from inundating the Seattle blog with images of France. However, if you are curious to see how this sketching adventure goes, I soooo invite you to check out the postings on the blog.
Also, I'll be meeting Paris Urban Sketchers this Sunday--I am so VERY excited to meet them, so grateful to be met by a welcoming community.
Last--does anyone know how to get a good jpeg of a sketch without a proper scanner?
Bon Nuit!
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How splendid for you! Great post! Enjoy every minute!
ReplyDeleteBon Jour, Peggy--thank you so much for this message! I'm still too excited about sketching to sleep!
ReplyDeleteI will indeed make the most of this time here...thank you~~
Stephanie, If you have a tripod and a good evenly lit spot in your hotel, then maybe you can shoot your sketches in a consistant way to be scans. Also if you can find a copy center, many newer copiers have scan capabilities. Or ask the Parisian Sketchers for ideas.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to your blog posts...I am so jealous!!!
Oh Boy!! GREAT first sketch!! I am SO excited for you! And second best for me is being able to see and read about your adventures!! Thanks for letting us know, and please post as much as can on your blogspot so those of us at home can live the experience vicariously!!
ReplyDeleteYou are starting on a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have no doubt you will rise to the occasion and produce more fabulous drawings in your colorful signature style. Happy travels!
ReplyDeleteStephanie-Congrats and thank you for sharing this. I look forward to seeing your sketches and hearing more about your travels. I will be in Paris in July and looking forward to sketching there!
ReplyDeleteHI Jackie,
Deletethanks so much. When will you be here? I'll be posting as a Paris Urban Sketchers blog correspondent, maybe we can organize a sketch outing while you are here? So far I've met 2 Paris Urban sketchers--they are super nice!
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Thanks Peggy, David and Dan--yes, truly a once in a lifetime opportunity--I am so very very fortunate! I hope to live up to the expectations! And if it ever stops pouring rain here in Paris, maybe I can sketch more outside!
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