Wednesday, January 27, 2010

An Artistic Parisian Day



Scott and I do some crazy things in Paris. Life is just so different there, so open to possibilities. I decided one year, that we would take sketch books with us, and draw. Scott really can draw (although he won't admit it) and I can't draw at all. I have always been jealous of my childhood friend Deanne, that can draw ANYTHING. For me it's like singing... I just didn't get the gene... but that certainly doesn't stop me from trying!

So we loaded our sketchbooks in
our bag one day and took off for the metro. Mind you, Scott was not into this idea at all... he just went along with it. We had no idea when or where or if we would draw, we just wanted to be prepared.

We started off here....

we were not impressed.




So of course we ended up here...

where we are always impressed.



First we ate lunch...



As we sat in the courtyard, we wondered why it was so empty. Very few people were milling around. I decided to go underground to the lobby to use the restroom, and when I got to the glass pyramid to take the escalator down... I figured it out. The Louvre was closed that day!



So we decided to sit and sketch, right there in the courtyard. We spent at least 2 hours there...we were so lost in what we were doing. It was so relaxing, it almost put us in a trace. We hardly spoke, we were so involved in what we were doing. I'm am a champion multi-tasker here at home, and I think I miss out on so much, because I'm not paying attention. But in Paris... your senses are so full, so aware... you are just in the moment. I loved that feeling.









Notice Scott chose to draw a lightpost... and me, always over ambitious, decided to draw the entire building! A mistake... once I started, I noticed layers and layers of carvings, kings, queens, objects... it was totally overwhelming.

We have done this in a few areas of Paris since. It's relaxing and fun, and when we look at my sketches, it's usually hilarious. You might as well laugh, instead of cry!!!

~Teri~

13 comments:

char said...

That's the secret of your continuing successful trips to Paris. Time. You take time to just stop and enjoy. You may not frame your sketches, although they could be great framed simply and hung on your London wall, but you obviously had a great time and made a fun memory. Next time have some wine and you will draw like Picasso. It could be fun!

Jenny said...

Ahh, what sweet remembrances. Scott is a very fine sketch artist, indeed. And I love your pics of the near empty Louvre entrance and y'all's picnic.

A Tale of Two Cities said...

Hmmmm...... You've just challenged me to think outside the box. Usually my Paris trips are frantically full, but I'm thinking this is a great way to slow down and savor the beauty. Have you ever seen the Paris Sketch book that is out? You might enjoy it.

Thanks for the suggestion!
Debi

Deanne said...

I LOVE that you both take the time to do these things in life! I love both of your sketches!!! Those Jon Gnagy drawing nights DID help!! This reminds me of when our moms would go off to Santa Fe and come back with gobs of painted canvases! My mom always thought her paintings were museum-worthy. Your mom always painted over hers for some reason! It wasn't so much the final product, but the EXPERIENCE that was the joy.

Stephanie said...

You do the most creative things on your trips there. I hope to do this one day.

Jen Beaudet said...

That sounds like such a dreamy vacation! Sketching in Paris would be a dream come true! And your husband is one great guy for doing that with you. Wow! Jennifer:)

char said...

This all remnds me of "The Muscular Structure of The Mountain Goat." The memories came flooding in with all this. Sketch away Teri and Scott you are making memories!

Meagan said...

I love this idea. Maybe Craig and I will do this one day.

Faded Plains said...

What a great idea...and love the portable lunch...yum.

Simply Colette said...

I love this post! There's nothing like trying something new... and how relaxing. P.S. Your drawing is good! Have a great weekend. :)

The Flying Bee said...

This post made me smile. I think both you and Scott's drawings are great! I hope my hubby and I can do the same one day.

P.S. Still planning to email you. Hope things went well. :)

Kori said...

Wow..those sketches are great! I have no talent for drawing...I wish I did. Thanks for the comments on my JFK post honey. I agree with you, Jackie looks fab. Hope you are having a great weekend. Kori xoxo

Natasha in Oz said...

Teri, I just love the fact that you and Scott love spending so much time together. What a loving and romantic couple-you are truly inspirational!

Hope you have a wonderful week,
Natasha.

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