About this experience
Why buy postcards when you can create your own visual album of Parisian memories? Forget the camera in your hotel room and immerse yourself in the city like a emblematic Parisian character - a street artist. Join this sketching experience with a joyful artist and delve into the world of sketch-story-booking.
Program
Our improvised plein air route will take us through the heart of the city - capturing the Ile de la Cité and colorful fragments of the Right and Left banks. By observing the city with the keen eye of an artist, you will notice the small but meaningful details that escape the casual tourist's gaze, making Paris your own personal narrative, not just a guidebook destination.
- During our time together, you won't become a master artist, but you will discover the direction of your unique style. To break free from preconceived notions about art, our first stop will be a crazy artist squat, where reality transforms into styles that haven't even been named yet.
- We will sketch at the most patient 'models' - a restaurant terrace and the Seine, then practice quick sketches at the flower market on Place Louis Lépine.
- We will combine textual and graphic elements at the cinematic bookshop window of Shakespeare & Co.
- Finally, we will conclude our sketch-booking experience with an attempt at an architectural drawing - from the hills of Quai de la Tournelle, you will have a full view of the Cathedral of Notre Dame!
This experience, like a fine wine, has a long and powerful aftertaste. Firstly, you will have a sketchbook, better than a photo album or virtual gallery. Secondly, plenty of blank pages and materials that you shouldn't let go to waste. Lastly, and most importantly, stories that I will share as background music, which hopefully will not only be captured in the sketchbook margins but also in your memory: what it's like to be an artist in Paris; the life of a squat resident; how the 'Russian Seasons' changed Paris; the vanishing locks of the Pont des Arts, the side effects of art therapy and much more.
I don't have patented techniques for rapid drawing and writing skills, but I do have unwavering faith that the right mindset ensures excellent results. I have curated some inspiring Parisian impressions and now want to equip you with new tools for their interpretation. Our rule for a successful walk: progress begins where the fear of looking foolish ends!
Route
- Rue de Rivoli
- Théâtre du Châtelet
- Ile de la Cité
- Saint-Severin Quarter
- Quai de la Tournelle
Organizational Details
- Cost Clarifications: This excursion follows a regressive pricing scale: each additional participant pays 20% less.
- Children under 10 draw better than me and other adults, so they can accompany us free of charge. They will have their own sketchbooks, but will need to share pencils and pens with their parents. However, please note that we will be sitting or standing for long periods, which can be challenging for children. But if your little artists are ready for a serious creative experiment, they are welcome!
- The pictures above are mine, but of course, they took longer to create than a quick sketch for the sketchbook. To view them in full size, click on the image.
- Includes: Sketchbooking kit - sketchbook (A7 format), 2 pencils of different softness, 1 ink pen, 2 markers, a blending brush. The opportunity to use watercolors, markers, and wax crayons (materials are mine and not included in the kit).
- Extra Costs: In case of bad weather, some sketches may need to be moved to a café. A cup of coffee costs 2.30-2.80 euros. Additionally, 'tips' for the artistic squat fund (1-2 euros) are welcomed.
- Everyone present will be sketching on this walk!
