This afternoon during a walk in Paris, I took the opportunity to go do a watercolor Place de Passy, Paris while the children did a little shopping. It is for me one of the most beautiful Parisian districts of the 16th arrondissement.
This afternoon during a walk in Paris, I took the opportunity to go do a painting at Place de Passy, while the children did a little shopping. It is for me one of the most beautiful Parisian districts of the 16th arrondissement.
Drawing from life is really the best way to learn. Work the eye, observe the perspectives, the movements of the crowd. This type of urban scene is the ideal terrain to capture the ambience of the streets as quickly as possible. Trees introduce a notion of plants to the city. The white buildings cool the warm summer streets with their shadows. Thus the terraces of this small square welcome a crowd of Parisians and tourists under their two-tone parasols, who gather around a drink.
Painting a watercolor Place de Passy, Paris
Small sized paper pads are perfect for painting directly in place. Of a reasonable size, however, it is possible to reconstitute sketches on a small scale that will later be used to create paintings, depending on the inspiration. They allow you to quickly grasp an ephemeral atmosphere. It is also easier to immerse yourself in the subject, discreetly, without attracting too much the gaze of passers-by.
The small watercolor blocks that I use make the process easier. It is a painting technique that dries relatively quickly. So, if a thunderstorm is brewing, it is always time to repackage the equipment. In addition, no easel is needed: to paint this painting of Place de Passy, I was able to draw standing up. Well propped up, leaning against a lamppost, I was able to choose my point of view more easily.
The subjects of paintings are so numerous that I made myself the promise to come back to paint in this beautiful district. Indeed, the squares, crossroads, cafes and terraces are places of life. So many pretexts for new designs!
