Paris Day 5: Painting in the Park

"Fountain at Place Des Vosges" plein air study, oil, 12"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

The sun shined today ... but it is still REALLY cold.  Despite that, and not believing it will get any better, this afternoon we (Randy and I) headed over to Place Des Vosges, a place where many famous artists have lived -- including Victor Hugo. The neighborhood leading to this spot is beautiful, with fun, interesting, elegant shops (like a silver store, clothing boutiques, great shoes, flower shops, produce grocers) lining our path.  The park was filled with kids and families playing everywhere.

I had to call it quits due to frozen fingers and fading light.  But, hey, at least I made it out there.  The park was a nice spot, too, because it felt less conspicuous. The afternoons here -- the time I'm more free to paint or do something on my own -- are the most crowded times on the streets where I might choose to set up. That just feels a little too crazy to me at the moment.

This morning we were at the Louvre ... admiring the Italian Masters including da Vinci, Veronese, Tintoretto and Titian.  We caught glimpses of the Mona Lisa from the back of the crowd.  We may return at night to have a chance to see it without quite as much competition.

It's off to a late dinner -- by U.S., not Paris standards. Matter of fact, next time I'm eating on a nutty schedule (regularly), I'll just say I'm on Paris Time.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
"Rainy Day in NYC" was chosen as one of 15 finalists in the "You Be the Judge" Online Art Contest #3.  You can vote for it: #13 at: http://www.brianneher.com/you_be_the_judge_art_contest_2013_voting_page.aspx to cast your vote ... until March 31, 11:59pm EST. It's easy and free. Enough votes cast and it will be part of the Grand Prize round eligible for over $10,000 in prizes. Judging closes SOON -- vote now!

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

More events and exhibit info available through my web site.