Maybe I did find the answers to some questions in Paris… (For the complete context check out my last post.) Let me start with a book recommendation.
This is a well researched, easy read about the Impressionist painters and how they finally found acceptance. For an insecure artist like myself, (I hide my “like count” on Instagram so no one will know if something I painted was not accepted well) it is encouraging to read of the struggles these great artists went through – I have discovered that most all artists are insecure so I am in good company. In reply to one of Cèzanne’s submissions to the prestigious Salon des Beaux-Arts, one of the panel wrote, “… his submission has already been judged unsuitable for the dignity of art…” Ouch!
All artist have challenges, Monet struggled in his early years to paint people so they did not look flat, maybe that is why he ended up being famous for his landscapes, who knows. So the first answer was a reminder that to be an artist at any level is to face challenges and work to find solutions.
Paris has many things which we do not have in our rural part of France, art supply shops for one. While in Paris I went to three shops; like a kid in a candy store. The most significant purchase was Faber-Castell Watercolor Markers – Urban Sketching 5 marker set. These have made such a huge difference. Here is my current travelsketching kit.
I now have seven markers, I ordered the Green Gold #268, and a Cadmium Yellow will be delivered from Germany in the next day or two thanks to the ease of EU commerce. There is a waterbrush, also Faber-Castell as I like the size and the way it works. There are two Koi Brush Pens in cool gray, and light cool gray, for darkening the marker colors and shades. The black pen is a Kuretake Brush Pen, actual bristles not a fiber point, this has black water soluble ink, when I need black this is it. And then of course my go to sketching pen the Duke Ruby Fude. These all fit into a nifty monogrammed pouch from my dear friends Shirley and Jim.
There has been a learning curve; a couple of YouTube videos helped. Next week I will address a few things I have learned. What I am liking is the simplicity of it all, as well as the versatility. Here are a couple of sketches so far.
Since we were in Paris it was only fitting I sketch something from there. You can blend the markers just as you can blend any watercolor, for nice effects. I did this on gray paper which fit the overall mood.
I did this Urban Sketch while standing, the first time using them for this type of scene, I am quite happy with the results. So the second answer I found in Paris is to never be afraid to try something new, you just might like it.
More next week, in the meantime keep on capturing those moments as you travel.
theTravelsketcher 
I love the sketch and how you tied in the Jimmy Buffet lyrics. Nice post!
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Thanks
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Thanks for being my travel partner, and tolerating my Art Store excursions.
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First of all–you are not an “obscure artist.” Around here we have lots of Christopherson pieces on display.
I imagine all artists started our as (or remained) obscure, but the art is forever.
You have lots of neat new tools, colors, and devices to keep refining and experimenting. with your work… which also your passion. Thanks for sharing! (Love that green pencil pouch 😁)
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You two are my biggest supporters, thanks so much it means a lot. And thanks for the pouch, I finally have the perfect use for it.
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Hi Terry, having followed Tricia’s blog for a while now (and vice versa) I’ve been meaning to check out your work for quite some time. You are very talented, particularly for someone like me who can barely draw the basic form of an apple. I really find myself drawn to the red umbrella shot, it’s very intimate and the red holds such a contrast with the pervading gloom that surrounds the figures. The Eiffel Tower in the background gives the whole scene an almost cinematic weight. Excellent stuff, and that’s my attempt at being an art critic ha ha.
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Thank you for your kind words, Tricia said you were always encouraging, thank you. As far as you “drawing and apple” they are one of the most difficult things to draw, so join the club. I am convinced that anyone can sketch, now if you want to do fine art then go to a university or something, but if a person wants to sketch a bit while they travel, that is doable. Check some of my earlier blogs for ideas. Thank you again for the kind words and keep on traveling.
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I like your pencil pouch – it’s only dear friends that gives such a thoughtful gift! I can’t draw (nobody wants to play Pictionary with me in a team) … so, I’m in awe of what you put down on paper, like your two sketches in this post from your visit to Paris!
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As usual you are too kind, thank you so much. However I disagree about you “can’t draw”. I did workshops specifically for folks who said they could not draw, and they all did learn a bit. Pictionary is difficult for everyone, including me, I can explain why but it is a lengthy answer – hmm maybe a good blog topic????. Check some of my older post for tips on how to sketch, you might get inspired.
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