Art School in Paris

I just completed 3 weeks of a 4 week drawing class at Studio Escalier. There are 10 students in my drawing class from all over the world - Australia, Canada, Singapore, Italy, France and the US. We meet each morning in the Montmartre studio and draw from a model before heading to the Louvre Museum to study and to draw from sculpture/paintings in the afternoons. Having just completed an intensive 3 year atelier program in Seattle, I expected this class to be a way to re start my drawing practice. On day one I realized this was going to be something much deeper than honing technical skills. There are strict protocols and high expectations which initially I found to be inhibiting but in truth now I appreciate and respect. It’s sometimes difficult to learn in one style only to be later told there is another way, another approach which ultimately might hold more truth. I have had to continuously tell myself to keep an open mind and try not to judge the new approach. Eventually, I was able to make sense of the philosophy and apply it in a way that compliments my existing knowledge. It hasn’t been easy but it has certainly been rewarding. Here are a few examples of sketches I’ve done so far:

Here are a few photo’s of some of the sculptures I chose to draw:

A highlight of the class for me is the Friday museum lecture. This is where we walk through ancient history learning how everyone before us saw and described light and form. Here are a few examples of the incredible collection:

Twice I had complete strangers hand me a drawing that they did of me while I was drawing! I was so flattered and will treasure these forever. I wish I had been better at taking pictures of my classmates but here is one of my best buddie Betty and me:

As sad as I am to finish this class, I’m looking forward to April when I begin my next class - Portrait Painting. Stay tuned…