Meet a French Artist

Truth is, I'm not much of an artist, but I loved drawing and painting as a child and thanks to my local Sketchbook Club, I've taken up the pen (and pencil and paintbrush!) once again.

And so, it made sense that while I made my annual pilgrimage to France a few weeks ago, I would take a class with Edwige Mitterrand who teaches classes called "Meet a French Artist."

I visited Edwige in her spectacular studio in the Montmartre right by the famous Moulin Rouge with the red windmills.  Just walking into her studio, I felt inspired.  She works in an 18th century building with a dramatically high ceiling, filled with light.  It originally belonged to the famous French orientalist painter, Jean-Léon Gérome.  Here's his famous 1890 painting, "Pygmalion and Galatea".

Just knowing this famous painter lived here, makes you feel inspired!  Edwige herself is a joy to meet.  Honestly, I could have spent my time just listening to her tell amazing stories of her life in Paris and Normandy, her childhood, her family, her love of art.  I could have just spent my time looking at her beautiful paintings of Parisian life.  They're so enchanting!

Still, she got me painting!  (I have never used acrylics--only pencil pen and the occasional water color) but Edwige just gets you going.  There's no time to second guess or get scared you're doing this wrong. 

You just go!  You paint.

And voila, you have a little painting.  I do believe I could not think of a better souvenir to bring home from Paris.  And I'm not just talking about the little painting, but the entire experience.  So enchanting!

If you'd like to take a class with Edwige (which I highly recommend) you can find her on her website, Meet a French Artist.  She teaches private and group lessons in two locations in Paris and at her beautiful country home in Normandy. 

And if you'd like, you can email me and I will make introductions.  Au revoir, for now!