Published by: Chronicle Books
Copyright 2012
On a recent "artist date" I discovered this delightful little text at a quaint independent bookshop in Lawrence, Kansas.
Of course the title caught my eye, but a quick flip through the pages convinced me to review it more closely. Once I returned home, I immediately requested a copy from my local library.
I am no artist, but I do harbor dreams of sitting in a local coffee shop or on a park bench and sketching a few observations. Technically this book should help me fulfill that desire.
While only 144 pages, this short little tutorial is divided into seven sections - all reminiscent of the quintessential Parisian life:
- Dans le Jardin
- Le Cafe
- A la Maison
- Les Accessoires
- Bon Voyage
- Tous mes Reves
- Et Maintenant
It certainly seems easy enough....
Just follow the directions, pay attention to scale, and voila ... a perfect sketch of a fond French memory.
Well, that's the idea in theory....
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| Book directions... |
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| My attempt |
In reality, however, my croissant looks like a sickly snail. And my cheese wheel? ...well, who knows.
I must admit my expectations were terribly unrealistic. I thought a few simple lines was, well... simple. A curve here, a triangle there, and in 60 seconds I'd have a sketch of a delectable morsel. But as in any artistic endeavor, the process is far more complex than it seems. It takes time, patience, and practice to develop a new skill, and I was not willing to slow down enough to give it a fair chance.
For now I have decided to devote my time to writing. But someday I plan to purchase this book and j'essayerai encore une fois.
** For other Paris in July posts, please visit Tamara's website, Thyme for Tea.
That looks like a fun book. I think your attempts are great!
ReplyDeleteOh Kathy... you are TOO kind :)
ReplyDeleteBut you're right, it is a fun book!
I have just noticed these doodling books in bookshops I am quite tempted to give them a try, they look like fun.
ReplyDeleteYou are too hard on yourself...Your croissant and your cheese wheel are magnifique!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun book! I think you did a great job. And I know what you mean - sitting on a bench sketching has always seemed like something I would like to do. Of course, my drawing skills are nil. My best friend in college would sketch trees, and that seemed to make her happy. I suppose as long as you are doing it, its fun.
ReplyDeleteC'est tres mignon! Very cute. I'm liking your doodles! You've also introduced a whole new category to Paris in July - doodling.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure this post qualifies as a whole new category, Tamara... but I am sure enjoying Paris in July 2015 :)
ReplyDeleteOh Deb... you are so encouraging! Perhaps I will try doodling a bit this summer.
ReplyDeleteNadia... if I had more talent, I could easily doodle for hours at a time. For now, just a few minutes of practice is about all I can handle :)
ReplyDeleteArabella - you should DEFINITELY try them. If I can do it, I promise, anyone can do it :)
ReplyDeleteYour attempt looks great! I am not able to put two lines together in a nice way. However, I have some sort of ambition to do a journal and maybe this book will help me to attache a few drawing lines to my tickets or whatever I want to highlight. I will look for it.
ReplyDeleteBonjour!!! This is truly delightful -I am going to look for it not that I can draw anything. The store owner encouraged me to take photos. The French are interesting that way-some love it while others despise it. I can understand why-there are tourists that are just inconsiderate. I find asking is the best approach. However I speak French so that also makes it easier for me to communicate. Once I asked a little boy if I could take his photo-he was young teen-he said yes but do not post it on the net. That was simple enough.
ReplyDeleteEsme - it is good to hear that not all French store owners are as crabby as the one I experienced. I am not fluent in French but can speak well enough to get along. I will no longer fear asking for the photo :)
ReplyDeleteLisBeth - I LOVE to journal - and like the idea of trying to add a few of these squiggles to my writing. GREAT idea :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds delightful. I can't draw at all, but I always love to try. I succumbed to a colouring book, Tomislav Tomic's A Walk Through Paris, and it's so lovely I'm scared to start colouring in case I spoil it!
ReplyDeleteOh... I LOVE these new coloring books for adults. I am unfamiliar with the one you mention, Christine, but I will certainly check it out later today. Thank you for the recommendation :)
ReplyDelete