This simple image of a curvy road in Montmartre captures well my experiences during this extended stay in Paris. I’ve spent endless hours walking the narrow cobblestone streets, marveling at the architecture, and paying attentions to shapes and colors. I’ve played tourist from time, but the famous landmarks have been of almost secondary significance to me, like the Sacre Coeur Basilica that is tucked away in one corner of this shot.
Sacre Coeur is there, I am aware of it, but I would rather spend my time wandering around the surrounding area than merely taking a shot of it and then moving on to the next destination on a checklist list. Who needs a list?
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
The sinuous shapes, architecture and autumn trees are a treat! The detail in the photo is so subtle and delicate that it almost seems like its drawn and shaded in colour pencil!
It is interesting that you used the word “sinuous,” because that it exactly the word I used to describe the image to a friend. I’ve noticed during this trip that I have tended to keep the colors in my photos somewhat muted and understated, even for things like sunrises to avoid the risk of oversaturation, which is something that seems to happen often in posted images. This is actually one of the views that we had to sketch during a sketching class and it was a real challenge trying to tackle it. Our instructor is an awesome artist, it you go to the second page of his e-boutique to an image called “Montmartre 1,” you can see his drawing from almost the same spot. (https://thieulotromain.jimdo.com/e-boutique/)
Enjoyed seeing Romain’s drawing so much thanks Mike. It was funny seeing it after seeing your photo … I got just the same feeling of beauty and balance. What fun to enjoy both versions !!
I am glad that you were able to find it. Now imagine yourself if front of that scene with a pencil in hand and a limited amount of time to draw it. 🙂
Ha! I’d really struggle to be honest. Nigel had to do that kind of thing a lot when he was studying for his degree as a landscape architect. It’s a great skill to develop.
If you stay until after midnight, you might end up in the 1920s, having a drink with Hemingway.
I love that movie, but I think I am wearing myself out walking all day, so I’m not out and about at midnight, alas. 🙂
I don’t know, you might want to try at least once…
I might tonight, my last night in Paris. 🙂
You just gotta.
The surrounding area I found to be the most interesting of Paris.
There is a lot more of Paris to explore. I may have to come back again relatively soon. 🙂
Wonderful composition. I like the way the sinuous curve of the street finds its echo in the rounded dome in the distance, the arches in the doors and windows, and the “scale shape” (cannot think of the word right now!) placement of the cobblestones.
I suspected that you would like this one, Laura. It has an artsy appeal with all of the curves. I think the wideness of lens helped to emphasize that aspect, without going all the way to a fisheye kind of distortion.
Very Nice Mike! Really like the “curvey” drawing your eye through the image!
Yeah. Artists always like to talk of “leading lines” and it’s hard to be more obvious than this. 🙂
You captured the gentle curve quite well, Mike.