I knew that doing a painting of Notre Dame de Paris is well beyond my current skill level with watercolors, but I decided this evening that I had to give it a try before I leave this beautiful city tomorrow. I just got done with my little painting using DaVinci watercolors on Fabriano Artistico paper and it is 5×7 inches in size (13×18 cm).
I won’t bore you will all of the reasons why this is a tough subject, but I chose the front view, which made things a little easier and I ended up simplifying a lot of details. The paper is not really flat at the moment, which means the photo I took looks a little warped, but I think you can see well enough what I accomplished.
All in all, I’m pretty happy with the results. I may give it another go from home, but it is recognizable, I think as Notre Dame—I especially thrilled that I completed this while I was still in Paris.
In case you are curious, I based it roughly on a photo that I took today that is included after the painting.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I think it’s cool that you painted it while in Paris.
The only thing cooler would be to do it outdoors, but it’s kind of cold, windy, and sometimes a bit rainy, which would make it tough to do. It’s a little easier sitting in a heated apartment with a glass of wine at hand.
🙂
Good on ya Mike!
I want to work to improve my skills and I figure that one way to get encouragement is to show folks what I have done so far. I have gotten over my feelings of embarrassment, so that is a good start. 🙂
How many people can say they painted in Paris? Nobody I know.
You gotta start somewhere. Where better to have the inspiration to practice?
I agree! (Watercolors aren’t easy)
Nice Mike! Glad you are having a Great Time!