Folks have responded so well to my little art projects that I thought I would show you a few pages from my sketchbook from the last few days, as I get ready to head towards the airport. The first one is a little more elaborate and was done at my desk on the basis of a photo that I included in a recent posting. It took a lot longer than the others and I had the benefit of having carefully composed the shot with my camera. Composition is a lot harder when you have a scene right in front of you and you try to decide what part of it you want to draw.
The other two sketches were done outdoors as I stood looking at the Pont Saint-Michel across the Seine and then a few minutes later when I was looking at Notre Dame from an overlook point. They were definitely quick sketches, ironically enough because I was on my way to a sketching tour.
It is challenging but fun to learn to feel secure enough to try to draw in public. I am not paranoid in stating that people are watching you—they are.
This will probably be my last posting from Paris, though I have a few more postings that I have conceptualized that I will probably do after my return. Three weeks ago, I remember warning readers that my postings would be different while I was in Paris and they definitely have been. In many ways, I am happy to be ending this trip with a posting with handmade images, images that are deeply personal and reflective of the way that I spent my time here.
Thanks to all of who have stuck with me on this trip and have encouraged me along the way. It has been a weird and wonderful time. As most of you know, the French word for “memories” is “souvenirs.” These little drawings will help to spark my memories in ways that no mass-produced “souvenirs” could ever do.
“Au revoir, Paris.” It doesn’t really mean “good-bye”—it’s more like “Farewell, until we meet again.” I am pretty sure I will be back again before too long.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Very original work
With the various glimpses you’ve shared of Paris there’s times I’ve felt like I was looking over your shoulder.. I’ve enjoyed your trip! Wishing you a comfortable and safe journey.
I’ve really enjoyed all your photos from Paris, but your sketches are even more special — I just had to leave a note of appreciation!
I think you will appreciate looking back on the sketches more than the photos, Mike (and your photos are wonderful).
These have been a great series, the ‘Paris Chronicles’. Being different is good.
Vous serez toujours le bienvenu à Paris. Vos photos font vivre la ville comme elle fait battre nos cœurs. Prévenez-moi lorsque vous reviendrez, cela serait un plaisir de vous revoir !!
J’espère que j’aurai l’occasion de revenir l’année prochaine et certainement je vais vous prévenir en avance. Cette fois je voudrais voir votre studio. 🙂
I think your sketches are wonderful. Again, thanks for having us all along on your trip. Bon voyage.
Souvenirs charmant!
Merci, Eliza.
I’ve loved all your Parisian posts. They remind me of one of my favorite places in the world.
Thank, Nina. I flew back from Paris yesterday and physically am now in Virginia. Psychologically and emotionally, though, I am still very much under the influence of Paris, which, as you can probably tell from all of my postings, is one of my favorite places too.