First Day of Paris Workshop
Thanks to one of our long-time “spousal units” we have a van to take us out to Giverny, home to Monet and site of many of his paintings. Everyone is looking forward to it, and Jacques picks us up at our hotel with bottles of water for all of us.
He has me ostensibly stand in line when we arrive in Giverny, but in reality, it is all for show, as he is able to go to the head of the line with our group, tickets already bought, and get us in to the gardens and house quickly. We are very appreciative.
Everyone scatters, some working with Arnie and me, others taking a tour of the house. It is a pity that the gardens are not open at a civilized hour … for photographers, that is … so we have to use our imaginations and watch the light … and the people … to get our shots.
One of the first scenes I see reminds me of the Monet light and patterns, gentle yet insistent.
Some of us want to wander the village of Giverny a bit, and our driver shows us a field of red poppies and what may be Blue Bonnets. I think of it in high key, since the sun is harsh.
A side street beckons me down the hill, and I find myself in a Medieval part of the village. An old tool shed lies forgotten, roses taking over.
It is time to head back to Paris. We have already hired Jacques for another hour, but practicalities are practicalities. Once back, we head for a photography museum, and much to our chagrin, we find it is closed for the change to the next exhibition. Very frustrating, so we find a place to have lunch and share a bottle of wine.
I want to find some postcards along Rive Gauche, the Left Bank, lined with green book stalls that have been there since long before my granny and dad lived there. Little P’tit Prince is one, and some cats are the other. Finally I find what I want, with the usual Parisian
addition.
We head down along the river, and the light plays up under one metal bridge. I like the simple patterns.
Patterns seem to be my theme for the day, as I am struck by the bridge’s shadow across the Seine. It looks just a tad plain until a person comes to the edge above.
There are different plans for the evening, and three of us head around the corner from the hotel to a cute little Italian restaurant. It turns out the owner is from Sicily, and we share our love for Taormina.
We start out with a caprese salad, made with arugula, rather than our customary basil. Delicious! I followed with a wonderful risotto with truffles, and we all shared a bottle of Brunello from Montalcino. An excellent way to end the day!
Next: In Paris
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Margo, not sure why my comments came up as anonymous. Sorry if missed something.
John,
Funny, because this time it came through just fine!
Thanks, as I was wondering who had commented!
Take care,
TBC
Thoroughly enjoyed Scotland! Now on to Paris! I loved the light on those flowers even though it wasn’t the best time. Just shows that with careful analysis and time, light can happen. Love the blog!!
So glad Scotland was enjoyable for you. It really is all about the light, whether soft and moody or bright and high key!
Thanks for commenting. We always appreciate it.
Take care,
TBC
Margo, this brings back such memories of our recent visit to Monet’s home. As you say, the crowds were overwhelming and unfortunately it was mid day with the harsh light. Even so, it was magical to be in the same gardens where he painted. It’s unfortunate they can’t open places like this earlier for photography groups before the hoards arrive. Imagine Giverny with the “crowds” of Death Valley. 🙂
Bill,
When the light isn’t ideal, one is challenged to make a photograph that works. That is why I chose high key out in the field, and with that first shot, I was lucky with the light. It didn’t last long! And then the locusts arrived! The hard part is that we are part of the locusts, too!
Take care,
TBC