Where: Paris, France
When: January 12, 2013
With: Me!
For the second half of my solo day trip in Paris, it was time to see the final products of all those painters whose houses I just saw in Montmartre. This took me to the southern banks of the Seine where it was time to explore the Musee d'Orsay.
Originally a giant train station slated for demolition, the Museum was saved and renovated in the 1970s to house the collection of 19th century art floating around Paris that had no home of its own. Picking up where the Louvre leaves off, this museum's biggest attraction is its collection of Impressionist works, including works by Renoir, Van Gogh and Degas.
At the end of the museum tour, I had an hour to kill before needing to catch my train. So feeling inspired, I headed out along the Seine for my own artistic tour of Paris with my camera. My first inspiration was the Musee d'Orsay itself, lit up along the river.
Continuing along, I took my time with my photos to capture some of the Parisian icons in the fading light.
When: January 12, 2013
With: Me!
For the second half of my solo day trip in Paris, it was time to see the final products of all those painters whose houses I just saw in Montmartre. This took me to the southern banks of the Seine where it was time to explore the Musee d'Orsay.
Originally a giant train station slated for demolition, the Museum was saved and renovated in the 1970s to house the collection of 19th century art floating around Paris that had no home of its own. Picking up where the Louvre leaves off, this museum's biggest attraction is its collection of Impressionist works, including works by Renoir, Van Gogh and Degas.
To pick a favorite would be impossible. Van Gogh has always been my favorite artist (and not just because of the cliche love for Starry Night). I've always been drawn to his paintings for their color, subjects and technique, but them to see them in person was a whole new experience. Not only does he lure you in with the colors he chooses, but there's so much emotion and texture in the brush strokes, they are practically 3D. I nearly set off an alarm by one of his paintings because my nose was so close to the painting in examination.
However, I also became obsessed with the series of Renoir and Degas paintings. They both have such capture light and shadow so well that you'd think the sun was coming through a hidden window somewhere to shine on the paintings. And since they studied together and remained very good friends, many of their subjects were similar, making it impossible to pick who I liked better.
At the end of the museum tour, I had an hour to kill before needing to catch my train. So feeling inspired, I headed out along the Seine for my own artistic tour of Paris with my camera. My first inspiration was the Musee d'Orsay itself, lit up along the river.
Continuing along, I took my time with my photos to capture some of the Parisian icons in the fading light.
Notre Dame
La Place du Concorde
And of course, the Eiffel Tower, with its new lighthouse-esque beacon of light.
As I stopped to take this photo, I experienced my first photographer pick-up scene. A guy also trying to capture this shot with his camera tried to show off his skills by asking me if I would like help in getting a photo like his [flashes me his viewing screen]. No thanks, chief, I got it.
I stood in the middle of the road trying to catch the right photo of the Champs d'Elysees
And then what better way to keep spirits up and celebrate my Paris day trip than with another crepe: banana and nutella.
I ended my wander back at the Place du la Concorde before heading back to the train station and on to London.
I could not have had a better day in Paris. And the best part was being back in my own flat by 9pm that night to enjoy the rest of my evening. Definitely not something I could do from the states so I'm glad I did it!
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