Janet Bassindale

Arc de Triomphe

I first went to Paris for the first time when I was 21, in the early 70’s. Paris seemed much quieter and less commercialised then. If I remember correctly, that holiday cost just £35 including coach travel from UK, hotel B&B and evening meals. It was early April and the spring blossom and flowers were out and the whole holiday was delightful. I visited the Sacre Coeur area and “Place du Tertre” in Montmartre. which is famous for artists ans was thrilled to purchase an original water colour painting from an artist there for a very reasonable price. I still have the painting today, hanging in the bedroom.

Since that first visit I have been twice with my husband, in April 2008 and June 2013. Both visits were very memorable. We spent many hours in the Art Galleries of Paris seeing the likes of Monet and van Gogh. I have some great photos of visits to Paris and this painting was inspired by a photo that was taken in front of the Arc de Triomphe in spring 2008. I love the detailed carvings on the Arc de Triomphe and I particularly enjoy painting buildings and detailed architecture. I hope to do a series of similar paintings of Paris land marks, working from my own photos.