Monday 10 September 2007

Works of art

The French revere their time spent exploring the wealth of museums and cultural havens, soaking up arts and culture. I can hardly find enough time to visit the vast museums but I am content to admire France's artistic wealth in the streets. Everywhere I turn, whether in Paris or the provincial villages, I am greeted with an inspiring work of art.

Intricate carvings on the Arch de Triomphe.

Shops in France are often elaborately decorated.

Some of the most inspiring art are found in the churches and basilicas.

Stained glass art in a church in Loire Valley.

Oil paintings for sale in a small provincial gallery.

Whimsical artwork along the sidewalk.

Sketchy art on the cafe window.

Mime artist in Montmartre.

Delicate painting of a woman.

Montmartre - the hill where artists gather - is one of my all-time favourite places in Paris.

If you're lucky like me, you'll find art in Champs-Élysées too.

A clock is not simply a functional timepiece if you're in France.

Street vendors selling art books and posters.

Graffiti on the tree is art too.

8 comments:

The Real Mother Hen said...

I like the painting which WK stood next to :)
Many wonderful paintings, wondering if they were pricey?

Unknown said...

My bestfriend in California was there the same time you were...I wonder if you bumped into each other.
This is her blog: http://dorathelibrarianonvacation.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Thank you again...what wonderful pictures - you know how much I look forward to this leg of your journey, where you share your experiences with us with stunning pictures...

Anonymous said...

really great photos! Paris is the City of Lights and the city of art too!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful pics. What an amazing portrait of the woman. Honestly, breathtaking.

Blur Ting said...

Yes indeed. When I first saw that picture, I went 'WOW'. I didn't check the prices of the artworks though cos I wasn't going to buy any. Generally things in France are getting pricier since Euros was introduced.

I'm not sure if it's due to tourist season, even the price of the standard breakfast set at the cafe went up from 6 euros in June to 7.50 euros this time round!

Blur Ting said...

Hi Seagrape, I checked out Dora's blog. Yup, we were at the same places. You should have told me and we would've met!

The World According To Me said...

These pictures are amazing!

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