Paris Walks: Paris of the Impressionists

I tagged along for another Paris Walk today and loved, loved, loved it.  Impressionism is my favorite style, and I try to include the major concepts in my photography.  Seeing the neighborhoods where famous impressionists like Monet, Manet, Renoir, and Caillebotte lived and were inspired was like being in an impressionist painting.

The walk starts at the Parc Monceau which contains enough beauty to knock you out (if not, a jogger will because they are everywhere).  The park is surrounded by architecture from the 19th century that screams Paris.  We weave around the area and end with the scene from “Rainy Day.”  Caillebotte’s painting resides at the Art Institute in Chicago.  It is one of my all time favorite paintings, yet I didn’t really know the artist or the subject.

Our guide, Oriel set up the Paris Walks organization with her husband.  Her talk was so multifaceted in the way she tied together the art, history, and literature of the time.  She brought the people to life, and gave meaning to the paintings that may otherwise not be there.  I can’t wait to go back to the D’Orsay to see many of the works we discussed, and truly understand the subject rather than just, “that’s a pretty painting.”  If you enjoy beautiful neighborhoods and/or impressionism, then this Sunday walk comes highly recommended for you.

Continue with me as I share some of my pictures from the walk and the rest of my day.