I've had two half working days the last two days. Yesterday I headed downtown and painted at the Louvre in a sunshiny morning. I did a black and white sketch of the same view my first day here and decided I really wanted to do a watercolor as well.

Then I spent most if the day in the Musee d'Orsay. I really loved three of the Van Goghs they have there. His work affects me at a more emotional level than about anyone else's.

It was too crowded to sketch in his room, bit I did do this small one of a Cezanne self portrait.

Today my friend Caroline was flying in to join me, so I wanted to stay closer to home. I started with the bi-weekly market and did a watercolor as well as some shopping.

After dropping my shopping I still had time to do another view, one I had spotted last week and wanted to make it back for.

I didn't have time to do another full sketch, but after sitting and enjoying the sun a little (it's been a rarish commodity lately), I did try one more fast one.

I brought waterproof ink to try and treated myself to a new fountain pen the other day. They have very good and very reasonable ones here. I am enjoying the ink was but would also like to use ink with watercolor.

I did a very quick one just to see. I think it's going to be fun to play with.