Paris Opera Garnier

The opera Garnier is my favorite building in Paris hands down. Take the TOUR.

I took the tour back in January. But do not take a stuffed toy (Bear) with you. He was removed from my bag at security! FYI the lines at security take a while and you can miss your English tour so go early and leave bears at home.

Once inside the grandeur gets you.

Everyone was wearing the wrong clothes. They should give us fancy dress for the tour imo.

We got to see the glorious grand ballroom. Women were not allowed in for the longest time. Can you imagine the cigar smoke.

A peek at a rehearsal inside the theatre.

The opera library has stunning treasures - miniature theatre maquettes.

Costumes from Mozart's marriage of Figaro.

The opera house has its on art gallery. The costume designer Leon Baskt exhibit was fabulous earlier this year.

With accompanying Nijinski videos of Bird of Paradise. 

I've been back to draw the interior several times.

I would love to paint the grand staircase.

Outside the shapes are enthralling.

I could stand in front of it all night. So dramatic. Appropriately a crich chocolate-layered cake was named after the Opera Garnier.

First get the drawing down and then an all-over warm watercolor wash.

The cool dark sky beckons. I should be painting it last but I'm not good at waiting for dessert.

Then the windows and figures. At last touches of gold paint to highlight the sculptures. They are gold patinaed. Perhaps it is a gaudy, flashy building but its win my heart over.

What do you think?

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