Tomato Trouble, August Paris Letter

Some months the Paris Sketch letter ideas come easy, almost effortless. July's cherry airmail letter art was inspired by a paper napkin I found on rue I'Ile St.-Louis.

Artwork by Henri Avelot

This month the creative juices were struggling.
365 Creative Dresses said in response to my moaning,
"That's very interesting to hear about the sketches. I assume since you are really an artist it just sort of flows out of the brush with nary a thought".

Ha. If only it were so.

August's inspiration came from a tomato watercolor pinned on my wall.

Plus Paris' marchés are awash in tomates ancienne of every size, shape and color.

Impossible not to think tomatoes in Paris in August.

Fr Girl sent me photos of her dad's tomatoes in Limoux. PAINT THEM! she commanded.

Here's a peek at the creative process:
I started imagining tomatoes as a sea of air balloons floating over Paris. I watched a lot of NM balloon festival videos to get in the mood.

Michele's balcony provided inspiration.

Vivian Swift reminded me I needed to do a 'Juliette' balcony like shown in her book, Le Road Trip.

Sky writing for the August title like the planes zooming overhead on Bastille Day.

This Metro poster made me think I should get a few tomato plants and start watering.

I went to Marché President Wilson to take photos of famed vegetable marchand Joel Thibaut. I knew I wanted him in the watercolor.

First sketches. So many elements to figure out.

Of course I went overboard with too many tomato balloons. Back to the drawing board for another re-do. August's sketch letter finally came together with just the right amount of tomato balloons...I think.

I’m Carol Gillott, an artist living in Paris. Every month I send out beautifully illustrated letters that capture the true Parisian experience. 

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Thanks for reading PB 🍅

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