Happy hours in Lyon
Posted: July 3, 2024 Filed under: Uncategorized 13 CommentsLyon is a wonderful city. You can find wonderful museums, food, wine and plenty of historic sites including one dating back to Roman times. On this trip we had a few days to explore it (and get over our jet lag) before heading south to Provence where I was teaching.
The city is at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers, and one of my favourite places to sit is along the Quai du Maréchal Joffre, where I can look up at the Fourvière Hill and the Basilica at the top. The Saône is much narrower than the Rhône so the views are better on that side of the city, plus that is where the hills are.
I also spent a bit of time on Place Carnot, sketching a view of a busy corner near where we were staying. I love the wrought iron trim on the windows and balconies, and the warm colour of the stone in France.
When I look at these sketches, they remind me of what I love best about urban sketching: being surrounded by city life and trying to make sense of the complexity of it. I was jetlagged and both of these sketches are kind of messy, but for me the result is less important that the process. I loved watching people go by, overhearing snippets of conversation and smelling coffee from the café on the corner. Each of these sketches took about an hour, and I sketched them in a Travelogue Handbook Watercolor Journal by Speedball.
These are beautiful, and your appreciation of the surroundings shine through. I get the feeling that this past sketching adventure was one of your favorites. Oh to go back to Provence again❣️
This is definitely one of my favourite places to visit and to teach at. Everything is beautiful and the light is so clear. A really inspiring place.
I really like your sketches to get a “feel” of the environment. Enjoy your journey! Thanks for Sharing!
Thanks so much De!
Love your sketches of Lyon.
A friend from Lyon just gave me some of their famous chocolates tied up in a bag in shape of quenelles and cousins Bleu. Started me drawing packets of sweets …
Have a great holiday in Provence x
Wendy, I wanted to bring home so many foods from Lyon but they would have been confiscated at the airport. The one thing I am allowed is chocolate, so we did bring some back, but nothing as fancy as what you have. I hope you enjoyed them!!
So inspiring and your descriptions feel like I’m right there with you! Sounds and looks like a beautiful place to visit.
It sure is, Maureen. One of my very favourite places.
Love the color mixes you used for the facades of the buildings, especially the Place Carnot! Can you share any of these mixes? Inspires me to make color swatches just for buildings, have fun!
Always a pleasure to sit and enjoy your surroundings and what you are doing, no matter where you are!
Love these.
Both of these are so nicely relaxed and unfussy. Lovely job!!
Really nice urban sketches f Lyon Shari. I really like the bottom sketch of the people and street life.