Impressions of Paris: An Artist’s Sketchbook

In this stylistic diary of sketches and paintings along with comments, artist Cat Seto displays her colorful impressions from her visit to Paris. In four picturesque chapters divided into sections emphasizing color, pattern, perspective, and rhythm, she presents examples of her experiences in the city. The first section reveals evidence of a sweet tooth as she dwells on the myriad ice cream flavors and their entrancing hues or the warm browns of the tempting caramels. Shades of green cool the viewer in her portrayal of the Medici Fountain. Patterns are captured in the edifices of the city, packaging of chocolates, or the design of croissants and are especially evident in the flower shops. For perspective, there are colorful drawings of the iconic Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and the book even includes an amusing depiction of the Mona Lisa and its viewers. Using strokes of the pen, dabs of paint, and the movement of the brush, the illustration of the Jardin du Palais Royal clearly displays the gushing fountain and wind tousled water in the design of the blue, green, and purple brush strokes. The charming and delightful colorful vignettes and pithy comments illustrate how this artist’s eyes viewed and absorbed the wonders and enchantment of Paris while her hand transcribed these to paper.