#30×30 2026: Getting into the Groove!

June 8, 2026

This one is from 20 May, still in my pre-marathon, about two weeks into Daily Painting. I have to say, at this point I was feeling my instincts for watercolor coming back! This was the first one that honestly came easily, and I’m quite happy about it, with no reservations.

This old hotel (?) is on Rue St Jacques, in the old port neighborhood, very near the Notre Dame Basilica. A beautiful old building, which I haven’t really drawn all that accurately – but – hey. It feels like a real memory of the place, so I’m not going to put a photo side by side and criticize myself :)

I drew it on the street, sitting on a little stool – so that’s why you get the up-shot perspective. And then I realized I had forgotten my brush case! So the drawing is on location, and the color work is back at home.

This is pretty much the worst case for a painting. But somehow this is my favorite so far! And will still be a highlight at the end I’m sure.

I feel like; this one will also be be my final word about TINTED DRAWINGS. The idea that painting over a sketch should sill count as Direct Watercolor. I mean; if this isn’t direct enough I don’t know what to say :)

But I don’t know who I’m trying to convince :) I’m sitting here on these pages arguing with myself :) It’s not like anyone has ever told me I can’t do it this way, and it’s not like I would listen at this point :)

Of course you can draw any way you choose!

So, whenever I doubt myself, I can look back at this one and remember that.

I am really getting weird in my old age :)

Here’s a second one from this same session – another lovely Beaux Arts stone monolith :)

I quite like how this bottom corner turned out.

One day, before I die, I’m going to make a graphic novel using watercolor. I’ve been wanting to do it for years, and my stuff is gradually creeping in that direction :)

Someday!