A fast-moving giant grey cloud swept over the fluffy little white ones. The bits of spring blue sky were suddenly covered. I stopped and called my husband to come and see. In my head, I heard Steven Tyler singing, I saw Ben Affleck—it was all very Armageddon. It also felt like an appropriate metaphor for these times, I thought. But then again, it was finally springtime, and the changing landscape of clouds was expected and welcomed. If you feel like it's reflecting your moods—you are not alone. The cloud passed, and the sky was blue again.
Working from home knows how to play with my brain, so I try to go out and meet friends a couple of times a week. I think that’s one of the reasons I love doing tours a couple of times a month—I go out and talk to actual people. I step away from my phone. I tell the stories of the spaces I often later draw on a map. This month, I took clients to Père Lachaise. The cemetery itself contains over 4000 botanical species. Before it became the largest cemetery in Paris, it was the land of Father Lachaise, the counselor of Louis XIV.
The first impression you get inside the cemetery is that it’s a hill—a butte from which this spiritual director once looked over the capital, surrounded by greenery. That day, we visited Jim Morrison’s tomb. There is always someone there playing The Doors. On the cold stone, above the grave, is an inscription in Greek: Fighting the devil within. Aren’t we all?
March was a month of successful restaurant visits, simple but impactful reads, and brain fog—balanced out by plenty of excellent coffee. I thought I’d round up my favorite things, people, and places in Paris (and beyond) that inspired me this month. Whether you’re looking for a simple list for your next visit, an exhibition reminder if you're in the city, or just some creative inspiration, here it is.
I visited Foire de Chatou for the first time—one of the biggest antique fairs in France. It’s also the oldest one.
took me there with a group of women. The day was marvelous, and I was well-behaved—I only got myself a little blue porcelain mug that I plan to use as a vase. I wouldn’t recommend going without a clear vision of what to buy; it can be overwhelming. This event happens twice a year and is just a quick train ride from Paris.
I finally managed to get a reservation at Pristine, and we took one of my friends there for her birthday. I will definitely go back! Their foam butter blew my mind.
I’m currently reading—appropriately—Spring Cannot Be Canceled, a book I picked up in Bilbao last summer. I love the conversations and enthusiasm of its authors, David Hockney and Martin Gayford. I previously recommended A Bigger Message, written in a similar style by the same duo.
We had our first barbecue of the season! If you want to try Serbian grilled specialties, Yugoslavia Grill in Villemomble outside of Paris offers both pre-made options and raw meat. We got the raw version and grilled it ourselves—great quality at a reasonable price.
I’ve been painting on silk and trying to learn as much as I can. I found this fascinating article (in French) about the Silk Road.
I also visited Faubourg Daimant with my friend
. It’s a plant-based restaurant that somehow makes shiitake mushrooms taste like bacon. I think that says enough.I’ve been talking for months about Megan Leatherman’s podcast on seasonality, anti-capitalism, and trusting your place in nature. I also got her Spring Journal, which is guiding me through the season.
I made my first young nettle soup of the year. It was a battle—I attacked the nettle so the nettle attacked me, and rightfully so.
I’ve freed myself from the "one notebook" rule and now work in multiple notebooks—whichever calls to me. I loved an essay on creativity written by
: 10 Daily Conversations in My SketchbooksWe went to the Forest of Meudon, where—besides stumbling upon some Neolithic artifacts—we found a fascinating sound installation explaining how different types of wood resonate when tapped. I had a lot of fun tapping and listening.
And finally, I developed a technique I love with Caran d'Ache Neocolor II - more about it in the next newsletter (and a video tutorial!)
Studio news
Here is the official invitation to my little exhibition in April here in Paris—I hope to see you there!
Tomorrow is the last day to get your custom-made map for 10% off with the code Primavera at checkout. I’m already excited to draw something for you!
As mentioned, next week, I’ll be sharing a little art tutorial with my paid subscribers. I think you’ll like this simple, on-the-go technique—it was born from my attempts to simplify the painting process.
What are your favorite places you visited this month? Anything to recommend—or not recommend? I’d love to hear in the comments (or just hit reply if you're reading this in an email).
I’m a big fan of the Substack app—to make sure you don’t miss anything, consider downloading it.
Wishing you a lovely April, and as always, I’m so grateful you’re here.
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