Montmartre is the local art district in Paris. It’s a place where artists are lining the streets and it’s been this way since the early 1900s. It’s here you will find the local painters, sketch artists, musicians and even some characteristics—you know, for the tourists. One thing is for certain, there is no lack of talent among this community. Each person has their own technique, perspective and color palette. While looking, I found it hard to even choose a painting if I were able to take one home.
This particular man was walking around asking people if he could draw them. When he sensed someone’s hesitation, he would assure them that if they didn’t like it then they need not to pay. I’m not sure what it was about him, but I wondered about his journey as an artist. He looked the part and had this aura of melancholy mixed with mystery. I wonder if this is what he always wanted to do or if it was the means to afford his true passion. I didn’t get the chance to ask him his name or even see any of his work.
After some time, I saw him again later in the afternoon, and he just sat off to the side, watching the tourists pass by while holding his blank canvas smoking a cigarette.
