Paris, les Champs Elysees 

Antoine Blanchard rendered Paris, les Champs Elysees, using oil on canvas, a technique that has been around for centuries. The artist has applied the paint with loose brushstrokes, capturing the bustling boulevard on what appears to be a rainy day. The texture of the painting is built up from layers of paint, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. Blanchard captures the essence of Parisian life through his art. The artist's style is reminiscent of the Impressionists, who sought to capture the fleeting moments of everyday life. This approach was made possible by new developments in the mid-nineteenth century, like paint in tubes, which allowed artists to paint 'en plein air' and freed them from the constraints of the studio. Blanchard's painting reminds us that even the most familiar scenes can be imbued with beauty and meaning through the act of making. His focus on a popular location also shows the increasing ties between art, commerce and tourism.