Paris in Winter: An Artist’s Watercolor Love Letter
David Coggins’s vibrant watercolors capture the essence of Paris in winter, a city where charm and intimacy intertwine. For over two decades, Coggins and his family have journeyed to Paris each winter, captivated by its art, architecture, and effortless style. Their annual pilgrimages have kindled an enduring love affair with the City of Lights, a sentiment beautifully expressed in his expanded illustrated memoir, first published in 2015.
“Paris is special in winter because there are fewer tourists, and the city is more intimate, more itself,” Coggins reflects. “Dinners are elaborate. And Parisian fashion is at its height – people wear beautiful layered clothes.” These intimate observations, imbued with a sense of wonder and admiration, breathe life into his art. More than just picturesque scenes, his watercolors offer glimpses into the soul of Parisian life, revealing a captivating tapestry of everyday moments.
Capturing Parisian Whimsy
Wendy, David, and Sarah, his wife and children, often join Coggins on these artistic explorations. Their presence adds a personal dimension to his work, a testament to the shared joy they find in discovering the city’s hidden gems.
Coggins’s keen eye is drawn to the “witty, romantic life of Parisians.” These seemingly ordinary moments become extraordinary when viewed through his artistic lens. A waiter clad in a long white apron pausing for a contemplative smoke break, a dog proudly sporting a Chanel sweater, or a woman elegantly shielding herself from the drizzle under a whimsical umbrella hat — these vignette-like glimpses become timeless treasures, capturing the Parisian spirit in all its quirky charm.
A Love Story in Watercolor
Beyond the charming anecdotes and meticulous details, Coggins’s illustrations speak of a deeper connection with Paris. There’s a palpable sense of affection woven into each brushstroke, a love letter to a city that continues to enchant him.
“Paris in winter is like a secret shared between those who know its magic,” Coggins says, his words echoing the sentiment expressed through his art. His watercolors are more than just pretty pictures; they are invitations to experience the city through his eyes, to feel the crisp winter air, hear the laughter spilling out from cozy cafes, and see the beauty hidden in the everyday.
For anyone who has ever been captivated by Paris’s allure, Coggins’s work offers a nostalgic reminder of the city’s magic. For those who have yet to experience it, his illustrations promise a tantalizing glimpse into a world where art, history, and romance intertwine, creating a tapestry as captivating as the city itself.
What inspired David Coggins to focus on Paris in the winter for his book of watercolors?
## Paris in Winter: A Watercolor Love Story
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show, David. Your new book, “Paris in Winter,” is a stunning collection of watercolors capturing the magic of Paris in its chilliest months. What inspired you to focus on the city during this time of year?
**David Coggins:** Thank you for having me! Paris in winter holds a special kind of charm. There are fewer tourists, making the city feel more intimate and authentic. The city seems to exhale, revealing its true self. Dinners become elaborate affairs, and the fashion is simply divine – Parisian style reaches new heights with beautiful layered clothing. [[1](https://www.davidcoggins.com/books/paris-in-winter/)]
**Interviewer:** Your illustrations are more than just pretty scenes. They seem to capture the soul of Parisian life. What’s your secret to achieving that level of depth?
**David Coggins:** It’s all about observation and appreciating the small details. A couple strolling hand-in-hand, a steaming cup of coffee on a cafe terrace, the way the afternoon light bounces off the cobblestones – these everyday moments are what make Paris so special. I try to capture that essence in my work.
**Interviewer:** What do you hope readers will take away from “Paris in Winter”?
**David Coggins:** I hope it transports them to Paris, even if only for a short while. I want them to feel the city’s magic, its warmth, its intimacy. Maybe it will even inspire them to experience Paris in the winter themselves.“[[1](https://www.davidcoggins.com/books/paris-in-winter/)]
Interviewer: Thank you, David, for sharing your beautiful work and your passion for Paris with us.
**David Coggins:** Thank you for having me.
