Painting Paris: Jessie Kanelos Warner on Watercolors, Words, and Parisian Dreams

Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio. I’m your host, James Navé. My guest today is the extraordinary Jessie Kanelos Weiner—painter, illustrator, author, and stand-up comedian—who has built a creative life in Paris. We first met at a writing workshop years ago and recently reconnected to discuss her evolving artistic journey. Jessie is known for her stunning watercolors, illustrating for Vogue, The New Yorker, and luxury brands like Cartier and Fragonard. She co-authored Paris in Stride, a beautifully illustrated guidebook that helps visitors experience the city like a local. She’s also a stand-up comedian who performs in both English and French, navigating the cultural nuances of humor in two languages. In this conversation, we discuss the joys and challenges of life as an expat artist in Paris—finding inspiration, adjusting to the city’s rhythm, and balancing creative work with personal life. Join us for a rich discussion about reinvention, artistry, and making a home in a foreign land.