No trees were cut down for this Christmas celebration. Sadly, a rather substantial number of almonds met their demise and let's not think about the process of grinding them into a flour ... but a Macaron Christmas Tree does require at least some sacrifices. And on that note ...
Wishing you a furtastic festive season, filled with love, laughter and joy. Peace, purrs, nuzzles and blessings. x0x
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| Paris arched turquoise doors street scene illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Drawing on Paris doors for inspiration is far easier than actually drawing the doors when they have the most beautiful arched 'eyebrows' perched ornately and symmetrically over them like these ones do.
But not being faint of heart or pencil when it comes to such challenges, I did not shy away. Nor did the bird pecking croissant crumbs on the pavement, content in the knowledge that the kitty cat eyeing it off from the floor above is the bird in a gilded cage, at least for today. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you! PS: This gorgeous illustration is available as a fine art print directly from me via my online studio store, in a range of sizes from petite to somewhat grand, to keep your Paris daydreams alive every day. Click here, s'il vous plaît!
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| Paris book shop Le Pont Traverse illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
On a corner on the edge of the Luxembourg Gardens in the 6th arrondissement of Paris several years ago (2018 to be precise), we happened upon a treasure trove of tomes: Le Pont Traversé.
I had seen photos of this book lovers' paradise countless times on Pinterest and on the many Paris blogs that abound, but when we strolled along and unexpectedly encountered it in real life, it was a very beautiful surprise. (I wear a beret of shame that I lost any ability to plan ahead of the trip, under the weight of overwhelm over how many things there would be to see, so everything we did see was pretty much 'par hasard': by chance!)
Thankfully we did get to experience the rare and lovely nature of this gem, as sadly its loving custodian Josée Comte Béalu had to close its doors at the end of 2019. You can read more about the history of her beloved 70 year old boutique book store in this thoughtful interview with her on The Literary Hub.
While it can never replace the original, perhaps this illustration (available as a fine art print) will help keep its memory going ... close your eyes, walk inside and browse away the hours. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you!
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| Ella Adorable Cat Christmas Sweater illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Ella had been told about 'Ugly Christmas Sweaters' but fortunately, she believed there was no such thing.
Wishing you a Meowy Christmas and a Happy New Year, resplendent with blessings, peace, love and awesome self-esteem! Take care, shine your light and See you next year ...
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| Le Consulat Montmartre Paris Cafe illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Ahh, Montmartre. Quaint and charming, it's easy to imagine you've time travelled to the 1800s when you're wandering there.
And Le Consulat café is a perfect way to imagine you're an artist, poet or philosopher enjoying a glass (nay, bottle!) of cheeky red wine and debating all night until the dawn whispers "Bonjour!" over the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur nearby.
Le Consulat restaurant is just a hearty cobblestone's throw from Place du Tertre and a plethora of Montmartre cafes and attractions, including the very pretty pink La Maison Rose (illustrated here), the Musée de Montmartre and Paris vineyard Vigne du Clos Montmartre. So even if you indulge in several courses of their hearty fare, you'll have ample opportunity to stroll it off before you hop on the Metro again. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you! (Order this artwork as a beautiful fine art print here)
Le Consulat, 18 rue Norvin, 95018, Paris
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| Au Rocher de Cancale Paris Cafe illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
I'm don't know why, but this pretty Paris cafe reminds me of a wedding cake! How about you? Perhaps it's the decorative mouldings, like white fondant icing pressed onto the pastel-tinted surface.
My vintage is showing, as I'm not talking about naked cakes or smashcakes. No, I'm reminiscing about the tiered and structured wedding cakes that one of my beautiful aunts used to make for all of the family and friends in years gone by: a firm-yet-pliable royal icing carefully molded (after preparatory layers of (1) warmed jam and (2) marzipan) onto a traditional fruit cake. Do you remember those? And the slices in little rustling paper cake bags that the wedding guests would be given to take home, and if you slept with it under your pillow, you'd dream of the person you'd marry? I'd love to see how a slice of naked wedding cake hold up to that. The smashcake would look ... well, still like a smashcake. Either way, your pillows will never be the same.
Back to today's illustration, where the resident cafe cats (which may or may not be a figment of my imagination) are very much at home, and waiting for you to join them. The book on the table might well be by Hemingway, its owner off in search of the next part of Paris's moveable feast. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you! (You can order fine art prints of this beauty Here.)
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| French Country Pretty Wisteria illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Among my many armchair travels over the time, both in Blogland and on Instagram, I've become friends with lovely people with shared passions. Unsurprisingly, most of them love animals and all things French.
And as the world feels both enormous and strangely small when you're online, it can be extra special when you find those friends closer to home. Such is the case with the lovely Annette at A French Collection, a French lifestyle blog written by a fellow Australian who divvies up her time between there and here.
Annette is an entertaining and highly informed writer who takes you into the heart of French life rather than skimming on the surface of the touristy attractions, and her photography is luscious and beautiful! I highly recommend popping over and subscribing. Caution: you'll find yourself wanting to book a flight to France with great regularity!
Today's illustration takes its inspiration directly from her charming wisteria-woven wanders in Brittany (scroll her Instagram feed and you'll find them). The cute cat and bird are included with a piece of poetic license (or two!) And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you! (You can order fine art prints of this artwork Here.)
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| Pretty French Bulldog with Flowers and Frangipanis illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
This pretty French bulldog with flowers in her fur hopes to bring you cheer. That is the primary reason she's here. And on that note ...
Happy Furry Friends Friday to you!
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| French Carousel with Flowers and Pink illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Can a carousel carry your worries away? This one might at least chase them off for another day.
Today's illustration is inspired by a charming carousel spotted by my niece in the south of France. Knowing my penchant for them, she kindly sent through her pics and Voilà, as they say, the rest is history.
Rather than a plethora of ponies (never a problem for me, by the way!), this one delights its wayfarers with other forms of transport: hot air balloon, vintage plane, cute little fire truck, steampunk spaceship and also, thankfully, the classic, traditional pony. Your getaway might be slower but it's a champion when it comes to carbon emissions! And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you!
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| Paris Stohrer pâtisserie illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
In French, flâner is the verb for 'to stroll' ... so if you're strolling past a pâtisserie window with flans, are you going for a flan flâner ?
I suspect not, but the subject of today's illustration would be a lovely place to pause to ponder. Stohrer is the oldest pâtisserie in Paris, founded in 1730 by Nicolas Stohrer ~ pâtissier to king Louis XV. It still resides in its original location on rue Montorgueil, and its facade is as pretty as its ingredients!
Known not just for its own sweet invention Baba au rhum - prepared with dough soaked in amber rum with candied cherry, invented by Nicolas Stohrer in the 18th century - Stohrer is a treasure trove of treats that's impossible to walk past by all but the most stoically will-powered of souls. The Rubenesque black cat in the upstairs windows is clearly not one of those. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you!
Stohrer ::: 51 rue Montorgueil 75002 Paris
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| Paris Metro Sign and Greenery illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Ready for the Daydream Express? The Paris Metro could be just the ticket!
Today's illustration fixes our gaze on a Paris Metro sign set against a backdrop of beautiful buildings with bountiful greenery. Where will your imagination wander first ... a fine French pâtisserie resplendent with flaky pastries? A stroll in Montmartre or getting lost in a gallery? The kitty cat's only wondering about climbing the greenery. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you! PS: Take your daydreams on a trip every day by acquiring this gorgeous fine art print for your home ... available in a range of sizes, ready for you to add the frame of your desire.
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| Berry Beautiful Pavlova Hello Sugar X Shell Sherree © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Wishing you a berry beautiful World Baking Day!
Today's illustration hopes to inspire you to roll up your sleeves and express your creativity in the kitchen. I've teamed up with fellow Australian and amazing baker extraordinaire Hello Sugar who has very kindly contributed her pavlova recipe for the occasion. If you live in our sunburnt country, you'll be well familiar with the humble 'Pav' and possibly also aware of the friendly debates as to its origins.
One thing that's easy to agree on is how divine they taste and how awesome they are for entertaining, no matter who first came up with the idea! Some love a super-soft fluffy pavlova, others fall into the crisp-shell camp and that's pretty much where I stand, possibly having grown up with a mother and grandmother who both made mighty fine examples of the latter. That said, both have their special charms.
Please click here to download and print the pretty illustrated recipe sheet we've put together for you. Both Letter and A4 paper sizes are available. The recipe is for a single layer version, so simply double everything then both layer and top with luscious cream and berries to replicate our photo and illustration. Bon appetit! And on that note ...
Happy World Baking Day to you!
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| Paris Galerie Vero-Dodat Escalier Staircase illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Does this stairway have a checkered past? The stories that little black cat could tell!
Today's illustration features this beautiful Escalier (staircase) nestled within the walls of one of the relatively small number of covered passageways of Paris. This arcade called Galerie Véro-Dodat is one of the many picturesque attractions of the 1st arrondissement, not to mention a welcome escape if the grey skies have opened to sprinkle you ever so delightfully with Parisian rain.
One of the arcade entrances is located right alongside the very pretty Cafe de L'Époque which you might remember from this post a few months ago. Look closely in that illustration and you can see the Galerie Véro-Dodat sign! As for whether or not there is a checkered past, you'll have to ask the inscrutable kitty cat when you're there. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you! {And please cliquez-ici to order this fine art print ...}
Galerie Véro-Dodat 19 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau (and Rue de Croix-des-Petits-Champs) 75001 Paris
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| Carousel Montmartre with Sacré Coeur Paris illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
What do you call a Venice carousel in Paris? A double dose of magic!
Today's illustration sees one of the prettiest carousels in Paris (aren't they all?!) and a group of furry friends patiently waiting to go for a spin as soon as they can figure out how.
It's nestled under the peaceful gaze of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre (Sacred Heart of Montmartre) where the whole of Paris is laid out below like Ernest Hemingway's Moveable Feast on a picnic blanket. This charming Carrousel Venetien may be old, but its charms never will be. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you! PS: This new addition to my range of Paris carousels is now available as a gorgeous fine art print ... ride on over to my studio store to find out more.
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| La Maison Rose Paris illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
If this charming spot in Montmartre, Paris is looking at life through rose coloured glasses, where's the harm in that, I ask.
Today's illustration pays homage to what is surely one of the prettiest and most picturesque cafés in Paris: La Maison Rose.
Located on a corner block, this famous house-turned-café was originally the studio of a Catalan artist, Ramon Pichot, back in the early 1900s. He counted among his friends Picasso and Dali, and married a local lass who modeled for select painters (and I imagine this is how they met and fell in love). After returning from a Spanish trip, Pichot took a break from painting canvases to paint their home pink and turned it into a restaurant ! And so its life within the fabric of Paris's café scene began.
With one side on rue des Saules and the other on rue de l'Abreuvoir in the 18th arrondissement, this iconic dining establishment is within a baguette's throw of Paris vineyard Vigne du Clos Montmartre, and just a short stroll along the cobblestones to the Musée de Montmartre. There are so many beautiful sights in the area, you'll walk off your waistline in no time! And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you! {You can order this pretty illustration as a fine art print here. Ships worldwide. Merci, grazie, thank you.}
La Maison Rose ::: 2 rue de l'Abreuvoir, 75018 Paris, France
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| Les Deux Magots Cafe Paris illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Today's illustration is a glimpse of one of the most famous cafes in Paris: Les Deux Magots (meaning 'The Two Chinese Figurines").
This iconic spot is pretty as a picture and as their website says, "A café synonymous with literary and artistic life," ("Un café synonym de vie artistique et littéraire.")
A rendezvous for artists and writers including Picasso and Hemingway, creativity and the exchanges of ideas and passions have always been very much at home in this beautiful café.
You can explore the history and culture (along with making a booking) in French here, and in English here. And you'll find today's illustration available in my online studio store (ships worldwide).
Happy Francophile Friday to you!
Les Deux Magots ::: 6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 Paris, France
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| Paris Cafe de L'Epoque illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Fancy a French feast? Pull up a chair and we're there.
Today's illustration features the very lovely Le Café de L'Epoque located in the first arrondissement in Paris. With both the Vero-Dodat Galerie and le Ministère de la Culture close by, this charming cafe in the heart of Paris is a beautiful spot to relax, digest and imbibe.
A waiter enjoys a peaceful and somewhat momentary lull while a patron inside with her typically French marinière striped top soaks up a café crème (somewhat akin to a cappuccino ... if your style is more filtered coffee with a little milk, try requesting café au lait instead!)
Meanwhile, the kitty cat is assessing whether or not those shiny globes that are like massive Christmas tree baubles are something with which she can play. I'd love to see that, how about you? And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you! This artwork is now available as a gorgeous fine art print - ships worldwide (click here, s'il vous plaît).
Café de L'Epoque is located at 2 rue du Bouloi PARIS 75001
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| Paris French Carousel Trocadero illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
If you want to choose a theme for sightseeing in Paris, locating and visiting her carousels is an especially picturesque one!
My newest carousel illustration artwork is inspired by the beautiful carousel located in the Jardin du Trocadero. Crafted from timber, this whimsical double decker offers not just a life-affirming ride: it also has one of the prettiest views of the Eiffel Tower you can find. Situated next to the Warsaw Fountain, which transforms quietly into a massive 'mirror' when it slumbers, you'll easily while away hours here and wonder where they vanished. The park bench and its furry friends are rarely visible to the naked eye ... but if the wind is blowing in a very particular way, you just might be lucky. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you!
PS: Acquire this artwork as a magnificent fine art print here.
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| Paris French Boulangerie illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Life gives us many things on which to reflect, but this beautiful French boulangerie's windows offer up some especially lovely ones.
Today's Paris illustration is inspired by the very lovely Boulangerie Bo in the 12th arrondissement. I've taken poetic license with some redecoration but if you've been there, you still might recognise it. If you happen to spot a fluffy black cat while there, consider yourself one of the truly lucky ones. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Friday to you!
PS: This pretty Paris fine art print is available to order at Shell Sherree Studio in a range of sizes to suit various standard formats. Also gorgeous for gifts! US fine art print orders ship from the US, AU and all other orders ship from Australia carbon-neutral.
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| She Loves Leo Tea for Two Paris Balcony Eiffel Tower View illustration © Shell Sherree all rights reserved |
Fancy tea for two with an Eiffel Tower view? And a book or few?
We do, too. And on that note ...
Happy Francophile Feline Friday to you!
