The Doo-the-Macaron-ron-ron...

17.8.10

ink & watercolour illustration, 7" x 8.75" [18 x 22.5cm]

This is me in my kitchen.  My real kitchen doesn't have those curtains, or a mixmaster, or a mouse.  Or me looking as tall as that, but it's my drawing and I can stretch myself if I want to.  I don't have pierced ears, but I do have an oven, a tea towel, freckles and a fringe, and I did bake my very first batch of macarons on the weekend.  Hoorah!  They are pale pink with dark chocolate ganache filling, and while far from perfect, have a delicate crisp shell and lightly chewy texture ~ and aren't too shabby at all.  No, they don't come out of the oven ready-assembled, but ~ well, I don't really need to explain it again, do I. 

The kettle's boiling {"One lump or two with your déjà vu?"} so here's your white damask napkin and I'll assemble the mismatched Limoges...
26 comments

Venerdi in Venice: Meep, Meep, We're Here

13.8.10

ink & watercolour weensy meep miniature, 3.5" x 2.5" [9 x 6.5cm] ACQUIRE A MEEP
Buon giorno!  Here we are in Venice.  It seems we've been invited to stay in this teensy home, with its even teensier garden overlooking the Grand Canal.  {Grazie mille to Pierre of Venice Daily Photo for his magnificent photo inspiration!}  Did you remember to bring a hostess gift?  Not to worry, I brought enough toy koalas and souvenir spoons to cover all of us. Mind your step ~ the gaps on the private footbridge are merciless on stilettos.  Here, let me give you a hand with that Vuitton steamer trunk.  Don't worry, we'll revive ourselves momentarily with something refreshing in the shade of those trees.  And on that note...

Happy Venerdi in Venice to you!
22 comments

A Bird in the Hand

10.8.10

graphite and watercolour pencils on paper, 3 x 2.5" [8 x 6.5cm]

It's grey and drizzling.  Good weather for ducks, and the bluebird of happiness: chirpy no matter what the circumstances.   This little one was offered shelter under the fluffy purple parasol, but preferred to take advantage of the complimentary shower opportunity.  Some smudgy pencils seem just right on a day when the edges outside are blurred.  So does a spot of tea and some brown-sugared oatmeal and raisin bikkies.  Care to join us?  I've gone for the bird-healthy choice, but there are some macarons tucked away for emergencies if you prefer...
15 comments

Francophile Friday: Vintage Paris Vintage

6.8.10

ink & watercolour meep miniature, 2.5" x 3.5" [6.5 x 9cm] 

Meep, meep!  I'm still consoling myself over the untimely partial demise of this other little weensy {please don't ask: it's far too traumatic but involves a pair of scissors and a tidying session gone horribly wrong}.  So as part of my self-therapeutising, I've hit the pens instead of the Pimms and drawn a variation on the theme.  The Citroën received a grease, oil change and a fresh paint job while I was at it.  Luckily for us, this vintage number is not a fashionable accessory left in situ à la Merci ~ so we can tootle off for a Friday drive.  Or you can come back in a couple of days and we'll go for a Sunday drive.  Wear your best bonnet.  {Our chauffeur has just left the illustration in search of his.}

I wonder if this is where our Tuesday redhead bought her gown?  And it seems the Russian Cossack look is going to be big this winter.  I have no idea why, but you saw it here first.  And on that note... 

Happy Francophile Friday to you!
29 comments

Brisbane Substations are Fashionable Again

3.8.10

 ink & watercolour illustration, 7" x 8.75" [18 x 22.5cm]

Dotted in and around Brisbane, you'll find old powerhouses and substations that used to power our trams back in the glory days when they ran here, until the late 1960s.  {Spoken with the affection of someone who has never had to share the roads with them...}

Several of these buildings have been revived to house arts programmes and the like, as covered nicely in a recent Brisbane News, a lovely {and free!} local magazine I enjoy retrieving from the driveway each week.  You can read the story here {click Feature in the dropdown box towards the bottom right of that window}

With a deft touch, the fashion spread and front cover were shot at the Paddington substation ~ and inspired today's post.  To check it out, head over {yes, again}, click Fashion and the magic of online publications will transport you there, to one of my favourite Brissie suburbs.  In honour of my two dearest Leos who just celebrated their birthdays, I turned the six foot 13 inch model into a redhead.  And I figured a poodle wouldn't go astray with that gown...
21 comments

Venerdi in Venice: Slice of Piazzetta

30.7.10

ink & watercolour weensy meep miniature, 3.5" x 2.5" [9 x 6.5cm] ACQUIRE A MEEP

If this was a night painting, these lamps would shed some light on the Piazzetta as we head past the Doge's Palace towards St Mark's Basilica in Venice.  During daytime hours, though, we can simply allow them to look pretty.  {Grazie mille to Pierre of Venice Daily Photo for the always-beautiful inspiration!} Judging by this scenery, if you hear anyone in Venice say, "I'm in the Doge house," there's no need to feel sorry for them or shout them a consolatory vino {unless you're in the mood for something medicinal yourself}.  And on that note...

Happy Venerdi in Venice to you!
20 comments
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