/ Shell Sherree

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!

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Bathing Belles

27.7.10

pencil and watercolour illustration on cold-pressed cotton paper

Lately, I've seen a number of these riotous floral swimming caps, both vintage and new. I'm not sure if I'd have the derring-do to wear one in public, but they delight me. They'd fit in nicely with this old bathing pavilion, and I seem to recall Katie making that very same observation at the time.

I briefly considered offering a handmade upcycling tutorial to Etsy, using fishing line, a crochet hook, old hot water bottles and a couple of shower curtains ~ but I had problems with my flour-and-water glue mix not holding up under water so it was back to the drawing board, where I sensibly made this instead. If you'd like a copy of the tutorial, you know where to find me. Over at Etsy buying one ...

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Francophile Friday: L'Escargot Slow Show

23.7.10

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

Does focusing on snails on Friday help the weekend slide along more slowly? Perhaps a notion worth exploring at a leisurely pace...

L'Escargot Montorgueil takes the Slow Food movement literally. This popular restaurant in Paris decorates its signage with a trail of regal-looking golden snails {perhaps paying a side homage to garlic butter}, leaving us in no doubt as to its primary fare. As for the principle of "waste not, want not", there's an interesting story about the establishment here.

Thank you so very much to Cali, who sent me a photo of these charming snails and their abode quite some time ago. With due deference to the subject matter, I took my time illustrating them. So likewise, please take your time gazing at them. They aren't going anywhere in a hurry. And on that note...

Happy Francophile Friday to you!

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J.Lo Down on Madre's

20.7.10

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

It's been a long time coming, but we're visiting Pasadena today. Madre's was Jennifer Lopez's Cuban restaurant in the Southern Lake district of Pasadena. If its quaint, shabby chic appearance and mojitos or arroz con pollo appeal to you, you can make your way there with no haste and even less speed, as it's closed. And I mean Closed of the Permanent Variety. I feel for the in-house Cuban cigar maker who may not have found a new job very easily.

Closed it may be, but when I saw Petrea's photo of this recently, I knew I had to draw it and she kindly obliged. Thank you for the inspiration, Petrea! If you need to know more about Madre's for the sake of posterity or because you're a J.Lo stalker ~ err, fan ~ there are plenty of great links at Petrea's place. And if you feel like unscrewing that exterior light fitting and sending it on a slow boat to Australia, the Cuban cigar maker and I know nothing...

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Venerdi in Venice: A Weensy Stroll

16.7.10

ink & watercolour ACEO weensy, 3.5" x 2.5" [9 x 6.5cm]

Let's stroll into the weekend, dropping our cares into this canal in Venice, in a serene and quiet location near San Martino Vescova, away from the madding crowds. Grazie mille to Pierre of Venice Daily Photo for his constant inspiration. {Happy holidays, Pierre!}

We can vote on where we'll stay based on the colour of our favourite gelato. If no pets are allowed, someone may need to take a trip to the local Hotel for Dogs. But this puppy only barks "Meep, meep," so I'm thinking we can smuggle him in and no-one will be the wiser. And on that note...

Happy Venerdi in Venice to you!

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Bastille Day Weather Forecast: Macaron Showers

13.7.10

ink & watercolour illustration, 7" x 8.25" [18 x 21cm]

Today I was going to take us to a location somewhere not in France, given that it's been very French here lately, but with Bastille Day nearly upon us ~ well, how remiss would I be!

Instead, I'll do a weather forecast for tomorrow and predict that it will be raining macarons. Take your largest umbrella, and some bubble wrap wouldn't go astray. There's also a chance of éclairs and croissants, but it's recommended to head indoors if that's the case. They pack more of a punch when bouncing off one's scone. However you're celebrating, and wherever that may be, here's to a happy 14th July!

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