Shell Sherree

Bonjour, May I Woo You?

2010-08-31T11:01:00.018+10:00

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

Woof. Woo~woo~woof~woof. Woo~oooooo~woo~woo~woof ~woof. Woof.

Bonjour! You look nice.. Please pass me a croissant from that basket and I promise to eat all evidence. Yes, including the crumbs.

A Wee-nsy Temptation

2010-09-07T11:00:00.001+10:00

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

I'm working on being more decisive. So is this puppy dog. Will he choose the hydrant? Or will he choose the kitty. Hydrant? Kitty? She is wisely distancing herself from any potential embarrassment while he makes up his mind...

A basket of pastries, on the other hand, would make life so simple.

Francophile Friday: Paris Room With a Vue

2010-09-03T11:00:00.003+10:00

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

A certain someone is flying to Paris today. Well, today her time, which is tomorrow my time and possibly yesterday by the time you're reading this ~ wherever you are. Fortunately, she is not the type to confuse easily. She knows exactly when she needs to board her winged chariot and I'm rather certain she will arrive at the airport early and with barely contained pastry Stohrer urges. Today's illustration is inspired by a photo from one of her previous visits. I'm not sure if she'll be gazing out on the same view during this coming vacation, but I felt it was a nice way for us to wave her Bon Voyage and wish her the happiest of times, with only the merest hint of envy in our wavering voices. Meanwhile, we can enjoy pressing our nose up to the glass here and imagining the delights in store for her. And on that note...

Happy Francophile Friday to you!

Venerdi in Venice: Princess and the Wisteria-Pea

2010-08-27T14:11:00.002+10:00

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

As we venture into the weekend, let's put an eensy weensy twist on an old fairytale, The Princess and the Pea. This Princess is Venetian {just run with it} and the pea is a flowering member of the pea family, commonly known as wisteria. Rather than being poked somewhat rudely under the Princess's mound of mattresses, thus causing an irksome night's lack-of-sleep and wan circles under her eyes, our wisteria-pea is allowed to frolic and clamber playfully outside her window. Being a wisteria-pea of the fragrant kind, each night, its soporific purple perfume wafts gently into our Princess's bedroom, tickling her nostrils briefly before allowing her to enjoy hours of deep slumber that chamomile tea can only dream of achieving. {Inpiration for today's Meep Miniature illustration is thanks to the talented Alain Hamon of Destination Venise, via dear Pierre of Venice Daily Photo. Grazie mille to you both!} As we enjoy the hospitality of our well-rested Princess this weekend, here's to sweet dreams for all of us. And on that note...

Happy Venerdi in Venice to you!

Chaise-ing Valentino

2010-08-24T19:14:00.003+10:00

ink & watercolour illustration, 5.5" x 5.5" {14 x 14cm}

Brisbane’s stylish sorts have been all kinds of dizzy over the Valentino Past, Present, Future exhibition that launched here a couple of weeks ago at the Gallery of Modern Art {GoMA}. La dolce vita and champagne have been breeding like rabbits. Considering it’s the first outing of the collection since the expanded version opened in Paris in 2008 ~ one can forgive us our parochial state of chuffedness. I haven’t been yet, mostly because I’m still trying to decide what to wear.

Today’s illustration is inspired by a Valentino Haute Couture evening gown from Spring/Summer 1993. {You’ll find it here.} Since juxtaposition is my word of the month, I also took inspiration for today’s illustration from a purple velvet sofa currently lounging around my local thrift shop for the princely sum of $75. Tempting, but it doesn't quite look like this one. If it did, I’d have strapped it onto a couple of skateboards {on sale for $10 all up} and walked it home... aah, two juxtapositions for the price of one.

Francophile Friday: Wearing Rouge to the Epicerie

2010-08-20T11:00:00.001+10:00

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

It feels like we've had a sweet tooth here lately. Not that there's anything wrong with that. {Denial can be a happy place.} Nonetheless, I thought we'd spice ourselves up a bit and take a ride on something red for a change {albeit faded. Baby steps}. This vintage scooter will do nicely, and as all good fashionistas must do, we shall stop in wherever we see a matching door. This one belongs to an épicerie, so we're bound to find something interesting inside. And on that note...

Happy Francophile Friday to you!

Francophile Friday: Vintage Paris Vintage

2010-08-06T16:59:00.003+10:00

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!

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

2010-08-17T16:33:00.000+10:00

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...

The Versatile Blogger Goes Meep For Winter

2010-07-06T11:00:00.061+10:00

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

There's something about beach stripes that says "Summer". {Hands up if you just read that as "beach strips..." If you look closely, you'll see our kitty is wearing no clothes. Shameful.} As it's winter here, it's kind of nice to imagine making off with that towel and deck chair and finding a sunny spot, but that would force one to disregard the seductively half-open door. Decisions, decisions. And while we ponder our conundrum, please allow me to pose for a brief interlude...

I'm honoured to receive The Versatile Blogger Award from leOpard13, whose Lazy Thoughts from a Boomer is an intelligent and far-from-lazy blog that I thoroughly recommend to you. We met at PopCultureNerd's place, and I'm very chuffed to be included amongst his awardees. Thank you, leOpard13! In addition to thanking leOpard13 for demonstrating his discerning taste, I need to let you know seven things about me, as well as passing the award on. Here goes:

I have a sack of almond meal in the pantry and several macaron recipes but have not yet attempted any. I find myself sadly lacking in patience and candy thermometers.
I once played the harpsichord for half of Handel's Messiah from Scratch and it takes a lot of pluck to do that.
I have 29 rolls of ribbon at the ready for any kind of gift-wrapping emergency.
Yoga is my sport of choice {though my Olympic dream fades with every passing four years}.
I'm tempted to migrate north for the winter but I'd miss home too much {and a number of ducks I know don't recommend it}.
I'll happily sign a petition to have chocolate officially recognised as a food group.
I think I'm indecisive but I'm not quite sure...

So rather than trying to choose from all of the outstanding blogs I love: if I follow your blog, you're welcome to take this award and do a happy dance. Yes, I just ducked out of that one. Call me "chicken" and I'll be plucked {just prior to making the shortest recorded attempt at flying north}, but don't worry, I'll be back by Friday.

Venerdi in Venice: Slice of Piazzetta

2010-07-30T14:44:00.002+10:00

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

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!

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

2010-08-13T18:46:00.001+10:00

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

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!

A Bird in the Hand

2010-08-10T16:50:00.002+10:00

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...

Brisbane Substations are Fashionable Again

2010-08-03T18:37:00.000+10:00

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...

Bathing Belles

2010-07-27T11:38:00.000+10:00

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 ...

Francophile Friday: L'Escargot Slow Show

2010-07-23T17:34:00.005+10:00

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!

J.Lo Down on Madre's

2010-07-20T12:28:00.000+10:00

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...

Venerdi in Venice: A Weensy Stroll

2010-07-16T21:00:00.000+10:00

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!

Francophile Friday Fleurish: Eva's Paris Peonies

2010-07-09T16:43:00.001+10:00

ink & watercolour ACEO weensies, each one 3.5" x 2.5" [9 x 6.5cm]

I don't think it's peony season anywhere on the globe at the moment, except perhaps in some mad biologist's greenhouse where this spectacular bloom is in the process of being hybridised for world domination of the most gloriously forgiveable kind...

In the meantime, we can console ourselves with a pretend bunch for the weekend ~ like this armful carried by Virginia's granddaughter Eva in Paris and almost half her size. {Thanks yet again to dear Virginia!} And on that note...

Happy Francophile Friday Fleurish to you!

Bastille Day Weather Forecast: Macaron Showers

2010-07-13T13:39:00.001+10:00

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!

Venerdi in Venice: We are Lions, Hear Us Meep

2010-06-25T11:56:00.009+10:00

ink & watercolour ACEO weensy, 3.5" x 2.5" [9 x 6.5cm]
Acquire this original Meep Miniature here.

Cats big and small love to laze, stretch, slumber in the sun ~ and to indulge in the occasional Faux-Doze for the benefit of potential prey. These stately lions watching over the Canal Grande in Venice are no exception, except that they tend to stay still for the sake of a regal photo or sketching opportunity, and all they're likely to catch is the odd irreverent pigeon thought. Thanks so very much to Pierre's Venice Daily Photo for generously allowing me its exquisite inspiration, and especially to Alain Hamon for this particular one. Grazie mille!!!

[Post Update 29th June: Dear Alain has kindly posted my little illo together with his photo at his own blog, and it's lovely seeing them side by side. Thank you so very much!]

It's a gorgeous fine winter's day here, the kind I'd be happy with all season long ~ mild in temps, a sun that's fully present but mellow rather than roaring, and a few benign little tufts of lazy vanilla fairy floss. I might even follow the lions' lead and climb out onto the roof to survey the landscape. And on that potentially perilous note...

Happy Venerdi in Venice to you!

Francophile Friday: Tour de Tour d'Argent

2010-07-02T11:00:00.089+10:00

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

Today, with abundant warm fuzzy thanks to Virginia of Paris Through My Lens, we visit La Tour d'Argent. Roughly translated in duck language as, "Run away! Run away!"

This prestigious establishment {precisely translated in English language as "The Tower of Silver"} is not actually made of silver, causing somewhat of a disappointment to those who love polishing and arrive there appropriately equipped. Opened in 1582, it was built of Champagne stone which gave off silvery reflections and therefore, the name. La Tour d'Argent has been especially been revered for its fine duck dining experience for well over a century. The ducks are so famous that each one is numbered and the diner receives a postcard to verify the same ~ thus giving the ducks a very real appreciation of the expression, "Your days are numbered."

Virginia's photo dressed itself in black tie for this esteemed restaurant, so my illustration chose to do the same. There's quite an interesting story of the history of La Tour d'Argent at its website. I'm glad we don't have to duel for dinner reservations nowadays, much as it would bring the awaiting ducks much pleasure to watch. And on that note... no, wait for it...

Do you remember our Date With a Stack of Light Reading?

Recently, I was contacted by the delightful Jamie from Literacyhead.com, an inspiring online resource for Literacyheads ~ those who "may have expertise in different areas of literacy, but all are committed to children's literacy, passionate about the arts, incessant thinkers, and display a propensity for having fun." I'm beyond chuffed that this illo is one of those chosen for the current issue, Reading Habits, to help give writers ideas in the Write StARTs section. If you love reading and the arts {and if you're here, that's most likely You}, please do pop over and have a browse. It's a wonderful concept.

Oh, and Tuesday posts resume next week. Hooray! And on that note...

Happy Francophile Friday to you!

Francophile Friday: Marseille-Days

2010-06-18T11:30:00.002+10:00

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

Order print here.

One of my dear friends sent me her copy of Julia Child's My Life in France {written with Alex Prud'Homme, her hubby's great-nephew}. I happened to be reading about Julia and Paul Child's time in Marseille when I received the kind offer from "Papirazzi", via an equally kind friend of his named Hayley {who also happens to be an artist and sells her vintage finds in France here}, to use his photos for inspiration. Thank you, Papirazzi and Hayley! Lo and behold, the first photo to catch my eye was this happy façade in Marseille. In the book, Julia writes that Marseille "struck me as a rich broth of vigorous, emotional, uninhibited Life - a veritable "bouillabaisse of a city," as Paul put it." These exuberant colours look very much at home there. And on that note...

Happy Francophile Friday to you!

Francophile Friday: Together Apartment

2010-06-11T11:00:00.014+10:00

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

It's officially the 11th day of winter here. {Australia is apparently one of the few places that changes seasons on the 1st of the calendar month each quarter, rather than with the more natural ebb and flow of cycles of the moon, the changing of leprechauns' underwear and the packing or unpacking of squirrels' nuts.} As I sit here inside with my lilac wool beret and enough layers to make a mille-feuille flake with envy, I can feel myself slowly thawing in these rays of sun in the apartment in Paris that I've rented us for the weekend. I'm off to pick up some holistic food for our furry friends, so please let yourself in and make yourself comfie while I'm gone. {But please ~ don't let the dog out.} And on that note...

Happy Francophile Friday to you!

Venerdi in Venice: It's All About Me-ep

2010-06-04T19:33:00.002+10:00

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

Let's go for a tiny stroll. A very tiny stroll, across a very tiny bridge in Venice where we can gaze at our reflections in the canal and wonder at our collective beauty. I don't see anyone else around, so we can stay as long as we like. One can't rush narcissism, after all. Yes, that's a fluffy tu-tu, so it's not just about me-me, and to spot the kitty in this one, you may need one of these. And on that note...

Happy Venerdi in Venice to you!

PS: Just heard that the charming old Shingle Inn, long-since dismantled and stored, has finally been given a new home, and will be re-built in the foyer of our City Hall, currently under renovations. Great article here with a photo of the original. I am delighted. Delighted.

Francophile Friday: Walk This Way

2010-05-28T11:00:00.002+10:00

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

I can't tell you how tempted I was to put this puss in boots, but you can imagine, I'm sure. Last Tuesday's train just pulled into one of our favourite cities. In thank-you-dear-Katie's photo inspiration for today's setting, these Parisian doors were firmly closed to inquisitive eyes, but it seems our mysterious goldie-locked blonde traveller and her snowy white feline companion know how to charm their way in. They are going into an 'Illustration Protection Programme' and you won't see them again until they are ready to be unveiled properly. {It could be a while ~ I've arranged for regular champagne and macaron deliveries}. By the way, I've missed you all this week. And on that note...

Happy Francophile Friday Fleurish to you!