Lives can become entangled. (Illustration Friday)

...thousands of miles away, Malorie K. Meadow gazes at the moonlight from her homestead after a busy day of tending to the field and making cheese.

La musique dans la forêt – Illustration Friday (Music)

At least once a month, Monsieur Olivet serenades his community with a few of his favorite melodies. Berenger Bear, closes his eyes and gently waves his paw along with Monsieur.

My personal tribute to Maurice Sendak and "Where the Wild Things Are"

I have been inspired by the amazing link that Cally Jane (thanks Cally Jane!) had posted awhile back regarding Corey Godbey's project, Terrible Yellow Eyes. He wanted to put together a collection of paintings inspired by Where the Wild Things Are as a tribute and celebration of the book which had a massive influence on him. If you are not familiar with his project, please click here and enjoy!

These three illustrations were very fun to sketch and paint. I created the first "Welcome, Max!" (where the monsters are visions in the wind blowing Max and his boat to the island) and had a hard time with the water. I made it light and wispy at first, then decided it really needed to be pumped up with vibrant color, and then the marks/strokes were added to give it the feel that Mr. Sendak has in his book..though mine were much less strokes..the man was amazing!

The second and third pieces were more conceptual for me..I was thinking of Max growling and romping around (he's a young Max, isn't he?!) and then spotting the yellow moon and suddenly realizing that it was time to go home. Kinda like trotting to the edge of the world to realize that you're missing something.

The final piece is Max realizing that he has just been shut into his room..and how shocked he was. Mr. Sendak illustrated an angry max, folded arms and a bit pouty, but I think there's a bit of "oh my! Mom meant it this time!" in him, and so this is what I came up with...my little Max's are younger. I suppose I like to think of him as sweet and innocent..though Sendak's Max was mischievous, for sure.

I hope you enjoy these! I will get on to more posting - and my IF as soon as I can. Have a great rest of the weekend!!

Shirley

A very, very belated Thank You

I wanted to send a big THANKS to Nicola..who was so kind to send this wonderful bookmark to me many weeks ago. Nicola has been a dear friend to me in this blogland, with visits that make me smile. I am always impressed and amazed at how much she does in one week! She is a talented artist who is remarkable in that she is always experimenting, and trying new techniques and using different mediums all the time. One week she has a lovely flower, the next a beautiful Geisha lady. Her generosity is abundant each time I visit her blog and when she visits mine. I'm sure you all know her, but if you don't, please do check out her blog and say hello. Thank you again, Nicola!!

Wowweee!! Presenting "Air Puppy" by the talented Mônica Scheliga Carnesi!

I have just received a glorious little Art Card by the talented Ms. Mônica! Thank you so much, Mônica! I will happily place him with my collection of inspirations. Mônica was kind enough to ask me to participate in the International Art Exchange recently and so I thank her for the generosity of sending me one of her creations. I am a huge fan – her work is sweet and tender, whimsical and fun, and always conceptually spot-on. Please visit her blog and website if you are not familiar with Mônica's wonderful work!

Oops!

I painted this little girl and her pup last night and got to the end, clicked off my lamp and managed to spill my whole cup of water all over the watercolor block. The entire image was soaked. I decided..."Oh, well..just go to bed" and this morning..it looked fine! A little softer, but still OK. I thought I'd post this in case anyone had that panicky feeling about what to do. Something told me not to touch it and I'm glad that I didn't 'cause I'm sure I would have messed it up. I have to thank my "lazy-factor" for this one. : )

Have a great rest of the week everyone!

Gorgeous!! Thank you, Martha Lever!!

I have recently participated in an International Art Exchange and was so happily surprised to find this today in my mailbox! Wow, I am just blown away at the talented Ms. Martha's beautiful lettering. Look at it..isn't it just lovely?! As you may know, I am an AVID lover of letters. I have been a member of Pacific Scribes and Friends of Calligraphy, here in the Bay Area for many years, and have just marvelled at the beauty of letters. I hope you can take time to investigate Martha's site (check out her beautiful work at reddoorartstudio.com; marthalever.etsy.com; and marthalever.blogspot.com), as well as Lisa Holtzman's site...Lisa is a new blog friend who I feel has exquisite letters.

Thank you again, Martha, and thank you Monica and Caroline for the opportunity to participate. What a wonderful community this is. Thanks everyone!

Unbalanced? Certainement pas! – Illustration Friday

Marie Marguerite Beaufort and her partner, Philippe Niolo, prepare to move their latest creation to the judging table at this year's World Pastry Forum. Uncle Olivet, never once missing any of his nieces' competitions, proudly (though a bit nervously) cheers her on.

Blur: Illustration Friday

Monsieur Olivet enjoys a hot bowl

of Soupe à l'oignon français...

amidst the blur of activity at La Coronne.

Monsieur Olivet..is on the move...