Thursday, December 17, 2009

Monsieur's woodland friends hatch a plan!


In the still of the winter's night, raccoon leads the discussion of what to do in honor of Monsieur's faithful years of friendship. A lively discussion ensues with the lead idea being to send Monsieur Olivet on a trip, as he had never travelled beyond France before.

What a super holiday I had with the family - thanks everyone for visiting and stopping by while I have been away. I'm finally "caught up" a bit before the holidays really hit hard. I will be catching up with this blog and all of you this week. I hope you all have been well! Happy Holidays!

29 comments:

  1. I love the stories behind all your work, Shirley! And I'm SO loving the blue in this one!! Have a great holiday xx

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  2. This is quite the covert operation, under the cover of darkness! Monsieur is sure never to find out-- and what a lovely surprise it will be! Charming, as usual! Happy Holidays to you, Shirley!

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  3. This is beautiful, I love the shade of blue and the sweet faces.

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  4. This is absolutely adorable, Shirley! I especially love that little raccoon! I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

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  5. You never cease to amaze me, Ms. Shirley. Monsieur Olivet's friends are a great bunch to have so much love and respect for their friend.

    I'm so glad you had a wonderful family trip and I'm very glad you're back. Thanks for stopping by and visiting. I hope to catch up on quite a bit of drawing while on my 2 week vacation.

    Have a great evening, Love you much, my friend!

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  6. Hi Shirley, what a lovely illustration for this week's theme, they do look like they are up to something, hehehe loving that blue back ground too!!!

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  7. This is lovely .... Monsieur Olivet has a wonderful group of caring friends!

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  8. I love your take on the theme Shirley. I think the raccoon has an important piece of information by the look on his face!

    "Hatch" was my suggestion!

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  9. Love their expressions! Great work! :)

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  10. he he :D
    welcome back!
    im happy to hear you had a fantastic holiday with your fam ^_^
    me too, im glad to see your work this week.
    I especially love the raccoon, his expression and the movement, so lively!!!
    And oh, the blue background is perfect, Shirley.

    Kisses hugs,
    ~mita

    ps: i would love to go to France someday, to see my lover ;))

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  11. Gorgeous! Love the story behind it too. I was very surprised to read in your profile that you are an aspiring illustrator - thought you had illustrated lots of books by your work! Thank you so much for your comments :-)

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  12. So adorable...beautiful blue!

    Thanks for ur visit n comment! It makes my day.
    I'll be bac again too:)

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  13. Very nice. I like the contrast of the rust bear to the deep blue sky.

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  14. Shirley, I love your adorable woodland characters! I'm still playing catch up too.
    Hope you have a warm wonderful holiday! :)

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  15. i like your confidence in using colors, and it always works. great work, shirley. :))

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  16. They're lovely characters, so sweet and expressive! Happy christmas Shirley.x

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  17. another lovely illustration shirley! me and my 3 year old were going through your illustrations again. i think he likes monsieur olivet just as much as me. :)

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  18. Welcome back Shirley! Lovely little critters and that raccoon surely has come up with a cool idea for a present :)

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  19. WOW! Stunning!!!!! LOVE IT!!! The simplicity of the illustration, the heart of the story, makes this one post one of absolute favorites!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  20. Lovely scene! Bonus storytelling. :) Merry Christmas to you!

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  21. I love your characters and your stories! They are always so lovely!

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  22. I admire your ability to catch the viewer attention and lead him into the story, I feel as if I were a woodland friend too, choosing the best present for Monsieur Olivet ^.^

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  23. so sweeeeeet, love that sleepy looking owl.
    Monsier O has never left France!?!?!?!
    Ohhhh where oh where will he go?
    Wishing you a very happy holiday and all the best for 2010!
    Your bloggy pal
    Amy C

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  24. Wishing you the happiest of holidays Shirley and an even more productive and successful 2010! Keep up the great work :-)

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  25. Oh, Shirley. Monsieur Olivet belongs in a children's book!!! These are so beautiful and charming. Look at how deep in discussion his friends are. They must really love him. And yummy, that peanut brittle! I hope there's a little left over for me.

    Dear sweet Shirley, I wish you and your family the most wonderful Christmas filled with warmth and laughter. May 2010 be THE year for you!

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  26. wishing you (and your family and Monsieur Olivet) a merry Christmas :))


    kisses hugs,
    ~mita

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  27. Your style and work are wonderful, I love these paintings!

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