When I saw Eric's
Le Meurice photo at Paris Daily Photo, the inspiration for my illustration, my first thought was 'oooh, a hot air balloon'! Mais non, closer inspection revealed it to be a chic bicycle basket, elegantly clad in its very own monogrammed linen cape to signify its five star heritage, that of a luxurious hotel frequented over the centuries by royalty and celebrities. This fetching bicycle tempted me {in my mind} to take my long-untested cycling legs for a short spin, at least to
Van Cleef & Arpels in the nearby Place Vendôme.
On my return to
Le Meurice in the 1st arrondissement at the heart of Paris, I could retire to my room to freshen up and emerge at least
partially like this glamorous young lady from the
hotel's own website {I do have some long black gloves}, ready to swan downstairs to Le Bar 228 for one of
William Oliveri's legendary Bellinis. Did I say 'one'. Perhaps I meant 'two'...
When I saw Eric's Le Meurice photo at Paris Daily Photo, the inspiration for my illustration, my first thought was 'oooh, a hot air balloon'! Mais non, closer inspection revealed it to be a chic bicycle basket, elegantly clad in its very own monogrammed linen cape to signify its five star heritage, that of a luxurious hotel frequented over the centuries by royalty and celebrities. This fetching bicycle tempted me {in my mind} to take my long-untested cycling legs for a short spin, at least to Van Cleef & Arpels in the nearby Place Vendôme.
On my return to Le Meurice in the 1st arrondissement at the heart of Paris, I could retire to my room to freshen up and emerge at least partially like this glamorous young lady from the hotel's own website {I do have some long black gloves}, ready to swan downstairs to Le Bar 228 for one of William Oliveri's legendary Bellinis. Did I say 'one'. Perhaps I meant 'two'...
I did a double take when I saw that bike and I regret not taking a photo of it, but the valet out front - or whatever he was - made me nervous cause I thought he knew what I was really thinking: how could I take off with that bike without anyone stopping me?
ReplyDeleteYour glamour girl looks lonely. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI thought that was you, Shell. Great drawings, as usual.
Now I am sure !
ReplyDeleteI hire you to prepare my schedule for the next time I manage to take a few days of "staycation" in Paris ! (Thank you, Alexa, for this new word in my own dictionary !).
I love your drawings ! And the way you choose your subjects ! Having an "artist" in the family (painting, photographer) I know how inspiration can be sometimes capricious !
Cali ~ I'm sure they've lost a few of those bicycles, or the baskets at least - no wonder they have their own security detail. :) As for glamour girl, not even on my best day, but thank you! I doubt she was lonely for long.
ReplyDeleteMarylène ~ I'd happily help you plan your staycation, but never having been to Paris {yet!} - well, thank heavens for blogpals and the internet. At least I can draw some nice things for you!
Hi, do you draw ballet dancers by any chance ? love your illustrations
ReplyDeleteAgain with the Van Cleef and Arpels. I'm getting the feeling you have a little thing for that place.
ReplyDeleteI would have taken one of those bikes, security or no. Once I hop on and pedal like mad, they'd have a hard time catching me on foot. I'd round the corner and laugh maniacally at getting away with it! And then I'd stop laughing once I have to figure out how to fit the bike into my luggage.
ReplyDeleteIf I was ever going to steal a bike, it would definitely be one of these! Or perhaps I'll get a basket for my own and make it look like this one. Shell, your version of the hotel's Website lady is stunning! (And where do you wear your long black gloves?) Finally, have never been willing to go to Harry's in Venice for a Belllini, but M. Oliveri's sounds (is it possible?) even better.
ReplyDeleteElise ~ hi there! No ballerinas have appeared here yet, but there's always a first time, and you might still enjoy this or this. :) Now that I've visited you, I have a whole new appreciation for the effort that goes into pointe shoes!
ReplyDeleteMargaret ~ uh-oh, I'll have to transfer some affection to the other Place Vendôme jewellers. I don't want to discriminate.
PCN ~ just grab the basket and run, girl! Easily disguised as hand luggage.
Alexa ~ {Thank you.} I wore the gloves some time ago with a long black sleeveless gown, to a formal dinner. Always thought they might come in handy again someday...
I don't think she's lonely, she is about to close the curtains for a little more privacy perhaps?
ReplyDeleteFabulous sketches Shell. xx
MmeB ~ glad you're back from hols! I like your idea ...
ReplyDeleteYou know I'm not a drinker, but a bellini is a drink i can get behind! and a bellini in paris? yum!
ReplyDeleteHi Anne ~ and in beautiful stemware too, I'm sure!
ReplyDelete