Saturday, December 4, 2010

December Artist of the month: Shellsherree

While browsing Etsy one day for some paintings of Paris, I came across a gem. Shellsherree! Each image is so charming, and so European. I chose her for the Artist of the month of December! Here is a little interview with the Artist;

{Original ShellSherree illustration of the iconic Tour d'Argent restaurant in Paris, dressed in black and white for an extra touch of Paris chic and Je Ne Sais Quoi }



What inspires you?


I'm a bit of a homebody, so browsing interior decor/fashion/lifestyle/travel books, magazines and blogs is my way of getting out and about, and a key source of inspiration. And animals make my heart sing ~ anywhere, anytime.


{Original ShellSherree illustration. Nothing could hold a candle to the whimsical Venice street lamps with their pink glass. Maybe she was looking at things through rose-coloured glasses..}

What is your technique?

Pen/ink drawing with watercolour painting on cotton rag paper.

{Original ShellSherree illustration of some French macarons. Lovely for sweet toothed Paris lovers.}


How is your art different from other artists?

I don't really stop to think about how my work might be different. I love seeing what other artists are doing but try not to focus on it, otherwise I tend to start doubting myself.

{Original miniature by Shell Sherree, of serene and majestic stone lions in Venice, standing guard while watching the canal below.}


Can you take me step by step through a piece?

Mostly I work from photos that appeal to me, adding or changing details, characters and/or animals depending on my mood/inspiration or the specifications of a commission. When I sit down to work, I'll browse through my inspiration folders {unless I already have something in mind}. Whatever leaps out at me the most at that particular time becomes my starting point.

{Signed print of an original Shell Sherree illustration. Whoever said black cats are bad luck was never graced with the presence of one.}


Why do you do your art?

I draw and paint because I love it. Once I've started a piece, time vanishes and I'm absorbed and lost in this little world I'm creating.


{Signed print of original ShellSherree illustration. A beautiful print for animal lovers and those with daydreams of Paris apartments}


Why do you do this particular kind of art (or use this particular technique)?

I've had some fun drawing with pastels and painting with acrylics over the years, but I love ink and watercolour most of all. I don't intentionally draw whimsically ~ it's just the way it is, and I'm glad for that. There are enough intense and troubling things in the world already; I'm happy to create on the lighter side of life. I treasure the drawing process, and I love the transparency, immediacy and delicacy of watercolours. {As an added bonus, they happen to be beautifully neat and tidy to paint with. I'm not a great 'messer'!}
 

You can purchase Shell Sherree's beautiful paintings here!

5 comments:

The Polka Dot Closet said...

OMG I love these paintings and drawings. Painting is one thing I wish I could do! Oh, I would like to be able to sing lso! LOL Thank you for stopping by!

Carol

ching said...

woooow. these illustrations are great! i'm liking it.

Kacey said...

Love those illustrations! So fun!

Anonymous said...

These illustrations are so cute, thanks for posting this! x

Sarah said...

Wow, these are really gorgeous! I love pen and ink illustrations, these are lovely, really quaint.

Just one day left to enter the Licentiate giveaway!