Oh My CloClo!

I particularily like the peepee snowball throwing dance.

For those of you wondering, who is this Claude guy and why does Kelly hate light bulbs, here's your answer!!

The son of an Italian mother and a French father, Claude François was born in Egypt, where his father, Aimé François, was working as a shipping traffic controller on the Suez Canal. In 1951 the job took the family to the city of Port Tawfik on the Red Sea. Claude François' mother was very musical and had her son take piano and violin lessons. On his own, the boy learned to play the drums. As a result of the 1956 Suez Crisis, the family returned to live in Monaco, where they struggled financially after Claude's father fell ill and could not work. A young Claude found a job as a bank clerk and at night earned extra money playing drums with an orchestra at the luxury hotels along the French Riviera. With a good but untested singing voice, he was offered a chance to sing at a hotel in the fashionable Mediterranean resort town of Juan-les-Pins. His show was well received and eventually he began to perform at the glamorous night-clubs along the Côte d'Azur. While working the clubs, he met Janet Woolcoot, an English dancer whom he married in 1960.

Ambitious, Claude François moved to Paris, where there were many more opportunities to pursue his career. At the time, American Rock and Roll was taking hold in France and he took a job as part of a singing group in order to make a living. With the goal of eventually making it as a solo act, he paid the cost to record a 45rpm. Trying to capitalize on the American dance craze "The Twist", Claude François recorded a song titled "Nabout Twist" that proved a resounding failure. Undaunted, in 1962 he recorded a cover version in French of an Everly Brothers song, "Made to Love" (aka Girls Girls Girls). Written by Phil Everly, it had been only a minor hit in America, but Claude François' rendition titled "Belles Belles Belles" rocked to the top of the French charts, selling close to two million copies and making him an overnight star.

A dedicated professional, Claude François worked hard to achieve success producing a string of massively popular hit songs and touring constantly. With the onslaught of Beatlemania, he covered their hits in French, adjusted the hair style a little and kept his success moving ahead. But his talent extended beyond copying the works others had made famous, and he wrote songs for himself and displayed a melodic voice doing romantic ballads.

In 1966, François created a complete new stage act using four female dancers as backup. Named "Les Clodettes," the sexy girls danced in the background while François did his own energetic work center stage. In a return to the Paris Olympia he added eight musicians and a full orchestra to his backup dancers, putting on a spectacular show that filled every seat in the large theater and left fans standing in the street for lack of tickets.

Divorced from his wife, in 1967 he began a relationship with France Gall, another famous French singer. Their affair was short lived and he soon met Isabelle Forêt, with whom he had two sons in two years. Flushed with enormous success and confidence, he established his own record company. In 1968, he and Jacques Revaux wrote a song in French called Comme d'habitude, which became a hit in francophone countries. Canadian singing star Paul Anka reworked it for the English-speaking public into the now legendary hit most famously sung by Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra as "My Way". Although Claude François continued his successful formula of adapting English and American rock and roll hits for the French market, by the 1970s the market had changed and the disco craze that swept North America took root in France. For the versatile François, this was not a problem. He simply re-invented himself as the king of French disco, recording "La plus belle des choses," a French version of a Bee Gees hit record.

He worked non-stop, touring across Europe, Africa and at major venues in Quebec in Canada. However, his workload caught up with him in 1971 when he collapsed on stage from exhaustion. After a brief period off, he returned to the recording studios, releasing several best-selling hits throughout the early 1970s. He expanded from owning his own record company to acquiring a celebrity magazine and a modeling agency. Although driven to achieve financial success, in 1974 he organized a concert to raise funds for a charity for handicapped children and the following year he participated in a Paris concert to raise funds for medical research. By the mid-1970s he was single again, dating several well-known European stars. He continued to perform while overseeing his numerous business interests. In 1975, while in London, he narrowly escaped death when an IRA bomb exploded and two years later a fan tried to shoot him. In 1977 and 1978, more than 15 years after his first hit record, he was still topping the musical charts with multi-million sales from hits such as "Alexandrie Alexandra" and performing to large audiences.

After working in Switzerland, on Saturday, March 11, 1978 he returned to his Paris apartment in order to appear the next day on "Rendez-vous du Dimanche" with TV host Michel Drucker. His demise was caused by his obsession with cleanliness and order. He was accidentally electrocuted when he tried to fix a broken light bulb while standing in a filled bathtub. At only 39 years of age, his early death brought a wave of public sympathy for a national French star.

A Comedy of Errors

A new piece for Shakespeare On the Sound's 2007 production of A Comedy of Errors. Not too sure about this one either.

Illustration Friday: Communication

Another previous piece created because of the ever increasing wireless world. I love to look back and remember the rotary phones. Perhaps one day, the next generation will reminisce about actual wires!

Who the Sh*t Drank All My Beer?

THIS GIRL DID.

photo credit: Sal Darji

A Little Lily Growing in the Sun

Attention à la Marche!!

Around noon everyday, I settle in to work and to watch my favorite game show. I do like Millionare, but Attention à la Marche is head to head. The reason? Les Potes (translates as "buddies")! They are these crazy CGI dancing blobs that are so rediculous, I can't stop laughing. Basically, it's a guessing game, kind of like Family Fued in the States, where they typically poll people and ask the four contestants what they think is the right percentage. Some of the questions are really easy, so a bit harder. Why I like it, is that they show the question written and then also say it and talk about it. Putting my visual learning skills to work. Oh ok, it's the blobby Potes! At the end, I quite haven't figured it out. The four contestant eventually lose deux potes, making them sit out for the rest of the game. The person who makes the closest guesses to the answers keeps their potes and head on to the final round, where they are asked a series of questions. The last question has four tv screens and they have to pick the correct number, where an amount of money they won lies behind the correct answer. The slow-motion shot of their reactions is just icing on the cake.

So Attention à la Marche, thank you... or should I say mercy buckets!
There are more beer reviews coming up, too, so stay tuned!

More Sketching

This is a sketch that a friend had requested for a special little lady. now, it's a little mushy for my taste, but it's what was desired. Going off my theme of sad girls and water, this is a coquettish girl with frozen water... maybe it's similar? She should be sad and then it would make me happy. But don't listen to me.

After living here in Paris for a month, I'd like to say I am happily acclimated. The langauge is still tricky, but through watching gameshows and documentaries, I feel I am picking up on certain words faster than before. Speaking it... I am still worse than a 2 year old. It's mildly amusing! I've been working alot these last few weeks, which has forced me indoors. The weather being so nice today, I decided to give myself a bit of a break to go with Lily to discover my neighborhood. It's so nice. My favorite buildings are the older ones, with small windows and balconies, made with wood frame and stucco. So pretty. I want to start drawing them ALOT. The flowers are really coming out here now, with even the magnolia trees starting to bloom. Small daisies sprinkly the small grass greens as well.

Habits I really want to keep when it's time for me to head home:
-Walking
-Using canvas bags when shopping instead of plastic
-no more drinking 2 liters of Diet Coke a day
-take time off on the weekends

Things I will enjoy when back home:
-Grossly long showers, where I can take 2 steps left and right and not be assaulted by a shower curtain
-My mum
-My Mama (the cat)

Les Cimetières de Paris

Slowly but Surely

So, the spray I got, made by Talens didn't quite have the result I was hoping for. I bought two types. One Picture Varnish Glossy for Oil Colour and the other Acrylic/Oil Colour. It works the same as Crystal Clear over watercolor, but when trying to use either over the oil layer, disaster!! So, my search continues for a Crystal Clear source, but I will have to continue with the watercolor techinique. I've had some very helpful people give some guidance on supplies here in Paris, but the spray remains elllllllusive.

The BHV proved to be a great source for art supplies... and everything else that I would like to buy! My new favorite store, thanks for the recommendation Maral et Antoine! I almost dropped 100 euro in the children's book department. I only wanted a lightbulb and those tempting books almost broke my budget. There is something substantially different about the illustrative look in european childrens market. I can't nail exactly what it is, but I like it... ALOT. Enough that it makes me want to bust the hump more and show some stuff to these publishers. I have some summer plans for a better portfolio though, so perhaps we'll wait.

I did some sketching this weekend after visiting some of the city's cimetries... but the scanner is misbehaving. I hope to have it up and running tomorrow. Sheesh! It might be time for me to bite the bullet and get myself my own laptop. We'll see.

In the meantime, here's my new setup. Still hunched over, but enjoying the bustling street below.

Illustration Friday: Red

Here's another oldie, and I appologize yet again. Things are still stock piled, but I promise to create some new paintings!! This little number is from the land of the rising sun... the red rising sun.

Working Away!

Well, things are going along smoothly, for the most part. I took off two concecutive weekends, something I haven't done is potentially years. It feels a bit weird, but I am getting to like it! Mostly just getting used to the neighborhood and some creepy window displays. This number here was in the Antique Market at the Louvre. Some funny stuff in there, but I'd basically have to sell most of my family members to afford anything.

Also here is the first sketch for the third season of Shakespeare on the Sounds poster for Comedy of Errors. But, as I type the sketch is headed in a different direction. I hope to be painting this by weeks end, and finished early next week. YIKES

And just to keep you posted, I still freeze like a deer when people talk to me in french. I feel like a slow motor starting in the wintertime. Pauvre bête.

Salut from Boulogne!

Oh my gosh, it's been forever since I've written and I appologize. The weeks after the holidays were out of control busy, so I am now just getting a chance to write. I'm finally in France and finally settling in. Phew! Somethings I have to share with you if you ever plan to make a move to a foreign country:

1.) Companies don't like to ship aerosols. Imagine that. I've taken shaving cream on planes, but ooooooh no, you cannot take any art supplies. Crystal Clear is beyond essential in my painting process so I've had to find where it is sold in Europe. It basically ISN'T! So I found some watch polishing company in Switzerland who said they would ground ship it to my address, but that was over 2 weeks ago... and no crystal clear. I found an alternative though at Crea in the Saint Sulpice area, and it's called Picture Varnish Glossy. I'll keep you posted on it's results.

2.) French customs makes me laugh again. So, landing in Charles de Gaule with Lily... I had all my papers ready to show customs. You know, the papers I spent over $200 getting and over 2 months planning for. So I ask the agent about who I show them to... his face was amazing. It was a cross between, "Please go away" and "Who the hell cares about a little dog". So needless to say I laughed and walked on through. I still was paranoid and went to the baggage agent. She said the SAME thing. I am now super paranoid that Lily will not be allowed back into the states. I've called the USDA and they were equally as rude, saying they had no idea and they only dealt with exports. *sigh*. I've also contact the US Emabassy here, but no word back from them either. Next up to contact... the French Embassy. If they come and break down my door at 3am and steal my dog... learn from my mistake and just shut your mouth. I've told Lily that if they detain her, I'll start a fund and hire the best lawyers.

3.) Prepare for the smallest bathrooms and showers when you are here. I love that this place is VERY space conscious and actually has minimal waste regarding trash, but you have to draw the line when your shower is a maximum of 14" in diameter. But you know what? It's not so bad after day one.

Other than that, I am finally settling in and have a bunch of projects I am working on. The third poster for Shakespeare on the Sound is next and I will be sure to post pictures of it's progress. Sorry for the lapse in writing, I pormise to keep up and keep sampling some brews! I had one that had a pelican on it, but I forget it's name. Darn it... I'll just have to enjoy another one to remember!

Merry Mulling, 2006!

I hope everyone has a wonderful end to their 2006 year. What a ride. Although not as awesome as 2005, I'm ready to move onto 2007! Health, Happiness, and Hope for everyone!

Here's a nice recipe for all to enjoy:

Mulled Wine

The word "mulled" simply means heated and spiced, similar to the German Glühwein (glowing wine), the French vin chaud (hot wine) and the Italian vin brulé. In medieval times these wines were called Ypocras or Hipocris, named after the physician Hippocrates. They were thought to be very healthy, and indeed, with wine at the time being far more sanitary than water, these heated drinks probably did keep people healthy through the cold winters.

2/3 cup sugar

1 750ml bottle wine (a decent merlot)

1/2 cup brandy

6 to 8 cloves

1 cinnamon stick

orange peel from 1/2 orange

1: Pour the wine into a nonreactive saucepan and place over low heat.

2: Cut the zest off half an orange with a sharp paring knife or vegetable peeler so that only the orange part is removed. If some of the bitter white pith is still attached to the zest, cut it off and discard it.

3: Lightly pound the pieces of zest with the back of a knife or a mallet to release the aromatic oils. Add the zest to the wine. Squeeze some juice in, too.

4: Add the remaining ingredients.

5: Stir occasionally. Do not let the wine come to a boil.

6: When the wine begins to steam and is very hot, it is ready to serve.

7: Shut off the heat and ladle the wine out into mugs or glasses, leaving the seasonings behind.

Lawn Dandruff Night 2006

A fun night had by all, riding around with good company, warm spirits, and a smattering of Kenny G. Lawn Dandruff Night will now be a yearly tradition. Some of my favorite decoration included marshmallow roasting penguin and snowman, Santa on a chopper, and the weirdo santabear peeping tom. And! On a good note, we didn't get shot at or attacked by dogs!

Illustration Friday: Help

I am notorious for putting on my mittens before zipping up my jacket, then searching for help. You need to do that because it ensures minimal wrist exposure! Chilly!

Tagged!?!?!

I've been tagged by Sweet Pea! I'm not quite to sure what this means, but I feel a bit like a Texas Steer. I'll try not to moo too much.

4 jobs I have had:

• Part-time Faculty at the Montserrat College of Art. Just wrapped up the beginning of my forth year there, and I am so lucky to have met the students I have over the years. *awww*
• Gallery Monitor during my college years. That was the best damn job ever. They actually pay you for that.
• Strawberries! Movies, Music, and More... How may I help you?
• Lead Paint Scraper. Now, I was a college student, in desperate need of money. But with the huge dilemma of needing a good tan in the summer. And I have to admit, the tan was rocking that year. Bloodstream.... not so good.

4 movies I could (and have) watch over and over:

• Amelie
• Glory
• Sense and Sensibility
• Tombstone
• I have soooo many more though...

4 places I have lived (apart from where I am now):

• Ok, I'm sheltered!
• Kellycrazyland
• Rhode Island (very similar to Kellycrazyland though)
• Paris in less than a month!

4 TV shows I love (lord, this will be embarrassing):

• Masterpiece Theater/PBS
• Most Extreme Challenge
• Anything of TLC, Bravo (Ooh! I miss cable! Project Runway), Nat'l Geo Channel, Animal Planet...
• Bachelor, Laguna Beach, Flavor of Love, RR/RW Challenges (ok, I will stop)

4 places I have been for a vacation:

• Civil War Battlefields, with my parents when I was younger. LOVED IT.
• Ireland
• Drove across the US in eight days with a great friend and saw every Waffle House you can shake a bowl of grits at.
• Oooooh, Brussels! All about the Atomium, friends. Make sure to see it when sleep deprived. Much funnier.

4 websites I visit daily (more dorkiness!):

• Drawn.ca
• Who the Sh*t Drank My Beer. Damn that girl is witty.
• Oh no, here it comes... MySpace
• Glubibulga

4 favorite foods:

• Instant potatoes
• Candy (Skittles, Circus Peanuts, Swedish Fish, Hairbo's I can't get here)
• Bread
• Salt and Vinegar chips... oh hell, any chips.

4 places I would rather be:

• In bed
• 4 years ago, before I hurt my knee... skiing and skating with glee.
• By my mum's pool, on the lounge chair with cat Clancy and Lils on the other chair. Note the subtle humm of Cicadas. HEAVEN.
• Back in school, with all my friends.

Now, I think I am supposed to hog tie, I mean tag four other people. FOUR... hmmm, the mystical number it is. Trrrricky devil, number four.

Dantat
Tracers
Jarrett
Linda S. Wingerter

If Only I Was a Claudette

I just had to share this. I'm part horrified, part JAZZED that I am spending time in a country who's produced wonders such as Claude François. Is it just me, or are they crumpin'? Le telephooooone pleure!

Santamime!

This past weekend was a festive one indeed. A chance to get out of the studio, and participate in some holiday cheer! I have to admit! Iwas really jazzed by some of the costumes. I saw a Bob Cratchett, a Mardi Gras Santa, all 9, 11 or whatever amount of reindeer there are, and an Elvis! The best part was just being goofy with my core Santa's and handing out candy canes to all who would accept them. But, as luck would have it, in a wild pantomiming session, Santamime tweaked her already injured knee. Honestly, there were no spirits involved in these actions (ok, not enough spirits to warrant it as a "drunk" fall). The right leg is back to being braced, the girl is hobbling, and honestly praying she didn't tear a miniscus or anything else in that god forsaken joint. Next year...? NO skipping and hopping for Ms. Gimpy Knee.

I Heart DPI Magazine

Awhile ago I was contacted by Lulu Tzeng from DPI magazine, asking me to feature some of my illustrations in their design magazine. Today, my copies were in the mailbox! I could not have worked with a more amazing editor and design team. Although I know NO taiwanese, I can tell from the content and calliber of people working there, it's an amazing magazine. And as they say, "every designer has PC or MAC ,and a dpi magazine!" For my own benefit, I will add that everyone have a Taiwanese dictionary too!

Dragons and Draggin'!

We had our first snow of the season, here... finally! And although the transition from unusually mild weather to bitterly cold temperatures was quick, it's a welcome one for me! I'm happier with eight layers on. Typically, the holiday season for me is insane and this year prooves it true once again. But I feel as though I finally have my projects under control. I am painting finishes for Brand New Baby Blues, starting another crazy big project for a toy company, sketching out the third season poster for Shakespeare on the Sound, and getting approval on my ninth picture book Hush Little Dragon, by Boni Ashburn. Below are a few of the spreads. I am actually really excited to start painting these. The color palette will be very reminiscent of the medieval manuscripts, with rich golds, pinks, and blues.