Parisians & their chiens, The Real Emily in Paris

Today’s post was supposed to be on Art Paris vernissage at Grand Palais Ephemeral yesterday (on from April 4 - 7). The cutout Bichon Frisé is by Tursic & Mille. Woman with purse pets by Yunzo Paek.

But I couldn’t resist showing you Paris chiens/dogs from this week. Seen at the new Pompidou BRANCUSI Retrospective. Evidently Bichons Frisé are IN.

Paris Cafe: Le Select Crowd

 Yesterday I met up with illustrator, Rick Tulka formerly of Brooklyn, now expat in Paris at the cafe Le Select. We've been meeting for at least 6 years.

 Rick has been coming to Le Select a good 15-16 years and drawing the inhabitants like some people jog or swim daily. The results of his efforts - Paris Cafe: Le Select Crowd is now on Kindle.

 Rick's drawings are inimitable.

 I'd know them anywhere.

 You'll find Le Select at 99, bd du Montparnasse 75006

 And possibly Rick drawing, but don't pester him unless you buy his book, ahem.

 It's full of historic figures who frequented Select like Hemingway, Kiki, Foujita, Hart Crane, Henry Miller and Simone and Jean-Paul with accompaning witty stories by Paris specialist Noël Riley Fitch.

 The atmosphere is captured to a T and makes for the perfect gift book for your fanatic Francophile friends

 As Rick takes off for real work at home, he asks me,

"What are you doing your last night in Paris?"

I hadn't given it a thought...

 The best solution?

A last visit to musee Monoprix to gaze at endless yogurts...

 Veloute has become my yogurt of choice this trip. Do you have a favorite yogurt or a fav last bite?

 The chance for a last box of carottes rapees is pretty thrilling before I face up to packing pre-departure. Miam!

 Rick says I finish most Parisbreakfast posts with a dog and voila! A patient Paris Lab awaits his owner like magic in front of Monop.

 I wonder why I haven't painted any of your pets in front of Monoprix? Phoebe of the UK wanted a patisserie

Bye-bye Monoprix

Bye-bye Paris dogs

Bye-bye Paris

Painting Biff

 Painting darling Biff was no piece of cake it turns out. It took all day to get him right.

 You'd think hanging around Biff for a bit it would make it a cinch.

 NO WAY!

 My 1st go at Biff flopped miserably

 Too many teeth and lacking in oumph perhaps?

 Back to sketching thumbnails (4" x 5 1/2"). Somehow I'm never ready for Prime Time if I skip the 'thumbnail' step. It happens every time.

 Jane's Kumquat and Persimmon were a tad easier. Aren't they adorb?

 They required an Eiffel Tower background, ahem.

 Dempsey looks very regal.

 He deserves to go to Paris bien sur.

 As do Dianne's sweet pups.

 Whether I'm painting Corky in Paris...

 Or Tippy in Hawaii, I like to know your dog's name. It just works that way, don't ask me why. Getting on first-name basis helps the painting for some reason...

Biff is waiting for his watercolor I guess...

Tout Biff Deux

 There have been many requests for more Biff.

 Biff is an ex-pat British dog, though he was rescued from a French pound of sorts. Still he has a British passport (he really does). Who knew?

 He lives in rural central western France not too far from Poitiers.

 Biff can look very patient when waiting for dinner.

 He only eats off a British pub placemat and only British dog food. A dog of most discerning tastes is Biff.

 One of his finer attributes is he blends in with any decor and even adds a little something to the mix.

 Unlike his cousins, Parisian pampered pets

 Biff carries his own leash

 He's made quite a name for himself around town amongst the locals, astonished at his independence, though he speaks not one word of French. Charm will get you everywhere.

 I must admit I've yet to do Biff's portrait. This is criminal on my part.

 I did paint Isaboo at the Gelateria so why not Biff at the boulangerie?

 Biff is reknown for his social skills around town and where ever he goes.

 Though you wouldn't know it from looking at this cat.

 Nevermind. Biff wouldn't hurt a flea.

If you want to read more about Biff, do pick up one of his mum, Karen Wheeler's three books in the Tout Sweet series - loaded with juicy tales of darling Biff. And I must get painting a tout a suite!

Paris Dogs

 Paris pets in the Metro...a common sight to be sure.

You have to keep your eyes peeled to catch Parisian pets on the bus.



But they are very much present, here hopping off the bus.

I noticed a slew of bigger dogs this trip - this Lab is leash-free.

Some big Paris dogs are behaving badly..ahem

I wondered if this was an ex-pat from New York...

This Giant Schnauser was quite insistent about going inside.

Ah the obscure object of desire - a baguette.

During our tour of the marche Bastille, Phyllis pointed out a regular - a big Puli lounging a top his owner's rolls of tablecloths.

Phyllis promised to let me walk her adorable Jack Russell, Bimba if I move to Paris. This is reason enough to make the move is it not?

Dogs in the windows are a common sight in Paris real or otherwise.

As are chickens.

I was delighted when Ronda asked me to paint her pedigreed chickens at the Tour Eiffel.

Marc Jacobs is drawing pets as well - this mural in Galeries Lafayette will amuse.

Ben and Kitty are visiting Paris figuratively and virtually.

Molly likes to hang out on rue de Buci cafe...

If you have a pet longing to be sent to Paris 'figuratively' do let me know. I'd love to paint them.
Unusual pets like lapin, chevre, boas, chickens even mice get a special prix by the way. These are Marc Jacob's mice shoes.