{ breton chic }

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Image via Ocean Prep

Favoured over time by icons like Picasso, Hemingway, Hepburn and James Dean, the Breton shirt has long been a French wardrobe staple. But it's not just a pretty stripe - the design was actually introduced by an Act of French Parliament in 1858 as the official uniform of the French navy, and it was said that the distinctive block stripe would make it easier to spot seamen who had fallen overboard. Cute, hey! So while I don't so much have a need for it in its lifesaving capacity, I've always loved anything breton and find this blue & white combo and heritage so chic and iconic. 

'Breton Shirt' - by Pip Boydell

 Image courtesy of Absolutely Beautiful Things

I had been itching to paint something like this for a while, so I feel quite chuffed that this one I recently completed is going to an extremely well-styled home itself. I painted this for Anna from Absolutely Beautiful Things and it is going to live in her gorgeous beach house at Straddie. I'm sure many of you are familiar with Anna's beach getaway (above is as it appeared a while ago in Country Style, and   another glimpse here) - so I'm so very pleased that it's going to such a lovely home, no less by the sea!

I've had a really big few weeks and have lots of paintings completed that will popping up in various places soon, some of which will be for sale. I'll keep you posted on all of later this week, but do look out if you're interested in purchasing, as there are some new and different things and possibly some of my favourite pieces yet!

See you soon.

Pip xx

{ happy easter weekend }

Hope you've all had a wonderful Easter and made the most of the chance to rest & rejuvenate with good food, family and friends. I know I have.... I really don't want to leave this island! One more day then we're back into it, I have a big week with some serious painting to do. See you later this week.

Pip xx 

{ busy little bee }

I thought I'd share with you the work-in-progress of a little bee I've just completed for a dear friend of my sister who recently turned 30. Alix is her name and she loves bees so when her mum commissioned me to create something for her gift to her daughter, a golden queen bee seemed just right. We decided on a single bee in her very own big square frame - which I think makes it feel a little more special and statement. The last pic isn't great, rather a quick snap on my wall before delivering it to Alix - but I know she'll will look much better than this once in her final home! That is, the greatest little Queenslander in Paddington that Alix and her partner are renovating... the house has great bones and they have great style so I can't wait to see it as they put their mark on it. And of course the bee up and at home, too!

Meanwhile not sure about you but I am certainly looking forward to a break and some beach time over Easter. See you soon!

Pip x

{ my pants match my plants! }

It so happens that a lot of the things that I draw and paint are symmetrical; and as such I've become much more attune to symmetry in nature and every day life. I've been admiring our little collection of succulents lately for this reason... they're not perfect, but I love the geometric and measured look of these potted things, particularly from a birds-eye view.

So as I was taking a few snaps for some afternoon painting, I realised that my outfit and the succulents were teaming with a theme.... my pants match my plants!

See you soon.

Pip x

All images taken by me and the top image using Diptic app. 

{ something's in the air }

What a beautiful Sunday morning it is. The sun is shining and the air is crisp - I find this Autumn weather so fresh and energising and can't wait to get out and embrace another day. Here are a few lovely images for your weekend... doesn't it feel like something's in the air?

Pip x

Images: 1; 2; 3; 4; 5 & 6