I am a big fan of French Illustrator Frederic Clement. So it was a real treat to discover that he has a blog! (And now he comes to visit my blog as well!) I use a translator to read his blog, and it appears to be a new way for him to share his poetic thoughts and playful imagery. He is perhaps best known here in America for his book The Merchant of Marvels, a delightful and inspiring book filled with images of gifts only a true artist could create... Such as "the tip of Pinocchio's nose", "Shadow of a little prince" and my favorite - "Cinderella's peals of laughter and shards of her glass slipper." But it is his older illustrated books that I really adore. Many of his illustrations hint at the Commedia dell'Arte, with a poetic dreamy feel that captures your imagination. I love his use of painted texture, faux finishes, and shadowy colors. He obviously adores costumes and festivities, as much as I do, since these play prominent in most of his books. I am grateful that he is so prolific as I seem to always be hungry for more!