The Boulevard Hausman is in a sleepy little fishing village where the houses are vibrant with color - white, pink and ocre. Gardens have hedges of pink laurel, jasmine and honeysuckle.
Signac, Matisse and Bonnard painted here, thrilled by the color. Street life is vibrant by day - residents packing aspargus, peeling garlic, hanging tobacco leaves, sorting plums - and street musicians a acrobatics entertain shoppers looking for fresh shrimp, prawns, oysters and crab. Flame throwers entertain in the Arcade. Goats, geese, and chickens are at the Flea Market.
Night life is gentle - lovers stroll through the park, couples show off new babies, old men walk their dogs. Aromas from the Cafe are a calling card to exquisite local cooking, fine china and linens, and lively discourse. This is a time to ignore the rest of the world. At sunset, little boats, provided by Haussman, are free for an evening glide. Rooms are available, and reasonably priced, above the Patisserie. Fresh bread and sweet rolls are compliments to your room. You will find them on your nightstand.
~ Colored pencil drawing with marking pen definitions. A few years ago, I created a set of about 25 little drawings of French and Italian life, improvised a story, and this is one of them. (Click on picture to enlarge illustration.)
