Hooked on Graphics

It's no secret that one of my greatest pleasures in Second Life is creating and out of all the ways you can create graphic design is really what I love the most.  I'm seldom happier than when I'm researching and putting together something as simple as labels for virtual jars of jam or honey.

I have spent many happy hours "down the rabbit hole" searching for inspiration as my ever-expanding Pinterest sections, such as Graphic Design-Labels, can attest.  I'm also inspired by my creative Second Life friends who share the same passion and produce their own mini-masterpieces on a regular basis.

It took me a number of weeks to come up with the labels pictured above, much of that time spent drooling over Redouté engravings and other examples of ephemera.  If I'm not careful I find that pixel editing can become a bit of an obsession.

I'm also delighted when Second Life intersects Real Life in an almost whimsical fashion. Some weeks after creating my own label for the Queen's Hamlet honey the Chateau of Versailles released the following Miel de Trianon on their Facebook page.

"The honey of Trianon, available for the first time on the online shop of the Palace of Versailles! Produced by the beehives of the Queen’s Vegetable Garden as part of an ecological approach. With delicate flavours of lime, summer flowers and chestnut."

Life is sweet!

Vermeer: View of Delft

"Although there exists a plethora of Dutch 17th-century cityscapes, none are able to transport the viewer back in time and convey the material sense of water, air, brick and mortar as much as Vermeer's View of Delft.  When we stand in front of this picture it is almost as if we had been projected in a time capsule to the southern ramparts of Delft's city gates in the early 1660's"

essential Vermeer 2.0 ~ View of Delft

Which is exactly why I picked this Vermeer masterpiece as the banner for Living History via Virtual Worlds.  What a wonderful way to provide some amazing atmosphere for a social network dedicated to historical adventurers!  Imagine yourself  talking to those people on the river bank, exploring the city, or boarding a ship for destinations unknown.

Maison Margaux: Exploring Classic Contemporary Interior Design

"Surround Yourself with Classic Beauty" has been TTR's motto since my very first days in Second Life.  Now as most budding entrepreneurs can attest, choosing a business motto can be serious stuff so I took some time with the selection, wanting something that summed up the "visions of antiques that danced in my head".  Antiques & Classic Beauty, now there's a match thought I.



When I found myself seduced drawn to the dark side (see Chasing Judith ~ Finding Caravaggio), i.e. away from the 18th century and into the 21st, by the Princess Margaret Oakville Showhome 2015 I had to reevaluate my personal definition of "classic".  Can contemporary interior design also be considered classic?  And what about "eclectic" because if I'm taking a break from 18th century rules there's going to be a whole lot of eclectic going on.  All that dynamic tension that comes from pairing a "Louis" chair with a Lucite table is just too good to pass up!

Chasing Judith ~ Finding Caravaggio

I didn't know her name so I thought of her as "The Woman in Orange".  With her striking attire & direct gaze, she seemed familiar; someone I really should have recognized.  Nevertheless Judith lead me on a delightful chase before revealing her secrets.

I first glimpsed her in a photo of the hallway of the Princess Margaret Oakville Showhome 2015.  I thought she was stunning.  Imagine having a home where she is one of the first things you see coming through the door.

Unlikely to happen for me in real life but more than feasible in Second Life!

BEEing Rocca Sorrentina

Rocca Sorrentina is one of those wonderful Second Life estates that always has something splendid going on.  Seeing as they are my southern neighbours I'm rather spoiled with views of their shores & news of their activities.

When I heard they were hosting the To Bee or Not to Bee Hunt I thought it was the perfect opportunity to snoop  er ... explore some of the less traveled routes through their fair land so I put on my best exploration outfit and set off on a summer adventure.

A helpful hint card gave me clues as to the whereabouts of the twelve hidden bees and warned me that my prey was going to be rather small, as bees tend to be.  Just as well as I really didn't fancy running for my life from an over sized bumble!  You just never know in Second life.

Now I have to admit that my hunting skills really aren't the sharpest as I tend to drift .....

Apparently the citizens of Rocca could sense this as everyone was eager to distract me from my search: the printer wanted to show me his latest work; the baker needed kneading help; the florist wanted her garden weeded (as though I don't do enough of this at home).

Flat Ebbe: The Age of Enlightenment

It only seems appropriate that I take Flat Ebbe back to my home in 18th-Century France.  I know that he's been run off his feet this week as a result of Strawberry Singh's Flat Ebbe Linden Meme and so I figured that a quick tour through the Age of Enlightenment might make for a bit of a respite and perhaps some, well, enlightenment.

After touring the French Gardens outside the Petit Trianon, we paused for refreshments in The French Pavilion while I pondered the advice that I could/would/should offer this new Linden Lab CEO.

It's not like I'm a stranger to offering advice, solicited or not, to CEOs.  My real life (RL) resume is pitted with examples but as I said in  Adventures w Flat Rod: Rod Humble Crept into My Life with regard to Second Life (SL): I'm just one among the many and for the most part I'm very content with our at-arm's-length relationship.

Adventures w Flat Rod: Languedoc Coeur Chapel

Having serenaded Flat Rod in the Coeur Opera House and danced the minuet with him in the Ballroom (see Adventures w Flat Rod: Rod Humble Crept into my Life) I felt it was time for some quiet reflection so off we went to the Languedoc Coeur Chapel.

Adventures w Flat Rod: Rod Humble Crept into My Life

It's been a while since Rod Humble (aka Rodvik) crept into my life.  Years really.  Truth be told, I wasn't even aware of his arrival at first, that's how stealthy he was.

This oversight on my part only seems fitting as I'm certain that to this day he has no idea that I even exist, except perhaps in the collective sense as a user of one of "his" products.  I'm just one among the many and for the most part I'm very content with our at-arm's-length relationship.

French Ephemera: Prêt à Papier

A Paper "Pompadour"

It's no secret that I love this dress. I've blogged about it in Fabulous Fashion and I've worn the virtual version in Second Life, so you can imagine my delight to find this paper version looking out at me from the pages of Victoria Magazine.

French Ephemera: Paris et Poulet

Exposition Universelle (1889) ~ Eiffel Tower, Paris

I have just started reading Paris: The Novel by Edward Rutherford; a multigenerational saga that covers 700 years of the city's architecture, culture, society and history.  Yes, I'm in for the long haul on this one and I'm going to enjoy every minute!

So far I've been introduced to  Monsieur Eiffel as he is working on the Statue of Liberty. He believes that this immense undertaking may be the greatest achievement of his career but of course we know that the Eiffel Tower is still looming in his future.  Don't you agree that one of the best things about historical novels is that, in many cases, you don't have to cheat and skip to the end of the book to know what's coming up next!?

And so, having the Eiffel Tower on the brain, I was excited to come across a poster advertising the 1889 World Fair for which it was constructed.  This beautiful piece of French Ephemera set me off on a delightful tangent.

Versailles: Transported

Hall of Mirrors' Ceiling

Just as my glow from Chanel's "Versailles" Collection (see Chanel in Versailles: Seriously Frivolous ) was fading, along came some equally delightful Versailles related news!

The SNCF, France's national state-owned railway company, has just unveiled the first of their commuter trains decorated with iconic scenes from the Château de Versailles including; the Hall of Mirrors, Louis XVI's Library, Marie Antoinette's Chamber in the Petit Trianon and the Belvedere from her English Garden.

Hall of Mirrors

Graffiti-resistant, laminated panels were used to transfer the images which are slated for a number of trains on the The RER C line traveling between Paris and Versailles.  This means that tourists get a preview of Versailles before they even arrive while locals can enjoy these works of art on their daily commutes.

Louis XVI's Library

Louis XVI's Library

I was tickled to see Louis XVI's Library which was my inspiration for The Queen's Library SL.  You will notice that the books are the same.

Cotelle Gallery Ceiling

These cherubs have also make a frequent appearance on my SL ceilings including that of The Queen's House. 

The Belvedere

Installing The Belvedere

And then there are details from the Belvedere, that beautiful octagonal structure celebrating the seasons that was created by Richard Mique for Marie Anotinette's English Garden in the Petit Trianon.  And last, but certainly not least ...

Marie Antoinette's Chamber - Petit Trianon

From the Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette's Chamber.  Yes, for me it's just about as close to heaven as a commuter train can possibly get.  I imagine myself riding these trains over & over again so that I can thoroughly enjoy all six of their decorated cars.  Fortunately, these fabulous interiors will remain in place for the next two years so I might just get that chance!

Photos: Christophe Recoura

enChanted Easter Notes

Easter has given me an excuse to enjoy some "illumination" which I'm delighted to share with you. 

These pages are from a 17th century Antiphonary created by the "ateliers de l'hôtel des Invalides", Paris. 

Think of soothing Gregorian chants while you look at them; relax & immerse yourself in the marvelous details.

♪♪ Happy Easter ~ Happy Spring ♪♪

The Remarkable Redouté

 

Nicknamed "The Raphael of flowers", Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840) was an artist entranced by the beauty of nature.  Born to a family of painters, Redouté began his career as a religious artist, travelling around Europe decorating various churches. Eventually he made his way to Paris, concentrating his talents on botanical illustration. His beautiful renditions of roses, lilies and other "specimens" elevated work of scientific accuracy and classifications to the realm of magnificent art which is still enjoyed today.

Turn, Turn, Turn

To everything
(Turn, turn, turn)
There is a season
(Turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose
Under Heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

A time of war, a time of peace
A time to love, a time to hate
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sow
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late.

From the book of Ecclesiastes via Pete Seeger.

Marie Antoinette's personal "en gaulle" and professional "à la rose" guises as painted by Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun.

Oh the Labour Day Weekend!! Not even New Year's Day can rival it as a time of transitions. The summer is all but over as children & young adults head back to school. The days are shorter, the temperature is cooler and those of us that are lucky enough to have taken a summer breather are gearing up for the next foray into our working world.

As usual, I have accomplished about twenty percent of what I had planned to do during my summer break. The house is a bit cleaner, the garden a bit tidier, my health a bit better especially since my stress level is a bit lower. My SL version of le Petit Trianon has grown (but just a bit!) and I'm looking forward to continuing with all of my projects through the fall and winter.

All of this put me in mind of Marie Antoinette and her eventual pursuit of a more private and simple way life. She would retreat to le Petit Trianon, just as we retreat to our cottages or our backyards during a "staycation", to enjoy her gardens and the company of her friends. She abandoned the restrictive court dress and heavy makeup in favour of white muslin gowns and simple straw hats, telling her visitors that "I shall be quite alone so don't dress up; country clothes and the men in frockcoats".

Thanks to two paintings done in 1783 by Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun a visual comparison of the private and public Marie Antoinette is easy to make. Elena Maria Vidal has blogged about both of these portraits and their deeper implications at Chemise à la reine and Marie-Antoinette à la Rose .

I always hope that Marie Antoinette found both joy and peace of mind during her times away from her professional life at court allowing her to return rejuvenated, ready to tackle the mountain of tasks at hand. Come to think of it, that's also my wish for myself! May we all find pleasure in going forward as the wheel turns.

Versailles: Marie Antoinette's Private Apartments

Marie Antoinette's Salon Doré one of the four main rooms of her "Petits Appartements" in Versailles.

These small rooms with their concealed doors escaped the surveillance of spies and favoured love affairs and intrigues. To step through the looking-glass, just as Marie Antoinette used to do, is an extraordinary experience. The four main rooms, the Méridienne, the two libraries, the Salon Doré, their boudoirs and their bathrooms provide a perfect image of eighteenth-century France as we imagine it today.

from Private Realm of Marie-Antoinette by Marie-France Boyer & François Halard

Is it any wonder that I have always taken such inspiration from this wonderful suite of rooms designed and created by the finest craftsmen!

Richard Mique the premier architecte to Louis XVI and a favourite of the queen's was given the task of transforming these rooms for her use while the Rousseau brothers, Jules Antoine and Jean Siméon, did the decorative work on the panelling.

The Salon Doré was both the most grand and the most public room in the suite; Neoclassic in style with "Pompeian" motifs and playful cherubs.

The Méridienne, its daybed tucked into a mirrored alcove, was a place for rest and relaxation. Given to Marie Antoinette by Louis XVI in 1782 to celebrate the birth of the Dauphin, this lovely retreat followed the delicate Rococo style.

The green library, with its high ceiling was quite simple in comparison.

In this photo you can see the wonderful "tompe l'oeil" books on the door of the blue library. I'm always amused by the fact that Marie Antoinette also used "faux books" on the shelves to make her libraries more beautiful.



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Versailles: Marie Antoinette's Private Apartments by Tatiana Dokuchic on 2009-08-07
These small rooms with their concealed doors escaped the surveillance of spies and favoured love affairs and intrigues.

Find Tatiana Dokuchic on Google+

Related articles

• French Ephemera: Prêt à Papier
• My Chateau Reno
• Horse Tales: New Carriages come to the Coeurs
• BEEing Rocca Sorrentina
• Step by Step: Walking the Scottish Highlands

Fabulous Fashion

I've always loved this portrait of Madame de Pompadour by François Boucher.

Such a beautiful woman, such a beautiful room, such a beautiful dress!! Looking at all of the details in this dress makes me delightfully dizzy. So how wonderful is it that I can actually "wear" this dress in Second Life thanks to the talents of Naergilien Wunderlich.

I've been a customer of Naergilien for quite some time now and her photo-realistic Rococo dresses have made my SL experience just that much better. This is one of the reasons I'm delighted to announce that I have expanded my main store to include a lovely new dress shop featuring the Wunderlich Rococo lines: Marquise de Pompadour & Duchess Movie Costumes as well as the Movie Costumes line. Drop by anytime you're in the mood for a new frock or need a costume for your next masquerade ball. The dresses are located on the second floor to the left of the stairs.

Happy Easter! Happy Spring!

Madame la duchesse de Chartres Chantilly
I have to say that I've fallen in love with the work of Louis Carrogis (1770-1806) and Easter seemed the perfect time to share "Madame la duchesse" with you! A confection of pink ruffles and white lace, delicately accented with a nosegay of flowers and topped with wonderful curls & hat. She is definitely candy for the eyes.
To celebrate Easter and the beginning of spring this portrait will be free for a limited time. You can find it at the main store inworld or online at Xstreet.


La marquise de MontessonJust in case you felt the need for something a tad more "serious", here are la marquise de Montesson, la marquise du Crest et la comtesse de Damas, again by Carrogis. I so enjoy imagining the conversation that accompanies this tea party. Currently available at my main store inworld.