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I used to be a lover of big department stores, you know, the ones full of racks upon racks of things to choose from– a little something for everyone.  But that was the Suburban Florida girl in me.  Since our move to the Northwest, I find myself more and more drawn to the small shops that make up most of the little towns we find ourselves living in and exploring.  The shops themselves are often architectural gems, with brick walls, old hardwood floors and coffered ceilings, every time I see an empty storefront, I dream of the what a pretty little gallery or shop it might make.  So I couldn’t help but be enchanted by this series by UK artist Johnny Bull, as he turns his brush to the lovely little shops to be found in the land of Degas and Monet.

Of course it goes without saying that French buildings and boutiques would be full of charm and joie de vivre, but the style of Bull’s work makes them even more delightful.  In isolating the buildings against a muted pastel background, we are allowed to gaze upon them one by one, each with a personality and charm of its own.

Bull’s palette reminds me of what it might be like to see each shop in different lights of day– the blue grey of early morning, the warm glow of sunset.  So lovely I can’t stand it.  I immediately want to go into each shop and smell the cafe au lait and meet the quirky artists and writers sure to live above stairs.

To see more of Johnny Bull’s work, please visit his blog.  Now I must go and plan a trip to France.  Oh, it’s gonna happen.

Artist found via The Jealous Curator.  All images are via the artist’s blog.