The artist at the cafe......

Engrossed in his work at the cafe....

This young monsieur asked us in broken French if we could look after his bag and equipment whilst he went to order a drink.

When we realised we all spoke the same language we started to chat and he told us that he was travelling by bicycle and drawing as he went.

I was enthralled by the old chocolate tin brimming with the tools of his trade.


We exchanged cards and we left him engrossed.

When I got home I searched his name.....

Micheal James Monaghan

I came up with his Instagram page and this superb self portrait....

and this stunning portrait....

I hope he found inspiration in here in Normandie. I must have passed by that pink building a hundred times and never paid it any attention! 

I wonder what it would be like to look through the eyes of an artist?




“He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.” 
― Francis of Assisi