In honor of what would have been Maurice Sendak’s 91st birthday, I decided to interpret his beloved classic story, Where the Wild Things Are…
“And now," cried Max, "let the wild rumpus start!” -Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are
Henry Turns Four
Henry Turns Four 15"x13" watercolor & gouache on paper
Henry and his friends from The Neighborhood are celebrating the occasion of his fourth birthday. The little boy in front of the stork in my previous painting is turning four and he is throwing a party. He has invited the children who appeared on the street as well as one or two new friends. The party has a circus theme, with toy animals in miniature party hats. They are singing Happy Birthday and blowing out candles on a cake. (Noise makers are being put to good use as well!) Even the dog has gotten in on the fun!
The Beginnings of a Birthday Scene
Little watercolor faces singing Happy Birthday & blowing out candles at a party. An early peek at the companion piece for my illustration, The Neighborhood.
The Neighborhood
The Neighborhood 20"x16" watercolor & gouache on paper
A happy scene is unfolding before the eyes of these little Brooklyn row houses. The neighborhood children have come out to play and enjoy this beautiful day together, and it just so happens to be someone's birthday on the street. A mother and child walking down the sidewalk are carrying balloons and bags, it is certain that a birthday party is in the air. And to top it all off, a stork mailman has made his way to the Big Apple from the woodland post to deliver a special birthday letter, and perhaps a little bundle of joy as well!
Sneak Peek Part II: The Neighborhood
Part 2 of my work in progress: This painting has been a labor of love and a good experience for me. It is quite a large painting by my standards, measuring 20"x16". This photo is from a few days ago, since then my happy little New York City scene has come together quite well. The finished illustration is coming your way in a day or two. Until then, happy playing!
Sneak Peek: The Neighborhood
All week I have been illustrating a happy scene from a street in Brooklyn. Here's an earlier sneak peek of the work in progress.
The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse: Dollhouse
The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse: Dollhouse 5"x7" Watercolor & gouache on paper
Oh to be a few inches tall, then you could crawl into the walls of a miniature dollhouse! That is where the town mouse makes his home in the city, within the toy house of the little children who live in the building he takes shelter in. It makes for very lavish mouse-size living quarters, and I am a bit jealous of them!
The country mouse seems to be a bit uneasy and awkward as she stands atop the table holding her china plate. A cup has fallen on the floor and shattered amid the hustle and bustle of city life. This is perhaps my favorite of the two paintings, mostly due to the awkward positions they take while sitting at the miniature toy table.
This Aesop's fable was such a fun thing to interpret, but they were also a present to my Mother for her birthday as we have always called her and her sister "The Country Mouse and the City Mouse". My mother is a country mouse, and I am as well. Although, I could be tempted to take up residence in a local dollhouse if one could be provided or I could find a drink similar to Alice's when she shrunk in Wonderland. Keep me posted if you come across anything of that nature!