Friend Ship watercolor on paper
Even when sailing through stormy weather and rough waters, the Friend Ship holds fast and strong!
Simon Squirrel
Simon Squirrel watercolor on paper
There's no nut he finds too tough to crack. To be sure, he's one smart squirrel.
Tribute: CHARLOTTE'S WEB - Book Cover
"CHARLOTTE'S WEB" by E. B. White - Book Cover
My favorite place to sift through books is- and always has been- in the children's book section of any library or bookstore I stumble into. Last summer my sweet mother started re-reading E. B. White's classic story of Charlotte's Web aloud to my family (my dad, my brother and I) Other than be the luckiest to have that sort of tradition with my family still going on - especially in this digital day and age. I have fallen, once again for Wilbur and Mr. White's world.
Originally published in 1952 by Harper & Row (now Harper Collins) It is still just as sweet, enduring, timeless, and beloved today.
This book cover is my tribute to the talented author and his immortal characters.
I love this book!
Looking forward to signing copies of this lovely book at tomorrow's book signing party. I can scarcely believe this has been out for over a week now!!
The Boxcar Children: Glimpse Inside #1
The first of several interior glances I'll be sharing into The Boxcar Children's 75th Anniversary Fully Illustrated Edition!! (This is the silhouette to chapter one.)
Coming out November 1st to a bookstore near you!
They're Here!!
They're here!!! These arrived at my doorstep this past week and oh the joy and sheer thrill of finally being able to hold this first book I have illustrated. It was all so surreal and a dream come true, to be honest. So over-the-moon to have illustrated over 30+ illustrations for the interior of The Boxcar Children's 75th Anniversary Fully Illustrated Edition. Be prepared for lots more little sneaks and peeks, snippets and bits the next few weeks!!
Feeling ever so thankful this month, and how fitting with Thanksgiving just around the corner. I have the best job in all the world, and don't I know it.
Happy October, as if I needed another excuse to adore this calendar month, my favorite season just got a little bit more favorite-er!
Book Cover: WIP #1
The beginnings of a fun project I am working on. Painting mice and a friendly snake, for a book cover on Python computer programming!
More sneaky peeks coming soon!
Wind in the Willows: Mr. Mole in Springtime
Mr. Mole in Springtime 11"x14" oil on wood
Mr. Mole is cleaning in the springtime, taking care of his lovely home, and dreaming of above ground.
Part of my WIND IN THE WILLOWS SERIES: A miniature set of four paintings based on the classic children's novel by Kenneth Grahame.
A Happy Announcement
Happy to announce that I am now being represented by Tugeau2 Children's Illustration Agency!! Excited for the many adventures ahead of me in the enchanting world of children's publishing!
Here's a new illustration for the occasion!
Grandpa Bear's Chair & Emmeline Wines
Grandpa Bear's Chair 13"x10" watercolor & gouache on paper
Grandpa Bear and his fox granddaughter love to read in his comfy chair. They have a good source of reading material beside them to keep them entertained for hours of book loving fun.
This is the finished label illustration for Emmeline Wines, an Australian wine company that I have had the honor of working with for their past two vintages. Thank you for letting me join the adventure again Narelle & Tim!
Sketchbook Snippet
A small snippet from my sketchbook.
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!
Shakespeare is Deer to My Heart
In My Hart of Hearts 8"x10" Acrylic on paper
Today the world is remembering & celebrating the brilliance of William Shakespeare, so I thought I would join in and share a Shakespeare inspired commission I did for a British music magazine (I'm a sucker for those lace collars.)
Here's the quote that inspired the piece:
"Give me that man, That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart, As I do thee." - William Shakespeare (Hamlet Act 3, scene 2, 71–74)
Way to go Shakespeare!