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Gretchen Ellen Powers

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The Nutcracker

December 15, 2019

Ever since I was little, I used to play Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet on loop all the year through… Things haven’t changed much since then.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Christmas, Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas, Tchaikovsky, nutcracker, nutcracker ballet, balet, music, movie book, book, movie, musical, classic, classic tale, fairy tale, storybook, story, books, classical, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, children's illustration, illo, illo advent, character design, graphic design, sweet, cute, magic, winter wonderland, believe, winter, December
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Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

December 5, 2019

Every December I read A Christmas Carol by the masterful Charles Dickens, there’s nothing, absolutely nothing to put you in the spirit like that classic tale of a cold heart turning warm.

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!” - Charles Dickens - A Christmas Carol

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags charles dickens, A Christmas Carol, scrooge, humbug, ebenezer scrooge, classic, literature, quote, fiction, classic book, dickens, Charles Dickens, kid lit, kidlit, kid lit art, kidlitart, children's illustration, character design, illo, illo advent, illustration, illustrator, art, artist, artwork, christmas, merry Christmas, happy christmas, Gretchen Ellen Powers
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WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

June 10, 2019

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

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags book, children's book, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, children's books, kids book, picture book, picture book artist, picture book illustrator, picture book art, classic, classic book, bedtime, bed time, bedtime story, story, fairy tale, fairytale, childhood, children, kids, cute, monsters, wild, where the wild things are, maurice sendak, sendak, books, story book, storybook, illustration, illustrator, illo, painting, drawing, character design, character, Gretchen Ellen Powers, watercolor, author illustrator, monster, friends, rumpus, play, pretend, make believe, believe, birthday, book birthday, harper collins, hapercollins
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Get Along Little Doggie

April 7, 2019

Get Along Little Doggie

Sometimes a little cowpoke has to give their trusty steed a good ol’ fashioned poke to get moseying along. Happy Trails!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags west, western, out west, old west, cowboy, cowpoke, get along little doggie, cowgirl, cow girl, cowboy boots, cowboy hat, basset hound, hound, hound dog, let sleeping dogs lie, vintage, history, children, children's art, children's illustrator, children's illustrations, children's illustration, happy trails, trails, trail, wanderlust, travel, character design, drawing, art, artwork, artist, illustrator, kidlit, kidlitart, kid lit, kid lit art, Children's Art, flowers, flower, mosey, mosey along, best friends, dog, doggie, puppy, pup, man's best friend, girl, girls best friend, girl power, girlboss, girl boss
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Batter Up

March 28, 2019

“Batter Up”

I probably would watch sports if it looked anything like this…

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags batter up, baseball, little league, base ball, play, playing, active, sport, sports, kids sports, school sport, school sports, outdoors, outside, outdoor, rabbit, fox, raccoon, raccoons, rabbits, bunny, bunnies, bunny rabbit, vintage, vintage baseball, vintage sports, retro sports, baseball uniform, uniform, fence, yard, whimsy, whimsical, sweet, friends, team, team work, team players, player, players, pitcher, batter, catcher, sand lot, sandlot, the sand lot, illustration, illustrator, painting, paint, art, artwork, artist, picture book illustrator, children's illustrator, children's illustrations, children's illustration, kid's art, kidlit, kidlitart, kid lit, kid lit art, character design, design, nature, fun, animals, summer fun, summer, summer sport, summer sports, Gretchen Ellen Powers, ESPN
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Book Cover: Little Women

March 8, 2019

The month of March has me thinking of these strong, independent, and loving March sisters. I have and always will love Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel “Little Women”

So as the strong March winds blow, cuddle in with the March’s adventures and fall in love with their family, as I have.

p.s. It’s no surprise that Jo is my favorite. Hands down. No contest. Just saying.

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This being the month of March, I thought it was the perfect time to illustrate the famous March sisters of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel Little Women. This story has always been full of happy, fond memories for me, even as a little girl gathered around my grandmother’s living room, all of the women and even the little women of my happy family, watching the story unfold of the 1994 version.

Of course the book was always on the shelf as well, and waiting for me to grow and read it. Which I did as a young woman.

And yes, I do identify with Jo March the most. I do picture myself as her. And I’m not even going to hide that she is my favorite. I love Jo.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags louisa may alcott, alcott, little women, illustration, illo, illustrator, painting, art, artwork, book illustration, book cover, literature, classic, march, Jo March, Little Women, author, writer, sister, sisters, girl power, girl boss, March, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, Gretchen Ellen Powers, author illustrator, character design, graphic design, editorial illustration, typography, design, pink, pretty in pink, spring, girls, girl, women, woman, the future is female, sweet, pretty, feminine, mother, daughter, mother and daughter, family, friends, victorian, retro, vintage, classical, fashion, fashion illustration, fashion design, vintage clothing, clothing, ootd, outfit, dress, dresses, international women day, iwd, womens day, internartionalwomenday, internationalwomensday, IWD 2019, IWD2019
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Sew Much Love

February 12, 2019

I’ll be the first to admit I am a member of the “Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve” club. Just like this little wolf and loving motherly owl. So I’m in good company!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags valentine, valentine's day, happy Valentine's Day, be my valentine, be mine, love, romance, sweet, sweet hearts, mother, child, children, kids, kid lit, kid lit art, painting, illustration, pink, heart, hearts, whimsy, whimsical, cute, love you, I love you, wolf, owl, cub, barn owl, blush pink, valentine's card, valentine card, vintage, retro, baby wolf, baby, sailor, motherly, parent, parents, parenthood, family, friends, february, february 14, cub scout, sew, sewing, stitch, needlework, badge, heart on your sleeve, sleeve, sewing kit, children's illustrations, children's illustration, children's illustrator, kidlit, kidlitart, wolf badge, endearing, illo, paintings, original, original art, fairytale, fairy tale, storybook, make believe, Gretchen Ellen Powers, charming, animals, animals in clothes, lovely, art, artwork, artsy, creative, character, character deisng, character design, design, graphic design, holiday
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Little Red Riding Hood in Winter

January 27, 2019

Little Red Riding Hood in Winter

Winter nights are magical like fairy tales… Mixed together you have Red Riding Hood and her deer friend.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags brothers grimm, grimm, grimm bros, fairy tales, fairy, fairie tales, red, red riding hood, little red riding hood, children's book, children's story, storybook, fairytale, fairy tale, winter, snow, deer, reindeer, antlers, woodland, forest, surreal, whimsy, whimsical, painting, paint, illo, illustration, illustrator, arti, artist, artwork, original, character, character design, cute, sweet, girl, blue, scandinavian, scandi, hygge, cozy, ride, riding, story, kids, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlitart, picture book illustrator, children illustrator, children's illustrator, art, original artwork, classic book, book, children's books
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Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 20, 2018

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

This event is always the official start to Thanksgiving morning and the holiday season! There’s nothing better than spending time with those you cherish most watching giant balloons, cheerful clowns, confectionery floats and ending with Mr. C. himself.

Macy’s, I do indeed BELIEVE!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Macy's, Macy's Thanksgiving, nbc, Macy's Department Store, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving parade, Thanksgiving day parade, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Happy Thanksgiving, Give Thanks, American, America, United States, Happy Holidays, Holidays, balloon, balloons, charles schulz, peanuts, snoopy, charlie brown, aviator, red baron, new york, new work city, new york city, nyc, I love new york, big apple, ny, holiday parade, Christmas, Christmas 2018, Macy's 2018, clowns, acrobat, children, children's illustration, parade, Thanksgiving Day Parade, tradition, children's art, children's illustrations, children's illustrator, picture book artist, picture book illustrator, traditional art, painting, drawing, Merry Christmas, graphic design, character design, Christmas countdown, font, typography, lettering, hand lettering, caligraphy, believe, illo, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, wip, kids, holidays, family, friendsgiving, Gretchen Ellen Powers
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Awkward Thanksgiving Dinners

November 15, 2018

Awkward Thanksgiving Dinners

This is going to be awkward… Fortunately for me, I love my Thanksgiving dinners! And there’s never any of that uncomfortable silence these two seem to be having.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Thanksgiving, Happy Thanksgiving, Thanks, Thankful, Happy Holidays, quirky, awkward, cute, animals, indian, pilgrim, settler, settlers, cats, dogs, puppy, kitty, Animals In Clothes, animal, animals Thanksgiving, friendsgiving, Gretchen Ellen Powers, artist, art, illustration, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, children's illustration, chidlren's art, holiday, November, home, home for the holidays, Thanksgiving Dinner, food, foodie, feast, awkward moment, watercolor, illo, illo advent, children's illustrations, character, character design, design, graphic design, children, children's illustrator, picture book artist
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Hansel & Gretel

October 30, 2018

Hansel & Gretel

Getting into that spooky, Halloween mood with this classic from the Brothers Grimm. They sure know their stuff when it comes to these types of stories, and I love them dearly for it!! Vegan Caramel Apples, here I come!

and…

Of all the things in this painting that I love:

  • A ginormous witch with the most spindly, bony arms

  • & that expression on the gingerbread man’s face.

It’s enough to make an artist proud, for sure.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags grimms, brothers grimm, grimm, grimm's fairy tales, bros grimm, jacob grimm, willhelm grimm, fairy tale, fairytale, fairies, fairy, storybook, classic, witch, spooky, halloween, candy, children, kids, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, illustration, illo, Gretchen Ellen Powers, authro, author, illustrator, children's illustration, children's art, storybook art, children's storybook, story, gingerbread, gingerbread house, hansel, gretel, hansel and gretel, brother, sister, sibling, siblings, painting, creative, character, characters, character design, design, caramel apple, apple, dessert, treat yourself, treat yoself, vegan, healthy, recipes, recipe
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Here Comes the Cirus

October 22, 2018

Here Comes the Circus watercolor on paper

The best kind of magic is the type we make ourselves.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags circus, kids, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, illustration, giraffe, elephant, tricycle, boy, fun, happy, imagine, toys, toy, children, children's art, children's illustration, painting, illo, illustrator, author, parade, tiger, teddy bear, believe, imagination, whimsy, whimsical, sweet, cute, friends, play, playing, pretend, pretending, drawing, artwork, character, character design, jack in the box, make believe, bear, brown bear, vintage toy, kids toys, kids toy, stuffed animals, childhood, bicycle, retro, vintage, quirky
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Commission: Happy Together

October 15, 2018

Happy Together // Commissioned Work:

I had the most fun depicting this sweet gal & her beau as their favorite animal: The Collie.

(A fun note: That lovely Lassie (sorry couldn’t help myself!) is wearing a designer dress from the most adorable fashion line of prairie dresses by Batsheva Hay recently featured in Vogue, The Guardian & The New Yorker)

Also here are their two donkey friends, Frances & Damascus. They most certainly are, Happy Together!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags fashion, vogue, the new yorker, new york, prairie, Batsheva Hay, fashion week, fashion illustration, art, fashion art, high fashion, feminine, dress, dresses, design, designer, designer clothes, designer dress, designer fashion, illustration, illustrator, kid lit, kid lit art, nature, collie, collies, Lassie, donkey, laddie, portrait, family portrait, happy together, sweet, cute, animals, animal, children's book, childrens illustration, children's illustration, children's art, childrens art, kidlit, kidlitart, commission, commission portrait, custom, custom portrait, custom work, i love my job, work, painting, artwork, fine art, traditional art, original art, sold, Gretchen Ellen Powers, The New Yorker, country, country living, watercolor, the guardian, The Guardian, Stella, character design, home decor, decor, art deco, graphic design, designed, bride and groom, love, romance, family, friends
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The Afternoon Safari

July 27, 2018

"The Afternoon Safari"

A girl and her dog spending the afternoon in a safari hunt. With a little imagination, the houseplants become a jungle, and the family cat has no idea what he's in for. 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags imagination, adventure, fun, play, imagine, believe, africa, jungle, lion, cat, kitten, kitty, dog, puppy, pets, pretend, pretending, playing, houseplants, plants, make believe, dreaming, having fun, kids, girl, children, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, illustration, illo, Children's Art, children's illustration, illustrator, art, artwork, picture book illustrator, picture book, picture book artist, creative, design, character, character design, watercolor, painting, drawing, childrens illustration, jungle safari, Gretchen Ellen Powers, Gretchen E Powers, Gretchen Powers, tugeau 2, Tugeau2, Nicole Tugeau, irish wolfhound, hound, hound dog, big dog, friends, friend, friendship, the thrill of the hunt, nature, ferns, succulents, plant, interior
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Treats For Tricks

June 22, 2018

Treats for Tricks   watercolor on paper

Busy about new circus tricks, who needs a "Flea Circus" when you have your own beetle?

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags illustration, painting, art, artwork, artist, illustrator, kid lit, kid lit art, picture book artist, artsy, design, character, character design, nature, naturalist, children's illustration, children's art, children, kids, girl, bug, bugs, circus, clown, trick, tricks, new tricks, flea circus, beetles, rhino beetle, quirky, cute, sweet, eccentric, naturalism, surreal, whimsu, whimsy, whimsical, happy, fun, play, pretend, spring, summer, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, illo, traditional, traditional media, traditional art, new work, graphic design, pink, vintage, retro, strawberry, strawberries, fruit, vegetarian, vegan, dutch, dutch girl, dutchgirl, netherlands, holland, wooden shoes, clogs, europe
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I See the Moon

June 1, 2018

I See the Moon   watercolor on paper

Stargazing is her favorite hobby.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags moon, man in the moon, cute, sweet, vintage, rabbit, bunny, telescope, stars, star gazing, stargazing, constellation, astronomy, lepus, lupus, charming, 1920s, jazz age, jazz, animals in clothes, whimsy, whimsical, Gretchen Ellen Powers, Gretchen Powers, kid lit, kid lit art, picture book art, picture book artist, character design, design, classic, retro, sketchbook, sketch, drawing, watercolor, watercolur, watercolour, watercolors, paint, painting, nature, floral, flowers, pretty, girly, girlie, surreal, magic, magical, dream, dreaming, dreamer, day dream, head in the clouds, love, i love you to the moon and back, illo, illustrator, illustration, children's art, childrens illustration, kids, girl, children, pink, blue, white, hobby, hobbies, fun, playing, pretend, believe, original, original art, artwork, artist
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It's Only a Paper Moon

May 30, 2018

Paper Moon   watercolor on paper

'It is only a paper moon
Hanging over a cardboard sea
But it wouldn't be make believe
If you believe in me...
' -Nat King Cole, It's Only a Paper Moon

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags it's only a paper moon, paper moon, paper, moon, crescent, bunny, bunnies, rabbit, rabbits, cute, whimsy, whimsical, retro, photograph, photo, photography, sweetheart, sweet hearts, love, bunny rabbit, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, fashion, old fashion, old fashioned, watercolor, watercolors, watercolur, painting, paint, art, artwork, artist, illustrator, illustation, illo, character design, character, kid lit, kid lit art, sweet, picture book, picture book artist, children's art, children's illustration, happy, fun, nat king cole, jazz, jazz age, animals in clothes, animals, music, song, stars, surreal, fantasy, fantasy art, fantasy illustration, friends, Gretchen Ellen Powers, Gretchen Powers, sketchbook, sketch, drawing, design, kids, girl, boy, children
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Peter Pan: Book Cover & Interior Spot Illustration

May 20, 2018

Peter Pan: Book Cover & Interior Illustration   watercolor on paper

This story, these characters, and this world have all been favorites of mine since I was a little girl. And so since I have been illustrating some of my favorite classic book covers recently, I thought I would pay tribute to J.M. Barrie's immortal tale as well. 

“Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning! ” 

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In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Peter Pan, J M Barrie, Barrie, James Matthew Barriw, James Matthew Barrie, J. M. Barrie, Book, books, book cover, illustration, book design, chidlren's book, kids book, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, children's book, children's books, children's literature, Children's Art, children's illustration, childrens art, childrens illustration, childrens book, read, reading, classic, story book, story, storybook, fairy, fairies, pixie, pixies, tinkerbell, Peter, Pan, fantasy, fantasy art, pirate, pirates, Captain, Pirate Captain, Captain Hook, Hook, James Hook, vintage, retro, illo, illustrator, characters, character design, cute, kids, children, nana, st bernard, dog, flying, magic, magical, whimsy, whimsical, charming, character, spot, spot illustration, fly, flight, fantasy illustration, watercolor, line work, linework, black and white
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Mother Goose: Little Bo Peep

May 9, 2018

Mother Goose: Little Bo Peep   watercolor on paper

She may have lost them in the past, but this Little Bo Peep is full of gumption and confidence, and sure of herself; she's keeping a close eye on her flock. Friends stick together after all. 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags farm, farmer, country, country living, farm life, sheep, sherperd, mother goose, nursery, nursery rhymes, Nursery Rhyme, watercolor, watercolors, art, artist, artwork, nature, woodland, sweet, kidlit, kidlitart, kid lit, kid lit art, illustrator, childrens illustration, childrens book, character, character design, vintage, retro, girly, girl, animals, cute, poem, classic, book, books, tale, story, storybook, mothergoose, goose, pink, design, drawing, original, original art, original painting, children's book, fairy tale, story book, story time, reading, read, girl power, lamb, lambs, spring, springtime, Easter, Happy Easter, charming, whimsy, whimsical, quirky, Gretchen Ellen Powers, picture book, picture book illustrator, fantasy, fantasy art, originals, traditional, traditional media, draw, little bo peep, reading love, characters, pinafore, fashion, clothing, friends, happy, friendship, best friends, furry friends, barnyard, barn, barn yard, graphic design, decor, kids, children, Children's Art, children's illustration, mother goose nursery rhyme, mother goose nursery, Mother Goose, bo peep, Mother goose nursery, mother goose nursery rhymes, mother goose nursery rhymes book, shepherdess, shepherd, flock, meadow, pasture, farmland, farm land, farm girl, country life, countryside, country girl
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Simon Squirrel

April 3, 2018

Simon Squirrel   watercolor on paper

There's no nut he finds too tough to crack. To be sure, he's one smart squirrel.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags squirrel, grey squirrel, cute, smart, nut, nerd, geek, geeky, nerdy, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, illustration, illustrator, kid lit, kid lit art, art, artwork, artist, simon, paper, watercolours, aquarelle, drawing, sketch, sketchbook, childrens art, children's illustration, Children's Art, childrens illustration, woodland, woodland animals, forest, rustic, anthro, anthropomorphic, glasses, book worm, book nerd, plaid, genius, eccentric, blue, red, surreal, fantasy, fantasy art, charming, wildlife, animals, Animals In Clothes, Gretchen Ellen Powers, illo, character, character design, creative, blog, studio
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