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Gretchen Ellen Powers

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Halloween Parade

October 30, 2020

Such a good excuse to be a silly goose for a night… and eat chocolate! Here’s to hoping your Halloween is all treats and no tricks!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags kidlitart, childrens art, childrens illustration, Gretchen Ellen Powers, artwork, artist, illustrator, chidlren's book, sweet, halloween, happy halloween, kids, children, children's art, children's illustration, retro, pumpkin, astronaut, mushroom, bumble bee, trick or treat
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Dog Days of Summer

August 18, 2020

What better way to spend the “Dog Days of Summer” than with your furry bff and expert digging-machine?!

Happy Summer memory making, they may be different than last summer, but that might make them all the more memorable in the years to come! Here’s to making them count!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags summer, summer time, summer fun, August, dog, doggie, dog days, pet, pets, best friends, beach, sand, ocean, water, lake, summertime, art, artwork, artsy, artist, illustration, illustrator, picture book, picture book art, kid lit, kidlit, kid lit art, kidlitart, children, childrens, childrens illustration, childrens art, creative, design, character, seashell, sea shell, seaweed, vegan, sea life, seagull, sea gull, bird, birds, happy, fun, outdoors, nature, childhood, watercolor, watercolors, drawing, illustrators, illustrated, dog days of summer
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So Many Choices

October 31, 2018

So Many Choices watercolor on paper

Sometimes half the fun is the proces. And Halloween is the perfect excuse to dress-up… 2, 3, 4, even 5 times!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags costume, dress, dressing up, dress up, costumes, halloween, halloween costume, pumpkin, fall, autumn, pretend, candy, trick or treat, fall time, harvest, illustration, illustrator, picture book artist, picture book illustrator, illo, painting, drawing, whimsy, whimsical, imagination, fun, play, playing, childrens art, children's illustration, Children's Art, kidlit, kidlitart, kid lit, kid lit art, dragon, griaffe, beet, vegetable, alien, aliens, outer space, witch, leaves, autumn leaves, orange, candies, jack o'lantern, jack-o-lantern, jack o lantern, quirky, cute, sweet, halloween costumes, kids costume, kids costumes, dinosaur, veggie, vegetables, giraffe, ufo, martian, mars, witches, broomstick, wizard, zoo, safari, safari animals, garden, pumpkins, halloween candy, candy corn, lollypop, traditional media, picture book, picture book art, childrens illustration, watercolor, make believe, holiday, October, October 31, trick, treat, treats, sweets, trick or treating, trick or treaters, Happy Halloween, happy autumn, Gretchen Ellen Powers
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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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Ice Cream Social

September 20, 2018

Ice Cream Social

The fun keeps rolling when an elephant on a bicycle is serving up your favorite sweet treat!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags ice cream, elephant, painting, illustration, illustrator, childrens illustration, kids, kid lit art, paint, design, artwork, original, original artwork, Children's Art, kidlitart, kid lit, ice cream social, nature, animals, animal, quirky, cute, sweet, treat, treats, sweet treats, fun', drawing, sketch, Gretchen Ellen Powers, children's illustration, children's illustrator, balloons, vegan, vegetarian, children, kid, baby, girl, vintage, retro, bicycle
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Bearly Floating

September 12, 2018

It's hard to stay afloat after so many snacks and tropical punches (he's Bearly Floating as it is!) But this bear is doing it, and making a big splash into the holiday weekend!

He hopes you're enjoying the last bits of summer too! 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags bear, summer, fun, floating, beach, pool, animals, cute, quirky, relax, illustration, painting, art, artist, illustrator, nature, animal, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, children's illustration, children's art, childrens illustration, kids, children, sketch, sketchbook, paint, tradtional art, artwork, original, fantasy art, sweet, holiday, summer fun, Gretchen Ellen Powers, brown bear
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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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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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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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Humpty Dumpty: Sat on a Wall

March 21, 2018

Humpty Dumpty: Sat on a Wall   watercolor on paper

"Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, 

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,

All the King's horses and all the King's men,

Couldn't put Humpty together again." -Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme

There he is, Humpty Dumpty in all of his glory, he thinks he's really something. Well, pride cometh before a fall, and as arrogant as this chap is, I think we all know what to EGGspect next! 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Mother Goose, rhyme, nursery, Nursery Rhyme, vintage, egg, easter, easter egg, mother goose nursery, mother goose nursery rhyme, Humpty Dumpty, humpty, dumpty, childrens illustration, childrens art, picture book, storybook, story, classic, poem, poet, poetry, vintage book, retro, classic book, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, children, kids, cute, whimsy, whimsical, babies, baby, childhood, quirky, book, books, illustration, illustrator, art, artwork, artist, picture book illustrator, watercolor, watercolour, painting, traditional, traditional media, drawing, set, series, nursery rhymes, original art, fashion
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Spring Has Sprung

February 23, 2018

Spring Has Sprung    watercolor on paper

Thoughts of spring are blooming in my mind, and it has already sprung up in my heart. Something tells me that the Easter Bunny might just like a fancy little smock, so I painted one for her and handed her a bouquet. 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags spring, bunny, rabbit, bunnies, cute, floral, flowers, blue, sweet, charming, whimsy, whimsical, kid lit art, art, artist, illustration, illustrator, painting, watercolor, mixed media, paper, pastel, drawing, scandinavian, nordic, hygge, happy, happy spring, easter, easter bunny, easter eggs, bouquet, woodland, classic, retro, Children's Art, children's illustration, flower, botanical, nature, anthro, surreal, fantasy art, fairy tale, storybook, girl, girly, nursery, childrens illustration, kid lit, Gretchen Ellen Powers, happy first of spring, first of spring, fashion, pink, print, wall art, decor, design, character, character design, garden, gardening, gardener, vegetarian, veggies, flower garden, tulips, tulip, graphic, graphic design, friendly, easter decor, Easter Bunny, Easter Sunday, springtime, Easter, Easter Eggs, happy easter, Happy Easter, cottontail, peter rabbit
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The Nutcracker

December 19, 2017

The Nutcracker   watercolor on paper

You may be familiar with the magical story of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet. In my version however they are happily dancing together- and the Rat King certainly appears a bit more mouse-y. 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Tchaikovsky, ballet, The Nutcracker, Nutcracker, music, opera, story, musical, dance, dancing, ballerina, russia, russian, classic, storybook, fairy tale, fairytale, magical, magic, Christmas, merry christmas, happy, Happy Holidays, happy christmas, childrens illustration, children's book, Children's Art, watercolor, watercolours, advent, winter, season, seasons greetings, friends, mouse, rat, king, tradition, folk, paper, snow, cute, sweet, friendship, mice, rat king, drum, drums, vintage, retro, prince, nutcracker Christmas, dancers, New York, play, theater, live, theatre, new york city ballet, russian ballet, ballerinas, dances, believe, whimsy, whimsical, make believe, imagination, dream, dreamers, dreaming, wonderland, winter wonderland, wonder, kids, kid lit art, kid lit, artwork, painting, paint

They're Here!!

October 27, 2017

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!

In Art & Illustration (mine), My Books Tags The Boxcar Children, book, kid lit art, kid lit, children's illustration, childrens illustration, children's book, Gertrude Chandler Warner, Gretchen Ellen Powers, publishing, publisher, albert whitman & co, albert whitman, Boxcar, Boxcar Children, children, kids, kids book, books, literature, literary, art, artist, illustrator, illustration, illustrated, anniversary, 75th anniversary, snail mail, post, surprise, October, 2017, Thanks, thank you, thankful, Thanksgiving, autumn, fall, photo, photograph, photography, studio, sneak peek, happy, fun, blessed, season, classic, classic book, storybook, vintage, retro, sweet, cute, family, siblings, read, reading, book worm, picture book, middle grade, middle grade reader, story, story book, Children's Art, kid's book, library, classic story
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The Boxcar Children: 75th Anniversary, Fully Illustrated Edition

September 18, 2017

So excited to announce that I was chosen to illustrate the first ever fully illustrated edition of The Boxcar Children for the 75th anniversary of its release!! I painted over 30 interior illustrations for this book, and every single one of them was a wonderful adventure and joy for me to work on! The cover art was painted by the talented Anne Yvonne Gilbert.

Thank you ever so much to the lovely folks at Albert Whitman & Co. it was a joy working with you during this project, and to my sweet agent Nicole of T2 Illustrators & Authors (you're a superhero!!) And so thankful to my parents and brother Seth, you guys are my best friends!! And above all thanks to my Heavenly Father for blessing me always and in all things!

Feeling so thankful and blessed for the opportunity! 

Happy 75th Anniversary Boxcar Children!!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Boxcar, The Boxcar Children, Boxcar Children, kid lit, kid lit art, literature, book, middle grade, middle grade reader, mgr, albert whitman, albert whitman & co, Anne Yvonne Gilbert, Gretchen Ellen Powers, Gertrude Chandler Warner, retro, vintage, classic, classic book, story, books, literary, classic story, story book, storybook, kids, children, siblings, orphans, childrens illustration, children's book, children's art, t2, t2 illustrators, agent, agency, Tugeau2, Nicole Tugeau, anniversary, edition, special edition, news, publishing, publisher, fully illustrated, illustrated, illustration, painting, art, artwork, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, aquarelle, 1940s, history, historical, historical fiction, fiction, thanks, thankful, happy, illustrator, artist, artsy, creative, i love my job, workflow, work flow, work, best job ever, book cover, cover, cover art, blessed

A Labor of Love

August 18, 2017

So you have no doubt seen a lot of little snippets, bits and bobs and pieces of my work lately. Well, all of these little glimpses have been a part of a larger picture, and I have been pursuing my dream of storytelling: I have illustrated a book! I'll share more details in the weeks to come, but until then I want to savor a beautiful melancholy-ness in my heart.

This pile represents all of the days, and minutes, and months, and weeks that I have joyfully poured into my first book. It's a wonderful feeling to actually be able to reach out and hold a piece of time like this! I can not wait until you, too, can hold this tangible form of time.  

I am thankful.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags dream, dream come true, dreamer, dreams, magic, magical, thankful, happy, joy, art, artwork, artist, illustrator, illustration, painting, painting process, time, labor, labor of love, I love my Job, best job ever, job, work, work flow, kids, kid lit, literature, children's book, kid lit art, Children's Art, childrens illustration, children's illustration, children's art, children, love, blessed, blessings, thanks, thank you, thanksgiving, overjoyed, woodland, storybook, story, watercolor, watercolour, pen and ink, ink, inktober, paint, paintings, original, original art, daily art, watercolor painting, water color, watercolor illustration, aquarelle, i love my job
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A Good Yarn

August 16, 2017

I've been using a very limited palette for these silhouettes, and having great fun with the pops of red! I must admit, I love a good yarn... Can't wait to put all of these together!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags paint, painting, illustration, illustrator, art, artist, artwork, artsy, creative, design, graphic, graphic design, kids, children, kids book, kid lit art, children's art, childrens illustration, red, white, black, black and white, minimal, minimalist, minimalism, whimsy, whimsical, cute, sweet, sewing, yarn, knitting, craft, crafts, crafty, arts and crafts, diy, maker, buttons, silhouettes, limited color, color, colors, color palette, palette, watercolor, watercolour, original, originals, original art, original painting, sneak peek, glimpse, charming, fun, playing, busy bee, bouquet, flowers, flower, floral, happy, love, painting process, i love my job, wip, work flow, work in progress, summer, work
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Farmer O'Hare

April 14, 2017

Farmer O'Hare   12"x10"  watercolor on paper

Farmer O'Hare and Bonnie Bunny are busy gathering and working in their garden.   

I've fallen in love with these two characters, and I can guarantee that you will be seeing a lot more of them in my coming work!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags spring, rabbits, rabbit, bunnies, springtime, April, May, garden, flowers, gardening, bunny, easter, Easter Bunny, grow, growing, green, plant, plants, planting, vegetables, veggies, farm, farmer, girl, boy, illustration, painting, art, artwork, illustrator, watercolor, watercolour, water color, artist, artsy, paper, vintage, retro, overalls, bonnet, hare, cute, sweet, friends, work, work flow, friday, cabbage, carrots, happy easter, Easter Sunday, Easter Egg, whimsy, whimsical, woodland, surreal, charming, nature, wildlife, animals, animals in clothes, anthro, anthropomorphic, Gretchen Ellen Powers, picture book, childrens illustration, Children's Art, kid lit, kid lit art
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Bon Voyage!!

January 26, 2017

Wishing happy trails to this original that has just been sent off to its new home! 
I'll miss these little trick-or-treaters, good luck out there guys!!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags original, painting, watercolor, watercolour, illustration, halloween, woodland, forest, fox, raccoon, rabbit, squirrel, mouse, bunny, bon voyage, post, photo, photography, strawberry, mushroom, witch, ghost, costume, candy, sweet, sweets, dessert, bat, bats, ink, childrens illustration, paint
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