The Valentine, watercolor on paper
These two young sweethearts are holding hands, the boy in snowshoes is steading the girl on her wobbly ice-skates. She's presenting him with her homemade valentine, and he has a little bouquet of flowers behind his back to surprise her with.
Wishing you a LOVE-ly and Happy Valentine's Day!
Wings & Petals watercolor on paper
On a cold, wintery morning I found my thoughts filled with flights of fancy and warm spring blooms. This is the result of that wintery day-dream.
My latest illustration: Coloring Eggs Together has been so well received, I would like to thank all of you for your kind words! Just in time for spring and Easter, I have listed the original painting for sale in my shop.
I have to say that this painting has found a special place in my heart, and I almost can't bring myself to part with it. It is definitely one of my favorite pieces in my portfolio right now.
A Happy Easter to all of you, my little rabbits, in your own little burrows across the globe!
Coloring Eggs Together 12"x16" Watercolor, gouache, & colored pencils on paper
Coloring Eggs Together 12"x16" Watercolor, goauche & colored pencils
This brother and sister know that rabbits make the best of friends, and who better to help them decorate a larger than life egg? The children are using broad strokes of red paint and paint cans, while the two bunnies are tackling the task of the fine painted detail with their little brushes and paint palettes. All the while springtime is in full bloom coming up around them.
Wishing a Happy Easter to all of you as well, my little rabbits!
Time Flies 16"x20" Watercolor & colored pencils on paper
Most of us have heard of the expression Time Flies, but it is also said to stand still... These are two images I tried to capture and convey within this illustration.
Swallows swoop and alight from an opened pocket watch as if they're escaping a birdcage, while a girl and her deer stand motionless and observe time flying by. (The girl is wearing a Valentino dress from their 2015 Pre-Fall collection.)
I was in my happy place painting all of those beating wings and the blue plumage of the swallows. Birds are dear to my heart, they are my feathered friends.
Hansel and Gretel 22"x17" Watercolor and colored pencils on paper
The famous fairy tale siblings, Hansel and Gretel, must have known happier times in their childhood before they were abandoned in the woods with a loaf of bread. This is my rendition of their story, at that time.
Due to my own Dutch heritage, I altered the story's setting from Germany to the Netherlands. I'm sure that the Brothers Grimm wouldn't begrudge me the opportunity to dress these sweet children in wooden clogs (klompen) and place a windmill in the landscape.
Welkom to my interpretation of Grimm's Hansel and Gretel!
Building soft layers of watercolor. I can't think of a better way to spend the winter days and nights.
Sneak peek of something that is currently in the works. Now that the sketch is completed, the paper is finally ready for the first kiss of watercolor.
The Pollination 9"x11" Watercolor, gouache & colored pencils on paper
Mr. Bombus is off to spend a pleasant morning with his sweetheart Miss Tulip and her relations.
This happy little springtime bumble is as busy as a bee, flying from tulip to tulip, discussing the weather and keeping them current with the latest buzz. He has a busy day ahead of him, but thanks to of his toils, we are all able to enjoy the floral landscape and the beauty of all the Miss Tulips in the world. Our hats off to you Mr. Bombus!
A formal introduction to Miss Tulip and Mr. Bombus: (Latin Names)
Tulipa
Bombus Hortorum
Happy Groundhog day! 365 days ago I found myself sketching a groundhog in my notebook on my way to the library, and thus was born Diggery.
I have always enjoyed this sweet little holiday! And today I am extending my warmest thanks to Punxsutawney Phil for delivering the good news of an early spring this morning!
Happy trails winter!