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!
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!
Here’s to a new year, and to those near and dear, who help us reach our aspirations, goals and dreams!
Happy Twenty Nineteen, everyone!
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.
"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.
Friend Ship watercolor on paper
Even when sailing through stormy weather and rough waters, the Friend Ship holds fast and strong!
Simon Squirrel watercolor on paper
There's no nut he finds too tough to crack. To be sure, he's one smart squirrel.
My original painting, The Key to My Heart, is currently on display at Light Grey Art Lab for their Arboretum exhibition! I am so very excited to partake in this enchancting collection, and to be exhibted along with so many talented and nature-inspired artists!!
If you're interested in acquiring this original piece of mine, please contact the gallery for information: gallery@lightgreyartlab.com, purchase it in their online shop, or pop into the gallery to view it in person now until April 20th!
James & the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl - Book Cover Tribute
What happens when you combine an orphaned boy, a spider, centepeed, inch-worm, lady bird, glow worm, grasshopper, and one oversized fruit? Genius.
This is another tribute book cover I did to one of my all time favorite adventures. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (originally published in 1961 by Alfred A. Knopf)
You can bet his wicked old aunts are up in that rickety house planning some kind of no-good and mean schemes. But for me, that round fruit full of typography left me suddenly wishing for bowls full of peaches and cream.
This cherished copy of Charlotte's Web was a surprise present from my parents when I was just eight years old. I'm so over-the-moon-happy to have this first edition copy of E. B. White's classic from 1952 by Harper Collins.
You're never too old to enjoy reading a children's book, and trust me, they only get better the older you get. They really do improve with age!
Here's my well loved copy, next to my book cover tribute to this favorite story of mine!
Packed up and shipped off, this little lass has flown the coop and is offically on her way to Light Grey Art Lab Gallery's: Arborteum Exhibition! And I suppose that makes me an empty-nester now...
A little progress photo on a spring friend. She's going to be part of Light Grey Art Lab's Show: ARBORETUM
So very thrilled to have been invited to participate in this collection of pieces revolving around botany: genetics, enchanted forests and designed garden spaces
The finished painting will be on display beginning on March 10th.
Remember to think on spring-y thoughts!
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!
The Key to My Heart 7"x7" watercolor on paper
This little bird lass holds they key to her own heart in her beak, exposing it, vulnerable to give away to a sweet love bird. There are many different keys that open many different locks, unlocking someone's heart is the most precious treasure of all.
Home watercolor on paper
I just love this illustration, and it certainly has to be in my top favorites. It depicts my favorite season, and it reminds me of my home, so that of course is what I decided to call it!
Many of you that live in the states are most likely homeward bound for celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family, and so here's to wishing you happy journeys, and a joy-filled time when you arrive at your homes, wherever they may be. Happy Thanksgiving!!
The Trick and the Treat 11"x14" watercolor on paper
This happy little mummy is enjoying his treat. Meanwhile his kitten is happily tricking him and unraveling his costume.. Here's to a happy Halloween!
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!!
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!
I just adore days like this, that's probably why autumn has a special place in my heart! Warm cups of tea, pumpkins, and the smell of cinnamon. And all the while, the sound of a windy day is an enchantment to me!
A lovely little note: That bouquet that keeps popping up in my recent posts are my Mama's that she has had dried for years (a special thanks to her for letting me carefully borrow them!) I think I love a good dried flower more than the real thing sometimes!
A sneak peek, where the painting is actually peeking back. I love how she's glancing through the baby's breath...