Book Cover: Little Women

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.

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.

Sew Much Love

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!

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

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!

Commission: Happy Together

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!

Learning Curves

Learning Curves

Generational Learning at its finest, with a Grandfather teaching his Grandson something old and then in turn the grandson teaches his Grandfather something new!

You’re never too old or too young for learning!

Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th Street   watercolor on paper

🎄🎥 There's nothing quite like cozying up to a favorite holiday film, and seeing what feels like an old friend who only comes to visit once a year. This is my newest illustration and interpretation of the classic scene at the end of Miracle on 34th Street. And here are the flicks that made it to my personal top five favorites:

✨ 5. "Rudolph" ✨4. "It's a Wonderful Life" ✨ 3. "The Nutcracker" with Elle Fanning ✨2. "The Polar Express" ✨ 1. "Muppet Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens ✨

And of course I love Miracle on 34th Street, in its charming and magical black and white cinematography!! 🍬🎅

Home

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 Boxcar Children: Glimpse Inside #2

View fullsize

Sharing another glimpse into the open pages of the lovely edition of this classic story. This scene with Watch becoming part of the children's story is one of my favorites!! 

Thank you so much to everyone with their kind words about this book!! I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and sweetness this book has been welcomed with!! It has meant so, so much!

The Boxcar Children 75th Anniversary Fully Illustrated Edition: Release Date

View fullsize

I can hardly believe that it is November 1st, and that of course means the day has finally come for this lovely book to hit the shelves! I am so excited, and over-the-moon!!! Stop in a book store near you, or pick it up online!

Wishing a Happy Book Birthday to this new edition I am so proud to have worked on! I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I loved working on it.

They're Here!!

View fullsize

View fullsize

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!

Apple Dog

Apple Dog   11"x14"   watercolor on paper

A painting I did of my brother and his sweet black dog Molly- her favorite treats are apples. This is precisely how I wanted to capture them forever, singing to one another, and sharing in one of their famous adventures.

The Family Fox

The Family Fox   11"x14"  watercolor on paper

I just loved creating this for a family who commissioned me. Had the funnest time putting these wonderful personalities into fox men, women and children! You can see their great many interests, and hobbies represented, and I am sending many thanks to them for asking me to create this special house warming gift.

p.s.
The funnest fact about this entire piece? The new owner's last name is Fox!

Emmeline Wines: Pinot Gris 2016 Label Design

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

A few years ago Emmeline Wines and I did a collaboration on the design & illustration of their 2013 Syrah here. I was so honored and thrilled when they approached me last year to return and illustrate their newest release.

Here are the labels I illustrated and the finished product we created together for their Pinot Gris vintage 2016.

Thank you Narelle & Tim, it is always a perfect pleasure to work with you!
 

Happy Valentine's Day: Froggie Went a-Courtin'

Froggie Went a-Courtin'   8"x10"  watercolor & ink on paper

Miss Mousie has a pleasant surprise waiting for her outside of her front door. Froggie has come a calling for her hand, with a bouquet of waterlilies. It seemed so appropriate for a Valentine's theme, and being animals I couldn't help myself.

Wishing you a very Happy Valentine's Day- whether that means sharing the day with a sweetheart, a friend, family, a loyal pet, or extending some love to the natural world around us. Even if there might not be a frog outside your door with a bunch of posies, I hope today has a few special surprises for you as well! ♥ ❤ 

You're the Apple of My Eye

You're the Apple of My Eye   11"x14"  watercolor on paper

This happy trio has spent the afternoon in the apple orchard, picking apples, reading, taking the occasional photograph, and (as the evidence of blankets and baskets would suggest) enjoying a hearty picnic lunch. There really is no sweeter way to pass a day than this.

On this cold and wintery January day, I am most certainly with them in my heart of hearts.

Picnics in Winter

View fullsize

View fullsize

The beginnings of things.

Also, my thoughts are officially on spring now thanks to this fun little picnic taking place.

Visions of Sugar Plums : Hand Painted Christmas Ornaments

My original set, Visions of Sugar Plums, is still available in my shop for a limited time if you want to buy an original piece of my art. The ornaments available in the series are:

• Fox Ornament
• Jackalope #1 Ornament
• Jackalope #2 Ornament

Hop over to my shop to make these a part of your holiday decorating and let them help you celebrate a woodland Christmas for years to come!

Visions of Sugar Plums: Jackalope #2 (ornament)

View fullsize

Visions of Sugar Plums: Jackalope #2   gouache and acrylic on glass

My second Jackalope ornament is different from the others and is painted red on white, and it is the final ornament that I am creating for my set Visions of Sugar Plums.  

• This final ornament I am offering is another woodland Jackalope, a mythical creature, painted in Scandinavian color palette, acrylic and gouache on a glass globe. Each ornament comes ready to hang from your special tree with a gold ribbon, and arrives with it's own cardboard box for storing and display. Each ornament is hand-painted by me, Gretchen Ellen Powers, and is completely unique and one of a kind. I am asking only $100 a piece for them + S & H. Available for a limited time only in my shop.

This magic and jolly little creature wants to find a home in your lovely Christmas trees, and family traditions. 

Visions of Sugar Plums: Fox (Ornament)

View fullsize

I am painting three original Christmas ornaments and calling the set Visions of Sugar Plums.

• This first one I am offering is a woodland fox painted in Scandinavian color palette, acrylic and gouache on a glass globe. Each ornament comes ready to hang from your special tree with a gold ribbon, and arrives with it's own cardboard box for storing and display. Each ornament is hand-painted by me, Gretchen Ellen Powers, and is completely unique and one of a kind. I am asking only $100 a piece for them + S & H. Available for a limited time only in my shop.

Happy Holidays and jolly thoughts my little rabbits!

Thankful for Friendly Windows and Pumpkin Pie

Thankful for Friendly Windows and Pumpkin Pie   10"x12"  watercolor on paper

Thanksgiving thoughts from this bunch of happy critters? Good friends, friendly windows, and pumpkin pie. Hope you get the chance to enjoy a slice of pie during the holiday as well! And if you have any leftovers, why not share a slice with a furry friend?

Happy Thanksgiving!