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.

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!

It's Only a Paper Moon

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

Mother Goose: Little Bo Peep

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. 

Bobby Brock

Bobby Brock   watercolor on paper

This is Bobby Brock. He's a shy young badger, but he's also a wonderful friend, and he loves to cloud-paint.

Humpty Dumpty: Sat on a Wall

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! 

Spring Has Sprung

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. 

The Valentine

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!

Book Signing

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I am so overwhelmed and grateful for your sweet faces, stories, smiles, and kind words yesterday! Seeing so many of you face-to-face was a sheer joy and did my heart so much good, I can't thank you enough. Also a huge shout of thanks and praise to Renaissance & Papyrus for making my book signing for The Boxcar Children the most lovely of days! I just love that shop (it's an understatement to say it's my favorite!!) and the sweet ladies who always run it so gracefully! 

Thank you again!!

Be Cool Stay in School

Be Cool Stay in School   14"x16" 

Something I created for my agency's promotional theme of "Take Your Pet to School". If we all only had a giant, helpful rabbit who helped us with the heavy lifting so we could have a free hand for yo-yo-ing! This kid is super cool, and he knows it!

(p.s. His glasses are my favorite part about his outfit, hands down.)

Fox Mitten

Fox Mitten   7"x7"   watercolor on paper

This little guy wraps up my series, Smitten with the Mitten. It's probably no secret, owing to my deep love of foxes, that this is the painting I am the most smitten with in this set. Gingerbread men dancing above his head, and soon sugar plums will be dancing in our dreams and hearts. 

We're getting so close to Christmas, I can barely stand it! The jolly old elf himself is probably making his list, soon it will be getting checked twice, cross your fingers that you make the list. I know this little fox has most certainly been good all year, he's a definite add to the nice list, if you want my recommendation Santa!

Bear Mitten

Bear Mitten   7"x7"  watercolor on paper

Our bear friend has quite a large sweet tooth, he's a gentle giant and will never turn down an opportunity for candy. He's one of my favorites from my series Smitten with the Mitten.

Confession: I'm a bit jealous of his red mittens, and I'll admit that I wish they were real so I could snatch up a pair for myself! I can picture a jolly elf sporting a set of those mittens as well. 

Deer Mitten

Deer Mitten   7"x7"  watercolor on paper

Next in line of my series Smitten with the Mitten, is this little deer. Those big ears of hers are just right to hear the ringing of bells from Santa's sleigh. She may not be a reindeer, but she has some Christmas bells of her own.

Her favorite song is Silver Bells. Here's a few lines in case you'd like to sing along:

Silver bells, (silver bells) silver bells (silver bells)
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, (ring-a-ling)
Hear them ring, (hear them ring)
Soon it will be Christmas day

Bunny Mitten

Bunny Mitten   7"x7"  watercolor on paper

The beginning of a little set of animals with Scandinavian mittens. I almost want to knit a few sets of these myself to supply our woodland friends with some winter warmth. 

The first installment of four knitted friends, in my series Smitten with the Mitten. These little woodland critters will be helping us count down the weeks to Christmas! 

Clover Bunny

Clover Bunny   6"x8"  watercolor and ink on paper

It's important to remember to stop and smell the flowers, like this little bunny. Afterwards however, she might enjoy it for lunch.

Sneak Peek Part 2

Raccoons with paintbrushes, just another reason why I love my job.

Sneak Peek Part 1

Painting squirrels in hats.

High Tea

High Tea   5"x7"  watercolor on paper

I have had quite a few tea parties, and enjoy a ritual of tea every day - often more than twice! - and so I know precisely how my little mouse friend feels. Here is her miniature accompanying story: 

Celia Mousekins has a great fondness for two treats, sugar cubes and Earl Grey tea. Here she has combined the two pleasures in one, and gives it a stir, as she enjoys a mouse sized version of High Tea.

Making a New Friend

A little afternoon painting from my sketchbook... I love making new friends. 

Sneak Peek Part II: The Neighborhood

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Part 2 of my work in progress: This painting has been a labor of love and a good experience for me. It is quite a large painting by my standards, measuring 20"x16". This photo is from a few days ago, since then my happy little New York City scene has come together quite well. The finished illustration is coming your way in a day or two. Until then, happy playing!