The Key to My Heart

March 23, 2018

The Key to My Heart 7"x7" original watercolor painting

So excited to announce that Arboretum's opening reception is happening tonight @ Light Grey Art Lab.

The collections include Arboretum: An exhibition about botany: genetics, enchanted forests and designed garden spaces. We are excited to celebrate our experiences in nature and discovery. In addition to the Arboretum exhibition, we will have featured exhibitions, Resurgence a artisanal exhibition about the return of vibrance, The Flush of Spring a collection of work about change, flux, and energy, and Campfire Comics and Stories is a 26page Risograph comic published by Dennis Madamba and Kyle Harabedian and featuring the work of 13 illustrators.

I am so thrilled to have my original painting of The Key to My Heart included into this enchanting collection. And this gallery's just another good reason to love and admire the midwest. The exhbition will be on display from March 23rd through April 20th!

Light Grey Art Lab Gallery: Arboretum

March 7, 2018

So, my last few weeks of winter have been spent painting green things and not being able to hardly wait for this to happen! My many thanks to LGAL for inviting me to partake in all of this nature-y goodness. I'll have an original painting on display there March 23rd - April 20th!

The Key to my Heart

December 8, 2017

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.

Maggie Among the Magnolias

February 20, 2017

Maggie Among the Magnolias 8"x10" watercolor & ink on paper

A fairy and a robin make for the best of friends. These two are singing the sweet first notes of spring.

February 10th was when I spotted the first robin in my backyard. And now, we're having a taste of spring here in Michigan this week, and I must say that I a little bird told me it was coming.

The Magical Story Hour

February 10, 2017

The Magical Story Hour 12"x12" watercolor & ink on paper

After building their new friend, the following day the children returned to enjoy his company again. And they all settled down for a quiet and magical story hour with their new friend. Everyone is hoping to have their favorite book read aloud, even the animals (the birds are carrying their favorite in the air!) What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon!

Thinking of teaching my own snow sculptures the handy trick of reading a-loud from favorite books.

Hope is the Thing with Feathers

January 19, 2017

Hope is the Thing with Feathers watercolor & ink on paper

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -

That perches in the soul -

And sings the tune without the words -

And never stops - at all -" -Emily Dickinson

Inktober: Day 7

October 7, 2016

A gathered group of owls are called a parliament, and I couldn't resist. Tucked under a wing is his book of law, and he is residing over the local Aviary Parliament.

The Neighborhood

June 16, 2016

The Neighborhood 20"x16" watercolor & gouache on paper

A happy scene is unfolding before the eyes of these little Brooklyn row houses. The neighborhood children have come out to play and enjoy this beautiful day together, and it just so happens to be someone's birthday on the street. A mother and child walking down the sidewalk are carrying balloons and bags, it is certain that a birthday party is in the air. And to top it all off, a stork mailman has made his way to the Big Apple from the woodland post to deliver a special birthday letter, and perhaps a little bundle of joy as well!

Sneak Peek Part II: The Neighborhood

June 15, 2016

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!

Hansel & Gretel: Breadcrumbs

April 25, 2016

Hansel & Gretel: Breadcrumbs 6.5"x10" Watercolor & gouache on paper

Little Hansel consoles a crying Gretel as he fends off the crows that are trying to steal their bread. Of course we all know the importance of those breadcrumbs to Hansel & Gretel, the famous forsaken and tragic fairy tale siblings.

This is my rendition of the beloved Grimm's story.

Sketch & Work in Progress: Rambling Jack Rabbit

April 5, 2016

New painting coming soon: "Rambling Jack Rabbit"

Here is my sketch of the traveling bun, Jack Rabbit. I'm smitten with this 'fella.
I'll share the painting with all of you shortly. Until then... happy trails!

Central Park: Through Wind and Rain

April 4, 2016

Central Park: Through Wind and Rain 11"x14" watercolor, gouache and ink on paper

Letters are falling from the sky as a New York stork flies over Central Park making his rounds. The following historical poem was the inspiration for titling this feathered postman, but his obstacles are a little different:

"Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." - Herodotus, (Inscription, New York City Post Office), adapted from Herodotus Greek historian & traveler (484 BC - 430 BC)

However I did alter his creed, way up there a gust of wind can pose quite a pickle for feathered couriers. Storks would make for fantastic postmen. Here's to hoping one comes on my route sooner rather than later.

Time Flies

March 4, 2016

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

February 18, 2016

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!

Geese WIP (Work In Progress)

February 10, 2016

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.

Mother Goose - The Marriage of Cock Robin to Jenny Wren

December 29, 2015

The Marriage of Cock Robin to Jenny Wren 14"x11" Watercolor and gouache on paper

Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme Illustration for The Marriage of Cock Robin to Jenny Wren

These two little love birds have quite the sweetest little courtship. I have included a piece of their love story below:

"It was a merry time,
When Jenny Wren was young,
So neatly as she dressed,
And so sweetly as she sung.

Robin Redbreast lost his heart,
He was a gallant bird;
He doffed his hat to Jenny,
And thus to her he said:

"My dearest Jenny Wren,
If you will but be mine,
You shall dine on cherry pie
And drink nice currant wine.

"I'll dress you like a goldfinch,
Or like a peacock gay:
So, if you'll have me, Jenny,
Let its appoint the day.''

Jenny blushed behind her fan,
And thus declared her mind
"Then let it be to-morrow, Bob
I take your offer kind..."

-Mother Goose (The Marriage of Cock Robin to Jenny Wren)

Christmas Cards: Bob Cratchit

October 21, 2015

Christmas Cards have arrived back from the printers!
Each card comes with a matching envelope of the lovely kraft paper variety. They are standard A2 size (measuring 4.25"x5.5") They are blank inside for your own personal messages.
It may not be a winter wonderland outdoors yet… but in case you’re like me and can not wait to begin decking the halls, fa-la-la-ing and generally elfing about, I have made these cards & prints of these Christmas pieces now available in the shop!

Bob Cratchit

October 14, 2015