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 Trails 11"x14" watercolor and gouache on paper
These two exotic animals have been all over the world and while they wait for their next departure time, in between destinations, the sloth rests his head for a little nap, tired from all of the traveling. Meanwhile the llama is busy reading the newspaper and planning all of their new exciting travels. Clearly she has enough energy for the both of them.
It seems fitting to insert an excerpt from my favorite Frank Capra film: "Do you know what the three most exciting sounds in the world are? Anchor chains, airplane motors and train whistles." These two obviously feel the same.
Sweet William 8"x10" watercolor & ink on paper
A Sweet William peddler employs the help of a friendly, obliging snail who is pulling along his little cart full of spring cheer.
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:
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 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 magic and jolly little creature wants to find a home in your lovely Christmas trees, and family traditions.
Visions of Sugar Plums: Jackalope #1 gouache and acrylic on glass
What is more wonderful than a bit of make-believe and magic at Christmas time! And so I couldn't help but paint a Jackalope, which is just a beautiful and magical creature. I am painting three original Christmas ornaments and calling the set Visions of Sugar Plums.
These would be the perfect decoration to help you trim your tree, and deck your merry halls!
I am painting three original Christmas ornaments and calling the set Visions of Sugar Plums.
Happy Holidays and jolly thoughts my little rabbits!
A progress shot and sneak peek at some hand-painted Christmas ornaments. I will be offering these for a limited time only. Each original painted globe is one of a kind, and will be available for $100 + S & H.
I am enjoying this process so much, and I imagine that this is what it must feel like to be an elf at the North Pole. Fa la la la la la.
Happy to announce that I am now being represented by Tugeau2 Children's Illustration Agency!! Excited for the many adventures ahead of me in the enchanting world of children's publishing!
Here's a new illustration for the occasion!
Grandpa Bear's Chair 13"x10" watercolor & gouache on paper
Grandpa Bear and his fox granddaughter love to read in his comfy chair. They have a good source of reading material beside them to keep them entertained for hours of book loving fun.
This is the finished label illustration for Emmeline Wines, an Australian wine company that I have had the honor of working with for their past two vintages. Thank you for letting me join the adventure again Narelle & Tim!
A fox and a bear.
The beginnings of something that has two of my favorite animals.
Typography + tea = a grand weekend.
Henry Turns Four 15"x13" watercolor & gouache on paper
Henry and his friends from The Neighborhood are celebrating the occasion of his fourth birthday. The little boy in front of the stork in my previous painting is turning four and he is throwing a party. He has invited the children who appeared on the street as well as one or two new friends. The party has a circus theme, with toy animals in miniature party hats. They are singing Happy Birthday and blowing out candles on a cake. (Noise makers are being put to good use as well!) Even the dog has gotten in on the fun!
Little watercolor faces singing Happy Birthday & blowing out candles at a party. An early peek at the companion piece for my illustration, The Neighborhood.
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!
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!
All week I have been illustrating a happy scene from a street in Brooklyn. Here's an earlier sneak peek of the work in progress.
The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse: Dollhouse 5"x7" Watercolor & gouache on paper
Oh to be a few inches tall, then you could crawl into the walls of a miniature dollhouse! That is where the town mouse makes his home in the city, within the toy house of the little children who live in the building he takes shelter in. It makes for very lavish mouse-size living quarters, and I am a bit jealous of them!
The country mouse seems to be a bit uneasy and awkward as she stands atop the table holding her china plate. A cup has fallen on the floor and shattered amid the hustle and bustle of city life. This is perhaps my favorite of the two paintings, mostly due to the awkward positions they take while sitting at the miniature toy table.
This Aesop's fable was such a fun thing to interpret, but they were also a present to my Mother for her birthday as we have always called her and her sister "The Country Mouse and the City Mouse". My mother is a country mouse, and I am as well. Although, I could be tempted to take up residence in a local dollhouse if one could be provided or I could find a drink similar to Alice's when she shrunk in Wonderland. Keep me posted if you come across anything of that nature!
The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse: Blackberries 5"x7" Watercolor & gouache on paper
I have been working on a companion set of paintings to illustrate the classic Aesop's Fable, The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse. The first one takes a peek though the briers and brambles into the modest abode of a little country field mouse. She has invited her well-to-do cousin, who lives in town, to visit her. He happens to arrive during blackberry season, and so he is just in time to partake in the art of preserving the harvest in the form of jams & jellies. Glancing over his shoulder, spoon in hand, he is looking to his cousin for instructions on the recipe.
I will admit that I am a bit of a country mouse myself. Nothing like having bare feet in the grass reading a book, or snacking on wild fruit.
In the next illustration (coming soon!) she will be visiting her cousin's home in town.
On my plate this week: Mouses & Houses