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Gretchen Ellen Powers

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The Christmas Pageant

December 15, 2017

The Christmas Pageant   watercolor on paper

The cast of the children's Christmas Pageant has two unlikely roles who are the best of friends. Peace on earth truly resides over all at this magical time of year! This is when the lion and the lamb truly come together. 

Are you beginning to feel the Christmas spirit yet? It has taken me over, from the tips of my toes to the top of my head! 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Christmas, pageant, play, children, kids, kid lit, kid lit art, nature, lion, lamb, peace, noel, happy, happy Christmas, Merry Christmas, painting, watercolor, watercolors, watercolour, watercolor art, paint, artist, artwork, mixed media, ink, paper, merry christmas, fun, friends, friendship, boy, girl, costume, nativity, peace on earth, joyeux noel, happy holidays, holiday, holidays, sweet, sugar plums, Christmas 2017, playing, drawing, draw, original art, santa, santa claus, school, acting, tradition
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A Labor of Love

August 18, 2017

So you have no doubt seen a lot of little snippets, bits and bobs and pieces of my work lately. Well, all of these little glimpses have been a part of a larger picture, and I have been pursuing my dream of storytelling: I have illustrated a book! I'll share more details in the weeks to come, but until then I want to savor a beautiful melancholy-ness in my heart.

This pile represents all of the days, and minutes, and months, and weeks that I have joyfully poured into my first book. It's a wonderful feeling to actually be able to reach out and hold a piece of time like this! I can not wait until you, too, can hold this tangible form of time.  

I am thankful.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags dream, dream come true, dreamer, dreams, magic, magical, thankful, happy, joy, art, artwork, artist, illustrator, illustration, painting, painting process, time, labor, labor of love, I love my Job, best job ever, job, work, work flow, kids, kid lit, literature, children's book, kid lit art, Children's Art, childrens illustration, children's illustration, children's art, children, love, blessed, blessings, thanks, thank you, thanksgiving, overjoyed, woodland, storybook, story, watercolor, watercolour, pen and ink, ink, inktober, paint, paintings, original, original art, daily art, watercolor painting, water color, watercolor illustration, aquarelle, i love my job
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Red, White & Black

August 15, 2017

Another sneak peek: Once again, the love of a true furry friend! So glad I have my sweet golden retriever to keep me company, and she just loves to have an arm wrapped 'round her!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags red, white, black, black and white, mono, monchrome, monochromatic, minimal, minimalist, minimalism, art, artwork, sneak peek, wip, process, progress, painting process, paint, painting, watercolor, watercolour, illustration, illustrator, woodland, forest, artsy, artist, original painting, original, original art, daily art, inktober, inktober 2017, happy, fun, playing, pumpkin, nature, wildlife, dog, puppy, pet, pets, puppies, dogs, friends, furry friends, pink, photo, photograph, studio, artist studio, kid lit, kid lit art, picture book, i love my job, work flow, work, work in progress, linework, ink, painter, water color, water colour, watercolor illustration, watercolor painting, cute, sweet, friendship, friendsgiving, friendly, best friends, best friend, cat tails, circle, sweet heart, kids, children, children's illustration, Children's Art, children's book, Gretchen Ellen Powers, Gretchen Powers, Gretchen, Ellen, Powers
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The Wind in Your Hair

August 11, 2017

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!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags paint, painting, illustration, illustrator, kids, children, sepia, black and white, monochrome, silhouette, wind, windy, flowers, ink, painting process, sneak peek, wip, process, studio, daily art, watercolor, watercolour, i love my job, work flow, summer, fall, autumn, flower, floral, bouquet, paint brush, table, work table, WIP, happy, red, minimal, minimalism, minimalist, artwork, art, artist, watercolor painting, origina, original painting, photo, photograph, artsy, creative, job, fun, play, playing, summer time, leaves, forest, woodland, fairy tale, story book, book, kid lit, kid lit art, progress, work in progress, work, line work, inking, inktober
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Farmer O'Hare & Bonny Bunny: The Morning Chores

May 28, 2017

Farmer O'Hare & Bonny Bunny: The Morning Chores   12"x10"  watercolor on paper

A glimpse into the charming country life of Farmer O'Hare & Bonny Bunny. I'm convinced there could be no sweeter homestead than theirs.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags farmer, farm, garden, gardener, country, country life, country living, countryside, homestead, farm life, farming, farm fresh, organic, food to table, organic farming, green, chicken, chickens, hens, chicks, cow, milk, dairy, dairy cow, dairy farm, vintage, retro, nature, wildlife, happy, friends, hare, bunny, bunnies, rabbit, rabbits, homesteading, rustic, watercolor, watercolour, paper, drawing, draw, art, artwork, woodland, illustration, artist, artsy, ink, children's illustration, kid lit, kid lit art, surreal, paint, painting, illustrator, animals in clothes, anthro, anthropomorphic, chore, chores, doodle, nursery, fairy tale, storybook, jersey cow, design, graphic design, Gretchen Ellen Powers, original, originals, original art, original painting, creative, fun, spring, summer, roots, earth, morning, pink, kids, children
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Lion King

May 10, 2017

Another something sweet from the same project as my deer & mushrooms. It certainly looks like that crown suits him. 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags king, royal, royalty, lion, jungle, surreal, crown, animals, Animals In Clothes, hat, lion king, art, illustration, black and white, black & white, b & w, graphite, grey, gray, grey scale, gray scale, artwork, illustrator, monochromatic, sketch, sketchbook, ink, pencil, draw, drawing, doodle, watercolor, watercolour, painting, paint, original, artist, artsy, creative, design, anthro, anthropomorphic, graphic design, decor, home decor, doodles, whimsy, whimsical, kids, kid lit, kid lit art, green, yellow, King, children, cute, sweet, picture book, nursery, boy, boys, fun, happy, fairy tale, storybook
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An Afternoon of Hygge

March 25, 2017

An Afternoon of Hygge   8"x10"  watercolor on paper

A simple practice of cozy. There's nothing like the comfort that can be found in the company of good friends and a warm bowl of hot soup.  

A Definition: Hygge: (noun) A Danish word for a quality of coziness (=feeling warm, comfortable, and safe) that comes from doing simple things such as lighting candles, baking, or spending time at home with your family: You can read more about Hygge here, through this fun article courtesy of The New Yorker.

Come to find out, I've been practicing this lifestyle since I was a child, I just never knew the word for it before now. 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags hygge, comfort, art, illustration, painting, watercolor, watercolour, children, kids, bear, ram, sheep, wolf, girl, boy, kid lit, kidlit, kid lit art, kidlitart, nature, wildlife, danish, scandinavian, nordic, winter, cozy, coziness, happy, friends, soup, friendship, friend, love, green, red, food, foodie, tea, spring, march, paper, bread, knitting, sweater, clothing, animals, denmark, copenhagen, horns, hat, vintage, retro, charming, whimsy, whimsical, surreal, anthro, anthropomorphic, animals in clothes, woodland, forest, mountain, ink, floral, design, graphic, graphic design, illustrator, theme, party, dinner, supper, home
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Drawing Cozy

March 22, 2017

Something I have been busy working on lately that has a lot to do with coziness. Finished watercolor to follow.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags ink, sketch, illustration, painting, wip, sneak peek, art, artwork, kid lit, kid lit art, children's art, children's illustration, children, kids, cute, sweet, hygge, scandinavian, danish, nordic, swedish, girl, boy, bear, ram, sheep, wolf, anthro, anthropomorphic, animals, animal, Animals In Clothes, wildlife, nature, woodland, home, house, cozy, coziness, comfort, friends, friendship, food, tea, sweaters, winter, spring, happy spring, happy first of spring, springtime, draw, drawing, pen and ink, sketchbook, progress, process, work in progress, linework, line art, soup, foodie, comfort food, mountain, denmark, forest, surreal, whimsy, whimsical, charming, bread, baking, cooking, knitting, picnic, vintage, rustic
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The Kindergardener Snake

March 11, 2017

The Kindergardener Snake   8.5"x11"  watercolor on paper

Here it is! The finished illustration I painted and designed for a guide on the Python computer programming language written by Mike Driscoll.

Since the subject of the project revolved around a vintage school house, mice, and a friendly snake, I titled the finished piece: The Kindergardener Snake. I had so much fun creating this little school house scene for a book on learning and teaching yourself a modern language!

 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags python, computer, tech, programming, program, computer language, computer programming, techie, technology, snake, mouse, mice, animals, Animals In Clothes, anthro, anthropomorphic, sweet, cute, education, educational, teach, teaching, learn, learning, non fiction, kindergarten, school, non-fiction, nonfiction, how to, guide, book, literature, literary, diy, paint, painting, apple tree, apples, apple, vintage, woodland, rustic, whimsy, whimsical, nature, ink, drawing, illustration, illustrator, pen and ink, watercolor, watercolour, old fashioned, retro, kids, children, kid lit, kidlit, kid lit art, kidlitart, artist, artists on tumblr, friends, happy, language, languages, back to school, home work, school house, mixed media
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Book Cover: WIP #3

March 10, 2017

Almost done with this project, and I am very much loving the mice! I'll be posting the finished illustration for this fun book cover tomorrow!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags illustration, art, painting, mice, mouse, woodland, nature, surreal, anthro, anthropomorphic, whimsy, whimsical, artwork, artist, illustrator, kid lit, kidlit, kid lit art, kidlitart, school, children, kids, Children's Art, children's illustration, graphic design, design, characters, animals, Animals In Clothes, sweet, cute, friends, education, editorial, editorial illustration, vintage, rustic, snake, python, computer, computer language, book, books, book cover, cover, cover art, study, wip, paint, watercolor, watercolour, water color, ink, drawing, sneak peek, process, palette, friend, school house, back to school, tree, apple tree, apples, photo, photography, school books, educational, learning, computer programming, how to, non fiction, non-fiction, nonfiction, commission, forest, retro, old fashioned, house, home
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Book Cover: WIP #2

March 9, 2017

The first soft, barely-there layers of color. I love this stage of the painting process!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags python, python snake, book cover, book, literary, literature, cover, cover art, illustration, mice, paint, watercolor, watercolour, painting, brush, palette, wip, sneak peek, process, progress, studio, art, artwork, illustrator, computer, programming, language, languages, tech, techie, artist, mouse, children, school, animals, Animals In Clothes, anthro, anthropomorphic, nature, forest, wildlife, woodland, drawing, ink, kid lit, kidlit, kid lit art, kidlitart, surreal, animals in clothes, rustic, cute, sweet, whimsy, whimsical, charming, happy, editorial
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Book Cover: WIP #1

March 8, 2017

The beginnings of a fun project I am working on. Painting mice and a friendly snake, for a book cover on Python computer programming! 

More sneaky peeks coming soon!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags python, computer, programming, programming language, computer language, book, book cover, cover, cover art, illustration, illo, illustrator, painting, mouse, watercolor, watercolour, ink, pen and ink, artwork, mousemice, school, school house, snake, python snake, mice, children, kids, photo, photography, nature, wildlife, woodland, literature, kid lit, kid lit art, publishing, book worm, book art, linework, graphic design, design, character, characters, friends, vintage, whimsy, anthro, anthropomorphic, school mouse, field mouse, naturalist, animals, animals in clothes, surreal, whimsical, children's illustration, non-fiction, nonfiction, non fiction, books, wip, sneak peek, work in progress, glimpse, progress, process, painting process, bell, school bell, kindergarten, back to school, learning, lunch pail, rustic, school books, homework, home work, friendship, happy, sweet, cute, forest, charming, photograph, picture, picture book, pen, drawing, draw, doodle, sketch, sketchbook, black & white, b & w, grey, gray, gray scale, grey scale
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Sweet William

February 24, 2017

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. 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags floral, flower, flowers, garden, spring, fairie, fairies, fairy, surreal, whimsy, whimsical, nature, wildlife, snail, cart, flower garden, florist, painting, watercolor, watercolour, water color, art, illustration, children, boy, kids, kid lit, kid lit art, paper, ink, vintage, rustic, nursery, children's book, children's illustration, children's art, book, character, characters, character design, picture book, creative, illustrator, artwork, paint, mixed media, gouache, sweet william, pink, red, happy, friends, grow, Spring, springtime, Children's Art, woodland, forest, wings, moth, butterfly, charming, cute, sweet, pen and ink, drawing, draw, artist
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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.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags woodland, fairy, robin, bird, birds, feathers, forest, trees, floral, flowers, magnolia, surreal, fairytale, fairy tale, storybook, painting, illustration, art, artwork, illustrator, paint, watercolor, watercolour, ink, kid lit, kidlit, kid lit art, kidlitart, pink, white, sweet, cute, friends, spring, birdie, songbird, character, design, book, nursery, pen and ink, paper, friend, friendship, whimsy, whimsical, nature, wildlife, animals, animal, children, kids, happy, fun, play, playing, mixed media
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Happy Valentine's Day: Froggie Went a-Courtin'

February 14, 2017

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! ♥ ❤ 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags love, sweet, sweetheart, sweethearts, romance, marriage, wedding, frog, mouse, froggie, courting, country, amphibian, animals, mice, cute, animals in clothes, anthro, anthropomorphic, ink, watercolor, watercolour, happy, happy Valentine's Day, valentine, be mine, valentine's day, illustration, classic, illustrator, painting, art, character, characters, character design, song, verse, poem, music, surreal, whimsy, whimsical, nature, wildlife, woodland, mr, mrs, mr and mrs, bride, groom, bridegroom, friends, family, romantic, vintage, retro, children, kids, children's book, children's illustration, mixed media, paper, artwork, artist, kidlit, kidlitart, kid lit, kid lit art, picture book, creative, design, graphic design, pencil, drawing, bouquet, flowers, floral, flower, posies, flora, folk, folk tale, folk lore, nursery, nursery ryhme, rhyme, poetry, bee, bumble, bumble bee, door, home, house, front door, wood sorrel, pink, red, green, naturalist, naturalism, clover, rustic, courtship, wedding bells, wed, newly wed, newly weds, forest, tale, story, storybook, pen and ink, saint, saint valentine, st valentine, February, february 14, draw, sweetie, dear, i love my job
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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.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags winter, snow, friends, friend, friendship, snowman, cute, surreal, whimsy, whimsical, fox, animals, woodland, wildlife, nature, bunny, bunnies, rabbit, squirrel, books, book, read, reading, storybook, story, stories, picture book, novel, birds, bird, feathers, kids, children, picture, painting, watercolor, watercolour, ink, drawing, pain, illustration, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, library, happy, fun, playing, story time, girl, boy, sweet, set, character, characters, character design, charming, kids lit, red fox, rabbits, feather, paper
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Building Friendships

February 6, 2017

Building Friendships   12"x12"  watercolor & ink on paper

One of my favorite things about the winter is being able to sculpt a jolly being from all that snow. These clever kids have thought of all of the right ingredients for making a new friend and bring him to life! (Sequel illustration to follow shortly)

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags winter, snow, snowman, play, fun, playing, kids, children, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, picture book, children's book, children's illustration, Children's Art, painting, paint, watercolor, watercolour, ink, fox, rabbit, bunny, squirrel, rabbits, woodland, surreal, whimsy, cute, red fox, animals, animal, anthro, anthropomorphic, books, book, reading, winter wonderland, February, happy, charming, wildlife, sweet, nature, forest, woodland animals, nursery, boy, girl, water color, mixed media, illustration, illo, illustrator, art, artist, retro, vintage, rustic, friend, friends, friendship, building snowman, paper
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Bon Voyage!!

January 26, 2017

Wishing happy trails to this original that has just been sent off to its new home! 
I'll miss these little trick-or-treaters, good luck out there guys!!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags original, painting, watercolor, watercolour, illustration, halloween, woodland, forest, fox, raccoon, rabbit, squirrel, mouse, bunny, bon voyage, post, photo, photography, strawberry, mushroom, witch, ghost, costume, candy, sweet, sweets, dessert, bat, bats, ink, childrens illustration, paint

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
In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags poem, poetry, birds, feathers, girl, children, kids, cute, sweet, pink, portrait, watercolor, watercolour, kidlit, kidlitart, kid lit, children's illustration, children's book, book, picture book, surreal, animals, woodland, wildlife, Emily Dickinson, Hope, ink, painting, paint, illustration, illustrator, nature, animal, yellow, finch, finches, ribbons, braids, bird, flight, feather, victorian, vintage, retro, mixed media, art, artwork, classic, classic book, author, poet, happy, winter, spring, 2017
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Making Friends with Furry Friends: Hello

January 4, 2017

Making Friends with Furry Friends: Hello   9"x11"   watercolor and ink on paper

Greetings. Hello. Salutations. How-do-you-do. Bonjour. Ciao. Howdy. No matter how you say it, there's nothing quite as nice as saying hello to a friend.

These two are becoming acquainted over a fence post; and I'm sure that it won't be long before the little girl will be sharing some goodies from her basket with her new pals.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags illustration, painting, kids, children, dog, puppy, cat, kitten, friends, friendship, hello, making new friends, making friends, furry friends, animals, pet, pets, retro, vintage, woodland, fence, neighbors, neighborhood, friend, friendly, country, floral, garden, red, green, kid lit, kidlit, kid lit art, picture book, watercolor, watercolour, paint, mixed media, ink, multimedia, waving, childrens illustration, children's art, children's book, book, storybook, fun, narrative, happy, play, playing, drawing, draw, art, nature, january, 2017, new year, happy new year, new year's eve, Children's Art, kidlitart, children's illustration
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