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Gretchen Ellen Powers

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Sew Much Love

February 12, 2019

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!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags valentine, valentine's day, happy Valentine's Day, be my valentine, be mine, love, romance, sweet, sweet hearts, mother, child, children, kids, kid lit, kid lit art, painting, illustration, pink, heart, hearts, whimsy, whimsical, cute, love you, I love you, wolf, owl, cub, barn owl, blush pink, valentine's card, valentine card, vintage, retro, baby wolf, baby, sailor, motherly, parent, parents, parenthood, family, friends, february, february 14, cub scout, sew, sewing, stitch, needlework, badge, heart on your sleeve, sleeve, sewing kit, children's illustrations, children's illustration, children's illustrator, kidlit, kidlitart, wolf badge, endearing, illo, paintings, original, original art, fairytale, fairy tale, storybook, make believe, Gretchen Ellen Powers, charming, animals, animals in clothes, lovely, art, artwork, artsy, creative, character, character deisng, character design, design, graphic design, holiday
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St Lucia

December 13, 2018

St. Lucia

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Christmas, Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas, Holiday, Holidays, Happy Holidays, Saint, st, lucia, Saint Lucia, St. Lucia, Lucia, sweden, swedish, scandinavian, hygge, magic, magical, believe, Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Christmas Spirit, folk, wreath, red, white, green, woodland, winter, snow, December, seasons greetings, ange;, angel, Christmas Eve, Illo advent, Christmas Countdown, love, peace, peace on earth
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Kindness & Cocoa

December 12, 2018

Kindness & Cocoa

This thoughtful little boy is offering a friendly snowman a cup of kindness in the form of hot chocolate. And the snowman is almost considering it, even though it may come with some consequences... it IS hot chocolate after all! And you can hardly refuse such a sweet face.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags snowman, snow, winter, December, holiday, cocoa, chocolate, hot chocolate, hot cocoa, warmth, kindness, love, friend, friendship, calm, all is calm, illo, illustration, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlitart, children's illustration, painting, illo advent, advent, countdown to Christmas, Christmas Countdown, cacao, vegan, food, foodie, yummy, winter wonderland, frosty, frosty the snowman, woodland, nature, kids, cute, quirky, kind, happy, traditional art, Christmas, Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas, holidays, Happy Holidays
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Commission: Happy Together

October 15, 2018

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!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags fashion, vogue, the new yorker, new york, prairie, Batsheva Hay, fashion week, fashion illustration, art, fashion art, high fashion, feminine, dress, dresses, design, designer, designer clothes, designer dress, designer fashion, illustration, illustrator, kid lit, kid lit art, nature, collie, collies, Lassie, donkey, laddie, portrait, family portrait, happy together, sweet, cute, animals, animal, children's book, childrens illustration, children's illustration, children's art, childrens art, kidlit, kidlitart, commission, commission portrait, custom, custom portrait, custom work, i love my job, work, painting, artwork, fine art, traditional art, original art, sold, Gretchen Ellen Powers, The New Yorker, country, country living, watercolor, the guardian, The Guardian, Stella, character design, home decor, decor, art deco, graphic design, designed, bride and groom, love, romance, family, friends
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I See the Moon

June 1, 2018

I See the Moon   watercolor on paper

Stargazing is her favorite hobby.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags moon, man in the moon, cute, sweet, vintage, rabbit, bunny, telescope, stars, star gazing, stargazing, constellation, astronomy, lepus, lupus, charming, 1920s, jazz age, jazz, animals in clothes, whimsy, whimsical, Gretchen Ellen Powers, Gretchen Powers, kid lit, kid lit art, picture book art, picture book artist, character design, design, classic, retro, sketchbook, sketch, drawing, watercolor, watercolur, watercolour, watercolors, paint, painting, nature, floral, flowers, pretty, girly, girlie, surreal, magic, magical, dream, dreaming, dreamer, day dream, head in the clouds, love, i love you to the moon and back, illo, illustrator, illustration, children's art, childrens illustration, kids, girl, children, pink, blue, white, hobby, hobbies, fun, playing, pretend, believe, original, original art, artwork, artist
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It's Only a Paper Moon

May 30, 2018

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

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags it's only a paper moon, paper moon, paper, moon, crescent, bunny, bunnies, rabbit, rabbits, cute, whimsy, whimsical, retro, photograph, photo, photography, sweetheart, sweet hearts, love, bunny rabbit, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, fashion, old fashion, old fashioned, watercolor, watercolors, watercolur, painting, paint, art, artwork, artist, illustrator, illustation, illo, character design, character, kid lit, kid lit art, sweet, picture book, picture book artist, children's art, children's illustration, happy, fun, nat king cole, jazz, jazz age, animals in clothes, animals, music, song, stars, surreal, fantasy, fantasy art, fantasy illustration, friends, Gretchen Ellen Powers, Gretchen Powers, sketchbook, sketch, drawing, design, kids, girl, boy, children
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Original Painting: The Key to My Heart (Light Grey Art Lab's Arbortetum)

March 28, 2018

My original painting, The Key to My Heart, is currently on display at Light Grey Art Lab for their Arboretum exhibition! I am so very excited to partake in this enchancting collection, and to be exhibted along with so many talented and nature-inspired artists!!

If you're interested in acquiring this original piece of mine, please contact the gallery for information: gallery@lightgreyartlab.com, purchase it in their online shop, or pop into the gallery to view it in person now until April 20th!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags light grey art lab, gallery, gallery show, exhibtion, original, original painting, original art, artwork, artist, artsy, creative, minneapolis, mn, minnesota, LGAL, Arboretum, spring, spring collection, collection, exhibit, gallery art, home decor, wall art, photo, photograph, photography, wild, wildlife, nature, rustic, bird, aviary, surreal, naturalist, naturalism, minimal, minimalist, minimalism, miniature, framed, shadow box, wings, sparrow, chickadee, modern, white, green, wood, boho, bohomenian, gypsy, key, vintage, birds, bird art, songbird, love bird, heart, love, romance, romantic, sweet, sweetheart, hearts, i love you, originals, original artwork, artists, artists of tumblr, artists on Tumblr, art lab, grey, curated, midwest, plains, great lakes, shop, watercolor, watercolors, watercolour, mixed media, traditional, traditional media, hand painted, painting, paint, watercolours, aquarelle, drawing, draw, sketch
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Coming Soon: The Key to My Heart Original

March 10, 2018

Packed up and shipped off, this little lass has flown the coop and is offically on her way to Light Grey Art Lab Gallery's: Arborteum Exhibition! And I suppose that makes me an empty-nester now...

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In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags original art, original, original painting, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, painting, paint, sneak peek, gallery, gallery show, Light Grey Art Lab, arboretum, exhibtion, shop, home decor, wall art, artwork, artist, studio, photo, photograph, photography, artists of tumblr, artists on Tumblr, artsy, creative, graphic design, spring, happy spring, bird, key, heart, love, romance, love bird, surreal, surrealism, mini, minimal, minimalist, minimalism, mineapoils, minnesota, great lakes, midwest, midwest living, midwestern, nature, naturalism, nature study, Mother Nature, woodland, green, spring cleaning, birds, love birds, collection, exhibit, mixed media, illustration, illustrator, traditional media, drawing, draw, woodland animals, rustic, rustic wedding, country, country life, country living, fine art
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The Valentine

February 14, 2018

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!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags happy Valentine's Day, valentine, valentine's day, st valentine, be my valentine, sweet, sweetheart, sweet heart, sweet hearts, sweethearts, cute, kids, kid lit, kid lit art, painting, watercolor, character, characters, character design, design, February, february 14, ice skates, skates, skating, winter, snow, heart, hearts, romance, love, love birds, love bird, snowshoes, snow shoes, pink, red, blue, vintage, retro, charming, cutie, whimsy, whimsical, nostalgic, fashion, puppy love, young love, coral, flower, flowers, floral, happy, fun, drawing, sketch, sketchbook, watercolors, watercolour, watercolor illustration, colored pencil, colored pencils, mixed media, paint, art, artwork, original, original painting, fantasy, fantasy art, home decor, artist, artsy, creative, illustration, illustrator, nature, wildlife, games, playing, play
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Cat's Unhappy Valentine's Day

February 13, 2018

Cat's Unhappy Valentine's Day   watercolor on paper

Sometimes you just don't feel like celebrating little cupids, hearts, and warm-fuzzy feelings. This grumpy cat knows just how you feel, and he's not gonna take it anymore.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags cat, kitty, kitten, cats, valentine's day, valentines, valentine, animals, heart, love, romance, holiday, grumpy cat, cranky, quirky, hearts, cupid, crank, anti social, happy Valentine's Day, be my valentine, st valentine, surreal, cute, nerdy, nerd, fun, February, february 14, watercolor, watercolour, kids, children, illustration, illustrator, funny, comic, comical, art, artist, artwork, design, graphic design, character, happy, unhappy, paper, drawing, sketch, draw, painting, paint, watercolor art
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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.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags painting, watercolor, art, illustration, bird, original art, nature, wildlife, cute, feathers, friends, love, love birds, love bird, birds, flight, surreal, anthro, animals in clothes, winter, Christmas, December, November, paint, watercolour, watercolors, design, rustic, woodland, forest, whimsy, whimsical, charming, sweet, bride, wedding, woodland wedding, animals, artsy, creative, graphic design, mr, mrs, bridegroom, groom, hitched, romance, romantic, key, skeleton key, paper, Gretchen Ellen Powers, artist, illustrator, shop, Christmas Gifts, christmas present, present, gift, gift ideas

Apple Dog

September 8, 2017

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.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags dog, doggie, dogs, boy, music, musician, friends, friendship, fun, adventure, camping, camp, camper, campfire, camp fire, fire, harmonica, rustic, rugged, apple, apples, summer, fall, autumn, september, ocotober, apple tree, orchard, picking apples, puppy, puppies, puppy love, love, best friends, bff, treats, teddy bear, kids, children, nature, wildlife, woodland, surreal, fairy tale, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, aquarelle, paper, painting, paint, watercolor illustration, charming, whimsy, whimsical, farm, country, forest, travel, wanderlust, singing, song, funhappy, happy, brother, family, best friend, man's best friend, illustration, illustrator

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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A Good Yarn

August 16, 2017

I've been using a very limited palette for these silhouettes, and having great fun with the pops of red! I must admit, I love a good yarn... Can't wait to put all of these together!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags paint, painting, illustration, illustrator, art, artist, artwork, artsy, creative, design, graphic, graphic design, kids, children, kids book, kid lit art, children's art, childrens illustration, red, white, black, black and white, minimal, minimalist, minimalism, whimsy, whimsical, cute, sweet, sewing, yarn, knitting, craft, crafts, crafty, arts and crafts, diy, maker, buttons, silhouettes, limited color, color, colors, color palette, palette, watercolor, watercolour, original, originals, original art, original painting, sneak peek, glimpse, charming, fun, playing, busy bee, bouquet, flowers, flower, floral, happy, love, painting process, i love my job, wip, work flow, work in progress, summer, work
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Sneak Peek: Part One (Where Puppy Love is Very Much Present)

August 1, 2017

I hope you have a furry friend (or feathered or finned, or scaled for that matter!) Because there's really nothing quite like it...

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags illustration, paint, painting, art, artwork, artist, daily art, painting process, wip, sneak peek, work in progress, charming, whimsy, whimsical, illustrator, artsy, pet, dog, doggie, puppy, terrier, boy, kids, children, love, happy, friends, furry friends, friendship, friend, pets, vintage, puppy love, puppies, dogs, man's best friend, best friends, best friend, watercolor, watercolour, original art, original, aquarelle, photograph, studio
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Hard-Boiled Eggs & Soft Blooms

April 15, 2017

Boiled eggs emerging from a metal pot, and sinking down into lovely hues of tinted vinegar. It is Easter-Eve for certain. 

Oh, how I love this time of year! Every time spring rolls around, I fall that much more in love with it. I fashioned these two painted shells after old delftware and blue china patterns of yesteryear. And of course, I come by my love of daffodils naturally, they were my Grandmother's favorite flower. I can absolutely see why. 

Happy Easter, my little rabbits!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags easter, Easter Sunday, Happy Easter, Easter Eggs, Easter Egg, Easter Bunny, bunny, rabbit, bunnies, rabbits, flowers, spring, happy spring, nature, floral, flower, garden, egg, cooking, springtime, wildlife, happy, love, paint, dye, 3d, 3d art, illustration, botanical, art, artist, children's illustration, kids, children, pretty, blue, white, minimal, photo, photograph, photography, sweet, cute, still life, china, delft, deltware, blue and white, minimalism, minimalist, wildflowers, Springtime, spring cleaning, april, saturday, sunday, bloom, blooms, blossoms, yellow, girl, girly, flower garden
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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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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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Picnics in Winter

January 16, 2017

The beginnings of things.

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

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags sketch, sketchbook, wip, watercolor, painting, watercolour, illustration, kids, children, children's book, Children's Art, art, process, illustrator, artwork, paint, color, red, pink, green, white, work, work flow, spring, winter, January, fox, owl, rabbit, sneak peek, detail, pinic, fruit, orchard, nature, wildlife, woodland, surreal, fairy tale, storybook, kidlitart, kidlit, pencil, drawing, apples, apple, fun, family, friends, love, happy, cute, whimsy, whimsical, anthro, anthropomorphic, sweet, dessert, food, pie, photo, photography, studio, picnic, children's art, character, character design, characters, design, graphic design, style, stylize, mixed media, stylist, floral, charming, retro, vintage, camera, photograph, picture, picture book, animals, animals in clothes, forest
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Bear Mitten

December 12, 2016

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. 

 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags bear, winter, snow, december, knit, nordic, gloves, mitten, mittens, series, illustration, painting, red, Christmas, clothing, warm, scandinavian, surreal, fashion, knitting, animals, animal, brown bear, cute, anthro, anthropomorphic, floral, holiday, hollidays, happy holidays, Merry Christmas, happy christmas, sweet, ribbon, green, candy, candy cane, candycane, children, children's illustration, Children's Art, art, watercolor, watercolour, drawing, paint, illustrator, mixed media, pencil, graphite, draw, sketch, artwork, woodland, forest, Christmas countdown, countdown to Christmas, brown, red and white, foliage, treats, sweet tooth, sweets, dessert, desserts, deck the halls, holidays, Happy Holidays, Merry, santa, Santa Claus, st nick, north pole, illo advent, storybook, kidlit, kid lit, kid lit art, artsy, children's art, childrens illustration, kids, fun, playing, love, happy
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