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Gretchen Ellen Powers

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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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Bobby Brock

April 4, 2018

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.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags badger, woodland, animals, animal, brock, england, british, britain, great britain, sweet, friends, kids, children, childrens art, children's illustration, children's art, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, nature, wildlife, friendship, happy, spring, anthro, anthropomorphic, animals in clothes, fashion, vintage, retro, charming, whimsy, whimsical, springtime, Springtime, watercolor, watercolors, watercolour, watercolours, Bobby, boy, paper, illustration, illustrator, painting, art, artwork, original, original painting, traditional media, original artwork, fantasy, fantasy art, aquarelle, Gretchen Ellen Powers
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Simon Squirrel

April 3, 2018

Simon Squirrel   watercolor on paper

There's no nut he finds too tough to crack. To be sure, he's one smart squirrel.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags squirrel, grey squirrel, cute, smart, nut, nerd, geek, geeky, nerdy, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, illustration, illustrator, kid lit, kid lit art, art, artwork, artist, simon, paper, watercolours, aquarelle, drawing, sketch, sketchbook, childrens art, children's illustration, Children's Art, childrens illustration, woodland, woodland animals, forest, rustic, anthro, anthropomorphic, glasses, book worm, book nerd, plaid, genius, eccentric, blue, red, surreal, fantasy, fantasy art, charming, wildlife, animals, Animals In Clothes, Gretchen Ellen Powers, illo, character, character design, creative, blog, studio
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Spring Has Sprung

February 23, 2018

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. 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags spring, bunny, rabbit, bunnies, cute, floral, flowers, blue, sweet, charming, whimsy, whimsical, kid lit art, art, artist, illustration, illustrator, painting, watercolor, mixed media, paper, pastel, drawing, scandinavian, nordic, hygge, happy, happy spring, easter, easter bunny, easter eggs, bouquet, woodland, classic, retro, Children's Art, children's illustration, flower, botanical, nature, anthro, surreal, fantasy art, fairy tale, storybook, girl, girly, nursery, childrens illustration, kid lit, Gretchen Ellen Powers, happy first of spring, first of spring, fashion, pink, print, wall art, decor, design, character, character design, garden, gardening, gardener, vegetarian, veggies, flower garden, tulips, tulip, graphic, graphic design, friendly, easter decor, Easter Bunny, Easter Sunday, springtime, Easter, Easter Eggs, happy easter, Happy Easter, cottontail, peter rabbit
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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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Wings & Petals

January 19, 2018

Wings & Petals   watercolor on paper

On a cold, wintery morning I found my thoughts filled with flights of fancy and warm spring blooms. This is the result of that wintery day-dream. 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags winter, spring, butterfly, moth, floral, flowers, cosmos, white, pink, wings, flight, happy, spring has sprung, fauna, flora, nature, wildlife, botanical, botany, art, artwork, woodland, pretty, moths, butterflies, animals, outdoors, cute, artist, naturalist, naturalism, scientific illustration, scientific, science, natural science, study, studies, sketch, sketchbook, sketching, sketches, watercolor, watercolour, illustration, fine art, fairy tale, fairy wings, fairy, fantasy, fantasy art, surreal, surrealism, realism, paper, mixed media, pencil, drawing, colored pencils, coral, peach, pretty in pink, painting, paint, wip, January 2018, 2018, january, sweet, wall art, decor, design, graphic design, graphic, nature study, wintery, happy spring, first of spring, bloom, blooms, blossoms, petals, flower, posy, posie, posies
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Father Time

January 12, 2018

Father Time    watercolor on paper

Walking through the ages, holding time tenderly in the crook of his arm. Father Time himself has been on my mind a bit, seeing as we have left one year and gone into another, but it is true that he walks amoung us every calendar day of our lives. You may or may not know this, but Father Time is also a friend to Mother Nature, so I put some little woodland friends in there as well!

Happy Twenty-Eighteen, hoping it's off to a lovely beginning for you!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags time, new year, 2018, twenty eighteen, happy new year, new years eve, father time, fairytale, fairy tale, storybook, character, painting, paint, watercolor, drawing, sketch, sketchbook, animals, woodland, winter, snow, January, nature, wildlife, paper, art, artist, crossroads, travel, Mother Nature, wanderlust, directions, clock, birds, time flies, time marching, vintage, retro, surreal, surrealism, original art, fantasy art, original, originals, Gretchen Ellen Powers, illustration, illo, watercolors, time marches on, time and tide, traveling, happy, friends, fox, rabbit, deer, woodland animals, animal, rustic, Woodland, forest, new years resolution, artwork, illustrator, sweet, cute
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Warm Wishes From a Snowman

December 31, 2017

Warm Wishes From a Snowman   watercolor on paper

Just one of the friendly faces you might meet if you happen to go a-walkin' in a winter wonderland! 

And so like this frosty gentleman, we are tipping our hearts to the old year, thankful for sharing in its joys and days, and greeting the new year at the same time, hoping to be dear friends soon! For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags winter, December, snow, snowman, cute, friends, hello, friendly, friendship, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, painting, paint, art, artwork, nature, woodland, greeting, season's greetings, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, 2018, twenty eighteen, happy new year, new, year, happy Christmas, merry Christmas, drawing, drawings, draw draw draw, draw, artist, illustration, illustrator, illustrated, kid lit art, kid lit, kidlit, kidlitart, surreal, fairy tale, frosty, snow man, frosty the snowman, magic, magical, enchanted, winter wonderland, wonderland, fun, new friends, friend, red, white, Christmas, merry christmas, happy, merry, design, character, salutations, paper, original, original art, fantasy, fantasy art, kids, children, children's illustration, children's art, sweet, floral, snowflake, hello 2018, newyear, making new friends, winter break, walking in a winter wonderland, whimsy, whimsical, new year, new years eve, 2017, auld lang syne
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The Nutcracker

December 19, 2017

The Nutcracker   watercolor on paper

You may be familiar with the magical story of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet. In my version however they are happily dancing together- and the Rat King certainly appears a bit more mouse-y. 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Tchaikovsky, ballet, The Nutcracker, Nutcracker, music, opera, story, musical, dance, dancing, ballerina, russia, russian, classic, storybook, fairy tale, fairytale, magical, magic, Christmas, merry christmas, happy, Happy Holidays, happy christmas, childrens illustration, children's book, Children's Art, watercolor, watercolours, advent, winter, season, seasons greetings, friends, mouse, rat, king, tradition, folk, paper, snow, cute, sweet, friendship, mice, rat king, drum, drums, vintage, retro, prince, nutcracker Christmas, dancers, New York, play, theater, live, theatre, new york city ballet, russian ballet, ballerinas, dances, believe, whimsy, whimsical, make believe, imagination, dream, dreamers, dreaming, wonderland, winter wonderland, wonder, kids, kid lit art, kid lit, artwork, painting, paint

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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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

Home

November 22, 2017

Home   watercolor on paper

I just love this illustration, and it certainly has to be in my top favorites. It depicts my favorite season, and it reminds me of my home, so that of course is what I decided to call it!

Many of you that live in the states are most likely homeward bound for celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family, and so here's to wishing you happy journeys, and a joy-filled time when you arrive at your homes, wherever they may be. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Tags home, house, homes, thanksgiving, Happy Thanksgiving, thanks', thanks, Thanksgiving, thank you, thankful, happy, holidays, happy holidays, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, illustration, art, aquarelle, nature, autumn, fall, November, squirrel, geese, goose, tree, family, friends, friendsgiving, illustrator, homeward, travel, wanderlust, paper, artist, artwork, original art, no place like home, brother, sister, siblings, drawing, creative, character, design, graphic design, artsy, studio, Gretchen Ellen Powers, children, kids, kid lit art, kid lit, Children's Art, children's illustration, boy, girl, wild, forest, woodland, fairy tale, storybook, animals, friend, vintage, retro, holiday

The Trick and the Treat

October 31, 2017

The Trick and the Treat  11"x14"  watercolor on paper

This happy little mummy is enjoying his treat. Meanwhile his kitten is happily tricking him and unraveling his costume.. Here's to a happy Halloween!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags halloween, halloween party, Halloween Costumes, halloween costume, costume, mummy, cat, kitten, nature, vintage, candy, treat, trick or treat, trick or treating, treats, sweet treats, happy halloween, pets, watercolor, kitty, cute, sweet, sweets, retro, rustic, mummy costume, dress up, illustration, illo, illustrator, paint, painting, drawing, kid lit, kid lit art, art, artwork, artist, original, original art, ooak, fun, kids, children, boy, artsy, creative, character, character design, design, graphic, graphic design, draw, drawings, watercolour, watercolors, Gretchen Ellen Powers, kids costume, Halloween party, halloween candy, trick or treaters, watercolor painting, paper, autumn, October, october 31, dressing up, costume ideas, halloween costumes, costumes
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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

The Family Fox

August 31, 2017

The Family Fox   11"x14"  watercolor on paper

I just loved creating this for a family who commissioned me. Had the funnest time putting these wonderful personalities into fox men, women and children! You can see their great many interests, and hobbies represented, and I am sending many thanks to them for asking me to create this special house warming gift.

p.s.
The funnest fact about this entire piece? The new owner's last name is Fox!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags fox, foxes, vixen, red fox, red foxes, cute, animals, Animals In Clothes, anthro, anthropomorphic, nature, wild, wild animals, exotic animals, exotic, exotic pets, farm, farmer, farming, sweet, family, paint, painting, process, painting process, watercolor, watercolors, watercolour, watercolor art, paper, friends, fun, summer, farm life, country, country life, country living, charming, whimsy, whimsical, fishing, hobbies, arts, crafts, ballerina, king, dress up, kids, kid lit art, kid lit, kidlit, kidlitart, artist, art, artsy, artwork, fine art, original, original art, aquarelle, woodland, surreal, fairy tale, storybook, tractor, countryside, vintage, retro
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Sneak Peek: Part Three

August 7, 2017

Part Three of "Showing Paintings Without *Actually* Showing Them". Stay tuned for the subsequent sequels!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags painting, wip, sneak peek, glimpse, snippet, process, daily art, artist, art, artwork, illustrator, illustration, watercolor, watercolour, paint, boy, kids, race, running, fun, play, playing, paper, original art, original painting, artsy, whimsical, whimsy, aquarelle, water color, work, work flow, work in progress, progress, i love my job, painting process, watercolor painting, watercolor illustration
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Original Painting: The Animal's Picnic

July 26, 2017

The Animal's Picnic   12"x12"  watercolor on paper

The original for this happy little excursion is now up in my shop!

Another original painting in this shop update coming soon.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags summer, fun, cook-out, cook out, cookout, holiday, picnic, mushroom, mushrooms, charming, food, otters, otter, animals in clothes, animals, woodland, forest, chef, foodie, rabbit, rabbits, bunny, bunnies, raccoon, squirrel, red squirrel, friends, friendsgiving, friendship, happy, play, whimsy, whimsical, original, original art, original painting, illustrator, illustration, kids, children, home decor, home, house, wall art, wall decor, design, graphic design, paper, watercolor, watercolour, paint, painting, creative, photo, photography, retro, rustic, pink, nursery
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The Animal's Picnic

July 18, 2017

The Animal's Picnic    12"x12"  watercolor on paper

Summer get-togethers are the funnest, and this bunch has gathered 'round a mushroom cap for a feast of corn and ripe watermelon. Good things are always made that much better with friends. I hope your summer looks something like this (but if you are keeping company with a sweet little otter dressed in retro attire, please let me know, I'd love to tag along!)

Happy Summer!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags animals, Animals In Clothes, otter, otters, rabbit, bunny, bunnies, rabbits, squirrel, red squirrel, raccoon, woodland animals, woodland, forest, mushroom, mushrooms, watercolor, animal, picnic, watermelon, cookout, cook-out, cook out, corn, painting, paint, illustration, illustrator, artwork, art, artist, artsy, friends, friendship, friendsgiving, happy, fun, play, pink, chef, retro, rustic, charming, sweet, cute, kids, children, paper, sailor, nautical, anthro, anthropomorphic, holiday, summer, summer fun, playing, food, foodie, feast, cooking, culinary, graphic design, nursery, aquarelle, water color
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Pink

July 13, 2017

Pink may be most every little girl's favorite color, but it can also be so sophisticated and elegant. It's definitely a color that will grow up with you. Just an observation as I have been painting through rose-colored glasses lately, and I'm happy to report that I like what I see!

P.S. - Something exciting: This may or may not be end-papers for a little something (but you didn't hear it from me!)

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags pink, peach, coral, compass, banner, vintage, retro, rustic, red, happy, illustration, ilustrator, watercolor, watercolour, sneak peek, whimsy, whimsical, woodland, wip, map, world map, travel, adventure, kids, kid lit, kid lit art, picture book, WIP, illustrator, children, monochrome, monochromatic, mono, process, progress, work in progress, work flow, daily art, artsy, original art, photo, photography, snippet, glimpse, paint, painting, painting process, i love my job, work, paper, aquarelle
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Blueberries & Columbines

July 7, 2017

I may be painting many shades of blue, but I've never been happier... Thus, the equation I've just discovered: Blueberries, and blue columbines = this illustrator's happy pink cheeks!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags blueberries, blue, columbines, botany, botanical, floral, flowers, fruit, vintage, paint, wip, painting process, sneak peek, original art, artist, artwork, daily art, painting, illustration, illustrator, watercolor, WIP, paper, studio, process, work flow, i love my job, happy, work, watercolour, aquarelle
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