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Gretchen Ellen Powers

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Pink & Peonies

December 10, 2019

Winter bunnies and floral wreaths are swimming in my head!

P.S. All ducks should have the option of a green spotted head scarf for blustery days…

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags illo, illustration, botanical, nursery, nursery decor, decor, children's art, children's illustration, painting, paint, watercolor, floral, flowers, bunny, bunnies, rabbit, duck, baby, babies, girl, children, pink, peonies, peony, art, artwork, artist, illustrator, wreath, floral wreath, live painting, sweet cute, kid lit, cute, sweet, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, picture book, picture book artist, winter, pastel, pastels
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Book Cover: Little Women

March 8, 2019

The month of March has me thinking of these strong, independent, and loving March sisters. I have and always will love Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel “Little Women”

So as the strong March winds blow, cuddle in with the March’s adventures and fall in love with their family, as I have.

p.s. It’s no surprise that Jo is my favorite. Hands down. No contest. Just saying.

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This being the month of March, I thought it was the perfect time to illustrate the famous March sisters of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel Little Women. This story has always been full of happy, fond memories for me, even as a little girl gathered around my grandmother’s living room, all of the women and even the little women of my happy family, watching the story unfold of the 1994 version.

Of course the book was always on the shelf as well, and waiting for me to grow and read it. Which I did as a young woman.

And yes, I do identify with Jo March the most. I do picture myself as her. And I’m not even going to hide that she is my favorite. I love Jo.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags louisa may alcott, alcott, little women, illustration, illo, illustrator, painting, art, artwork, book illustration, book cover, literature, classic, march, Jo March, Little Women, author, writer, sister, sisters, girl power, girl boss, March, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, Gretchen Ellen Powers, author illustrator, character design, graphic design, editorial illustration, typography, design, pink, pretty in pink, spring, girls, girl, women, woman, the future is female, sweet, pretty, feminine, mother, daughter, mother and daughter, family, friends, victorian, retro, vintage, classical, fashion, fashion illustration, fashion design, vintage clothing, clothing, ootd, outfit, dress, dresses, international women day, iwd, womens day, internartionalwomenday, internationalwomensday, IWD 2019, IWD2019
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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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Treats For Tricks

June 22, 2018

Treats for Tricks   watercolor on paper

Busy about new circus tricks, who needs a "Flea Circus" when you have your own beetle?

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags illustration, painting, art, artwork, artist, illustrator, kid lit, kid lit art, picture book artist, artsy, design, character, character design, nature, naturalist, children's illustration, children's art, children, kids, girl, bug, bugs, circus, clown, trick, tricks, new tricks, flea circus, beetles, rhino beetle, quirky, cute, sweet, eccentric, naturalism, surreal, whimsu, whimsy, whimsical, happy, fun, play, pretend, spring, summer, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, illo, traditional, traditional media, traditional art, new work, graphic design, pink, vintage, retro, strawberry, strawberries, fruit, vegetarian, vegan, dutch, dutch girl, dutchgirl, netherlands, holland, wooden shoes, clogs, europe
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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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Mother Goose: Little Bo Peep

May 9, 2018

Mother Goose: Little Bo Peep   watercolor on paper

She may have lost them in the past, but this Little Bo Peep is full of gumption and confidence, and sure of herself; she's keeping a close eye on her flock. Friends stick together after all. 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags farm, farmer, country, country living, farm life, sheep, sherperd, mother goose, nursery, nursery rhymes, Nursery Rhyme, watercolor, watercolors, art, artist, artwork, nature, woodland, sweet, kidlit, kidlitart, kid lit, kid lit art, illustrator, childrens illustration, childrens book, character, character design, vintage, retro, girly, girl, animals, cute, poem, classic, book, books, tale, story, storybook, mothergoose, goose, pink, design, drawing, original, original art, original painting, children's book, fairy tale, story book, story time, reading, read, girl power, lamb, lambs, spring, springtime, Easter, Happy Easter, charming, whimsy, whimsical, quirky, Gretchen Ellen Powers, picture book, picture book illustrator, fantasy, fantasy art, originals, traditional, traditional media, draw, little bo peep, reading love, characters, pinafore, fashion, clothing, friends, happy, friendship, best friends, furry friends, barnyard, barn, barn yard, graphic design, decor, kids, children, Children's Art, children's illustration, mother goose nursery rhyme, mother goose nursery, Mother Goose, bo peep, Mother goose nursery, mother goose nursery rhymes, mother goose nursery rhymes book, shepherdess, shepherd, flock, meadow, pasture, farmland, farm land, farm girl, country life, countryside, country girl
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Tribute: JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH - Book Cover

March 26, 2018

James & the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl - Book Cover Tribute

What happens when you combine an orphaned boy, a spider, centepeed, inch-worm, lady bird, glow worm, grasshopper, and one oversized fruit? Genius. 

This is another tribute book cover I did to one of my all time favorite adventures. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (originally published in 1961 by Alfred A. Knopf)

You can bet his wicked old aunts are up in that rickety house planning some kind of no-good and mean schemes. But for me, that round fruit full of typography left me suddenly wishing for bowls full of peaches and cream.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags knopf, a a knopf, alfred a knopf, publisher, publishing, James and the Giant Peach, James & the giant peach, Roald Dahl, childrens book, children's book, kid lit art, kid lit, kidlit, kidlitart, peach, peaches, classic, storybook, book, books, children's books, children's classic book, fairytale, fairy tlae, fairy tale, illustrator, illustration, watercolor, typography, book cover, book cover design, hand lettering, graphic design, creative, drawing, painting, art, artwork, children, kids, elementary, fiction, insects, fruit, 1960s, calligraphy, house, dark, spooky, book covers, tribute, fan art, fanart, designs, pink, coral
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Tribute: CHARLOTTE'S WEB - Book Cover

March 8, 2018

"CHARLOTTE'S WEB" by E. B. White - Book Cover

My favorite place to sift through books is- and always has been- in the children's book section of any library or bookstore I stumble into. Last summer my sweet mother started re-reading E. B. White's classic story of Charlotte's Web aloud to my family (my dad, my brother and I) Other than be the luckiest to have that sort of tradition with my family still going on - especially in this digital day and age. I have fallen, once again for Wilbur and Mr. White's world.

Originally published in 1952 by Harper & Row (now Harper Collins) It is still just as sweet, enduring, timeless, and beloved today.

This book cover is my tribute to the talented author and his immortal characters. 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Charlotte's web, e b white, e. b. white, classic, classic book, book, books, bookshelf, kid lit, kid lit art, nature, pig, farm, farming, farmer, country, novel, spider, web, wilbur, some pig, hog, piglet, cute, whimsy, whimsical, literature, literary, story, storybook, children's book, kid's book, children's books, children's literature, children's illustration, art, artwork, watercolor, watercolors, watercolor painting, illustration, illustrator, pink, book cover, cover, cover art, book cover design, design, graphic design, character, characters, character design, typography, lettering, type, font, calligraphy, hand lettering, hand painted, sweet, fictional, fairy tale, book art, book covers, traditional, traditional media, paint, painting, tribute, fan art, fanart, original art, original, writer, author, children's author, children's writer, charlotte, salutations, country life, country living, farm life, classic story, classic movie, film, chapter book, middle grade, middle grade reader, elementary, elementary school, read, reading, reader, book worm, book nerd, bookstore, book store, book shop, book club, happy, spring, Springtime, Gretchen Ellen Powers, Harper Collins, publisher, harper collins, timeless
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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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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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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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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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Thankful & Blessed

July 29, 2017

I've been especially pondering God's goodness today: In my life I have always been so thankful for all of my Heavenly Father's blessings and for the gifts He has given me. I am just so overwhelmed by the goodness He has shown to me for blessing me to pursue illustration and be represented by my wonderful agency. I have been so blessed to have the love and support of my Mom, Dad, and brother during the whole process. I love my family to the moon and back! 

Thank you for letting me be a bit sentimental today. There are so many adventures ahead and I can not wait to discover them!! 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags illustration, art, painting, artwork, nature, floral, flowers, botany, watercolor, illustrator, artist, kid lit, kid lit art, kids, children, thanks, thankful, blessed, blessings, happy, joy, pink, coral, red, black, white, border, cherries, cherry, fruit, geraniums, flower, watercolour, children's illustration, watercolor art, borders, minimal

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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Pink Flowers

July 12, 2017

Part Two of my recent floral mania (pink edition)

Geraniums have always had a special place with me. My great-grandparents owned a greenhouse where they grew and sold flowers. Gernaiums were what they were really known for. I like to think that I inherited that from them. 

 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags florist, flowers, flower, painting, paint, illustration, illustrator, sneak peek, studio, art, artist, wip, process, painting process, work in progress, progress, watercolor, watercolour, aquarelle, pink, peach, coral, gernaiums, geranium, flower girl, garden, palette, monochrome, monochromatic, happy, summer, artsy, daily art
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Shop update! Original Painting: Sweet William

June 7, 2017

Sweet William   8"x10"  watercolor on paper

Another original is up in my shop! I would think it could be great fun to catch a ride on a snail, and enjoy a happy garden tour at their leisurely pace...

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags original, original art, artsy, creative, nature, wildlife, snail, garden, fairy, fantasy, fantasy art, fairie, fairies, fairy tale, flowers, flower, floral, woodland, forest, surreal, whimsy, whimsical, cute, kids, boy, sweet william, watercolor, watercolour, illustration, painting, art, artwork, charming, pink, green, red, nursery, children, kid lit, kid lit art, mixed media, wall art, home decor, design, graphic design, photo, photograph, photography, flower fairy, storybook, gardening, florist, animals, anthro, vintage, retro, rustic, daffodil, children's art, picture book, shop, etsy, botanical, botany, plant, plants, victorian, adventure, butterfly, moth, travel
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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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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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