Peter Pan: Book Cover & Interior Illustration watercolor on paper
This story, these characters, and this world have all been favorites of mine since I was a little girl. And so since I have been illustrating some of my favorite classic book covers recently, I thought I would pay tribute to J.M. Barrie's immortal tale as well.
“Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning! ”
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.
Friend Ship watercolor on paper
Even when sailing through stormy weather and rough waters, the Friend Ship holds fast and strong!
"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.
Looking forward to signing copies of this lovely book at tomorrow's book signing party. I can scarcely believe this has been out for over a week now!!
The first of several interior glances I'll be sharing into The Boxcar Children's 75th Anniversary Fully Illustrated Edition!! (This is the silhouette to chapter one.)
Coming out November 1st to a bookstore near you!
They're here!!! These arrived at my doorstep this past week and oh the joy and sheer thrill of finally being able to hold this first book I have illustrated. It was all so surreal and a dream come true, to be honest. So over-the-moon to have illustrated over 30+ illustrations for the interior of The Boxcar Children's 75th Anniversary Fully Illustrated Edition. Be prepared for lots more little sneaks and peeks, snippets and bits the next few weeks!!
Feeling ever so thankful this month, and how fitting with Thanksgiving just around the corner. I have the best job in all the world, and don't I know it.
Happy October, as if I needed another excuse to adore this calendar month, my favorite season just got a little bit more favorite-er!
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!
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.
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)
You're the Apple of My Eye 11"x14" watercolor on paper
This happy trio has spent the afternoon in the apple orchard, picking apples, reading, taking the occasional photograph, and (as the evidence of blankets and baskets would suggest) enjoying a hearty picnic lunch. There really is no sweeter way to pass a day than this.
On this cold and wintery January day, I am most certainly with them in my heart of hearts.
Sketching in the wee hours by lamplight. Fueled by cup after cup of Tetley tea.
Mr. Mole in Springtime 11"x14" oil on wood
Mr. Mole is cleaning in the springtime, taking care of his lovely home, and dreaming of above ground.
Part of my WIND IN THE WILLOWS SERIES: A miniature set of four paintings based on the classic children's novel by Kenneth Grahame.
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!
The characters in my new wine label commission beginning to take form.
These two have a great deal in common and reading is an obvious favorite pastime. Note the impressive stack of books beside their comfy chair.
This photo was taken a bit ago now, and the actual painting will be posted in a day or two. Until then!
A fox and a bear.
The beginnings of something that has two of my favorite animals.
A small snippet from my sketchbook.
Lots of exciting things have been taking place around here! And now I am happy to introduce a new product I’ve been wanting to finish for ages…
A year at a glance calendar!
I just love how the single print holds all of the days in a year, and it will serve as a piece of art until the new year comes (or hang on to it and continue to enjoy it into the new year!)
I’ve listed it in the shop and it’s just in time to make perfect present at Christmas!
P.S. As I was building this, I discovered a fun little fact: twenty sixteen has 366 days due to a sneaky little leap year! I’m already planning on having a miniature party to celebrate that phenomenon, because after all, February 29th’s a rare little ‘fella!
Bob Cratchit 6"x6" Gouache on paper
It’s no secret that I adore Charles Dickens, and have been known to recite a quote or two.
(Confession: I was smitten with him in high school, and he’s been my literary-sweetheart ever since.)
So it was only a matter of time until I turned one of his characters into an animal. In Bob Cratchit’s case, a songbird. It seemed to me that a feathered friend matched Bob’s disposition perfectly. Cheerful. Singing. Jolly. And all around a good-natured soul.
Why, I have just described both Bob Cratchit and a robin!
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Original Art Update
I have some exciting news! On October 22nd, I will be having some original work available at KRASL Art Center in St. Joseph, Michigan. Please contact KRASL for inquiries about purchasing & reserving original art: info@krasl.org
I will be sharing all of the pieces shortly!