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Gretchen Ellen Powers

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Halloween Parade

October 30, 2020

Such a good excuse to be a silly goose for a night… and eat chocolate! Here’s to hoping your Halloween is all treats and no tricks!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags kidlitart, childrens art, childrens illustration, Gretchen Ellen Powers, artwork, artist, illustrator, chidlren's book, sweet, halloween, happy halloween, kids, children, children's art, children's illustration, retro, pumpkin, astronaut, mushroom, bumble bee, trick or treat
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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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Little Drummer Boy

December 18, 2018

Little Drummer Boy

A tribute to one of my all time favorite Christmas songs… May we always offer the best of ourselves, and that our gift would be received with warm hearts and gratitude.

“I played my drum for him
Pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for him
Pa rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum

Then he smiled at me
Pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum”

-The Little Drummer Boy

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Little Drummer Boy, drummer, drum, Christmas song, Christmas Carol, drummer boy, boy, lyrics, retro, vintage, Christmas Classic, classic, Gretchen Ellen Powers, illustration, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, winter, snow, winter wonderland, Merry Christmas, Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Christmas Carolers, carolers, carol, cute, sweet, kids, illo, illo advent, advent, December, painting, art, artwork, character, design, artist, illustrator, children, children's illustration, children's art, Christmas illustration, magic, believe, Jesus, Christ, Baby Jesus, whimsy, whimsical, charming, kid, 1940s, scandinavian, drums, scarf, December 25th, Happy Christmas, A Merry Christmas, Christmas 2018, paint
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Here Comes the Cirus

October 22, 2018

Here Comes the Circus watercolor on paper

The best kind of magic is the type we make ourselves.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags circus, kids, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, illustration, giraffe, elephant, tricycle, boy, fun, happy, imagine, toys, toy, children, children's art, children's illustration, painting, illo, illustrator, author, parade, tiger, teddy bear, believe, imagination, whimsy, whimsical, sweet, cute, friends, play, playing, pretend, pretending, drawing, artwork, character, character design, jack in the box, make believe, bear, brown bear, vintage toy, kids toys, kids toy, stuffed animals, childhood, bicycle, retro, vintage, quirky
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Ice Cream Social

September 20, 2018

Ice Cream Social

The fun keeps rolling when an elephant on a bicycle is serving up your favorite sweet treat!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags ice cream, elephant, painting, illustration, illustrator, childrens illustration, kids, kid lit art, paint, design, artwork, original, original artwork, Children's Art, kidlitart, kid lit, ice cream social, nature, animals, animal, quirky, cute, sweet, treat, treats, sweet treats, fun', drawing, sketch, Gretchen Ellen Powers, children's illustration, children's illustrator, balloons, vegan, vegetarian, children, kid, baby, girl, vintage, retro, bicycle
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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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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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Peter Pan: Book Cover & Interior Spot Illustration

May 20, 2018

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! ” 

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In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Peter Pan, J M Barrie, Barrie, James Matthew Barriw, James Matthew Barrie, J. M. Barrie, Book, books, book cover, illustration, book design, chidlren's book, kids book, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, children's book, children's books, children's literature, Children's Art, children's illustration, childrens art, childrens illustration, childrens book, read, reading, classic, story book, story, storybook, fairy, fairies, pixie, pixies, tinkerbell, Peter, Pan, fantasy, fantasy art, pirate, pirates, Captain, Pirate Captain, Captain Hook, Hook, James Hook, vintage, retro, illo, illustrator, characters, character design, cute, kids, children, nana, st bernard, dog, flying, magic, magical, whimsy, whimsical, charming, character, spot, spot illustration, fly, flight, fantasy illustration, watercolor, line work, linework, black and white
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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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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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Humpty Dumpty: Sat on a Wall

March 21, 2018

Humpty Dumpty: Sat on a Wall   watercolor on paper

"Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, 

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,

All the King's horses and all the King's men,

Couldn't put Humpty together again." -Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme

There he is, Humpty Dumpty in all of his glory, he thinks he's really something. Well, pride cometh before a fall, and as arrogant as this chap is, I think we all know what to EGGspect next! 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Mother Goose, rhyme, nursery, Nursery Rhyme, vintage, egg, easter, easter egg, mother goose nursery, mother goose nursery rhyme, Humpty Dumpty, humpty, dumpty, childrens illustration, childrens art, picture book, storybook, story, classic, poem, poet, poetry, vintage book, retro, classic book, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, children, kids, cute, whimsy, whimsical, babies, baby, childhood, quirky, book, books, illustration, illustrator, art, artwork, artist, picture book illustrator, watercolor, watercolour, painting, traditional, traditional media, drawing, set, series, nursery rhymes, original art, fashion
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The Wearing of the Green

March 17, 2018

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Lucky me, this wild Irish rose sprang up in my sketchbook. Saint Patrick's Day in our household has always been a fun celebration. I'm greatly looking forward to the cabbage and carrots and potatoes!

Hope you remember to do your wearing of the green and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Happy St Patrick's Day, St patricks day, st patrick's day, irish, ireland, wearing of the green, erin go bragh, green, leprechaun, red head, lass, girl, four leaf clover, shamrock, red, claddagh, necklace, character, character design, illustration, illustrator, watercolor, watercolors, children, kids, drawing, mixed media, painting, paint, sketchbook, sketch, march, march 17th, vintage, retro, kiss me I'm irish
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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

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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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

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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