Ever since I was little, I used to play Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet on loop all the year through… Things haven’t changed much since then.
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
In honor of what would have been Maurice Sendak’s 91st birthday, I decided to interpret his beloved classic story, Where the Wild Things Are…
“And now," cried Max, "let the wild rumpus start!” -Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are
Little Red Riding Hood in Winter
Little Red Riding Hood in Winter
Winter nights are magical like fairy tales… Mixed together you have Red Riding Hood and her deer friend.
Hansel & Gretel
Hansel & Gretel
Getting into that spooky, Halloween mood with this classic from the Brothers Grimm. They sure know their stuff when it comes to these types of stories, and I love them dearly for it!! Vegan Caramel Apples, here I come!
and…
Of all the things in this painting that I love:
A ginormous witch with the most spindly, bony arms
& that expression on the gingerbread man’s face.
It’s enough to make an artist proud, for sure.
Peter Pan: Book Cover & Interior Spot Illustration
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
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
Friend Ship watercolor on paper
Even when sailing through stormy weather and rough waters, the Friend Ship holds fast and strong!
Humpty Dumpty: Had a Great Fall
Humpty Dumpty: Had a Great Fall 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
In the last picture we saw Humpty Dumpty in all of his vanity, he was clearly head-over-heels for himself. Now he's head over heels, over and over, again as he tumbles down from his high opinion of himself (not to mention that towering wall!)
Humpty Dumpty: Sat on a Wall
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!
Charlotte's Web: Then & Now
This cherished copy of Charlotte's Web was a surprise present from my parents when I was just eight years old. I'm so over-the-moon-happy to have this first edition copy of E. B. White's classic from 1952 by Harper Collins.
You're never too old to enjoy reading a children's book, and trust me, they only get better the older you get. They really do improve with age!
Here's my well loved copy, next to my book cover tribute to this favorite story of mine!
Tribute: CHARLOTTE'S WEB - Book Cover
"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.
The Nutcracker
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.
Book Signing
I am so overwhelmed and grateful for your sweet faces, stories, smiles, and kind words yesterday! Seeing so many of you face-to-face was a sheer joy and did my heart so much good, I can't thank you enough. Also a huge shout of thanks and praise to Renaissance & Papyrus for making my book signing for The Boxcar Children the most lovely of days! I just love that shop (it's an understatement to say it's my favorite!!) and the sweet ladies who always run it so gracefully!
Thank you again!!
I love this book!
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!!
Book Signing & Live Painting Demo
I am so excited to announce that one week from today (November 11th) I will be having a book signing and live painting demo at the charming boutique shop Renaissance & Papyrus in downtown South Haven, Michigan from noon-7. If you're near by, please stop in and say hello, I'd love to meet you!!
There will be treats and goodies, and of course the shop is home to the most lovely of things!
The Boxcar Children: Glimpse Inside #2
Sharing another glimpse into the open pages of the lovely edition of this classic story. This scene with Watch becoming part of the children's story is one of my favorites!!
Thank you so much to everyone with their kind words about this book!! I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and sweetness this book has been welcomed with!! It has meant so, so much!
The Boxcar Children 75th Anniversary Fully Illustrated Edition: Release Date
I can hardly believe that it is November 1st, and that of course means the day has finally come for this lovely book to hit the shelves! I am so excited, and over-the-moon!!! Stop in a book store near you, or pick it up online!
Wishing a Happy Book Birthday to this new edition I am so proud to have worked on! I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I loved working on it.
The Boxcar Children: Glimpse Inside #1
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!!
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!
The Boxcar Children: 75th Anniversary, Fully Illustrated Edition
So excited to announce that I was chosen to illustrate the first ever fully illustrated edition of The Boxcar Children for the 75th anniversary of its release!! I painted over 30 interior illustrations for this book, and every single one of them was a wonderful adventure and joy for me to work on! The cover art was painted by the talented Anne Yvonne Gilbert.
Thank you ever so much to the lovely folks at Albert Whitman & Co. it was a joy working with you during this project, and to my sweet agent Nicole of T2 Illustrators & Authors (you're a superhero!!) And so thankful to my parents and brother Seth, you guys are my best friends!! And above all thanks to my Heavenly Father for blessing me always and in all things!
Feeling so thankful and blessed for the opportunity!
Happy 75th Anniversary Boxcar Children!!