A Labor of Love

So you have no doubt seen a lot of little snippets, bits and bobs and pieces of my work lately. Well, all of these little glimpses have been a part of a larger picture, and I have been pursuing my dream of storytelling: I have illustrated a book! I'll share more details in the weeks to come, but until then I want to savor a beautiful melancholy-ness in my heart.

This pile represents all of the days, and minutes, and months, and weeks that I have joyfully poured into my first book. It's a wonderful feeling to actually be able to reach out and hold a piece of time like this! I can not wait until you, too, can hold this tangible form of time.  

I am thankful.

Red, White & Black

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!

Sneak Peek: Part Three

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

The Animal's Picnic

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!

Farmer O'Hare & Bonnie Bunny: Original

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Farmer O'Hare & Bonnie Bunny   12"x10"  watercolor on paper

These two rabbit farmers are my favorites! If you'd like to see the on your walls, I just put them up in my shop. You can give them a home, here!

Farmer O'Hare

Farmer O'Hare   12"x10"  watercolor on paper

Farmer O'Hare and Bonnie Bunny are busy gathering and working in their garden.   

I've fallen in love with these two characters, and I can guarantee that you will be seeing a lot more of them in my coming work!

Book Cover: WIP #3

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Almost done with this project, and I am very much loving the mice! I'll be posting the finished illustration for this fun book cover tomorrow!

Sweet William

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. 

Building Friendships

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)

Autumn Wishes

Happy wishes being made on the last dandelion of autumn. This was just the best of autumns, and I am wishing for the autumns to come to be just like this years.

Summer Dreaming of Autumn

It's no secret that autumn is my favorite time of the year. So even though sweltering summer is upon us, my thoughts are on October...

Inking Work

The humble beginnings of a little mouse.

Commission Sneak Peek: Grandpa Bear's Chair

A fox and a bear. 

The beginnings of something that has two of my favorite animals.

The Neighborhood

The Neighborhood   20"x16"  watercolor & gouache on paper

A happy scene is unfolding before the eyes of these little Brooklyn row houses. The neighborhood children have come out to play and enjoy this beautiful day together, and it just so happens to be someone's birthday on the street. A mother and child walking down the sidewalk are carrying balloons and bags, it is certain that a birthday party is in the air. And to top it all off, a stork mailman has made his way to the Big Apple from the woodland post to deliver a special birthday letter, and perhaps a little bundle of joy as well!

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Sneak Peek Part II: The Neighborhood

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Part 2 of my work in progress: This painting has been a labor of love and a good experience for me. It is quite a large painting by my standards, measuring 20"x16". This photo is from a few days ago, since then my happy little New York City scene has come together quite well. The finished illustration is coming your way in a day or two. Until then, happy playing!

The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse: Dollhouse

The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse: Dollhouse   5"x7"  Watercolor & gouache on paper

Oh to be a few inches tall, then you could crawl into the walls of a miniature dollhouse! That is where the town mouse makes his home in the city, within the toy house of the little children who live in the building he takes shelter in. It makes for very lavish mouse-size living quarters, and I am a bit jealous of them! 

The country mouse seems to be a bit uneasy and awkward as she stands atop the table holding her china plate. A cup has fallen on the floor and shattered amid the hustle and bustle of city life. This is perhaps my favorite of the two paintings, mostly due to the awkward positions they take while sitting at the miniature toy table. 

This Aesop's fable was such a fun thing to interpret, but they were also a present to my Mother for her birthday as we have always called her and her sister "The Country Mouse and the City Mouse". My mother is a country mouse, and I am as well. Although, I could be tempted to take up residence in a local dollhouse if one could be provided or I could find a drink similar to Alice's when she shrunk in Wonderland. Keep me posted if you come across anything of that nature!

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The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse: Blackberries

The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse: Blackberries   5"x7"  Watercolor & gouache on paper

I have been working on a companion set of paintings to illustrate the classic Aesop's Fable, The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse. The first one takes a peek though the briers and brambles into the modest abode of a little country field mouse. She has invited her well-to-do cousin, who lives in town, to visit her. He happens to arrive during blackberry season, and so he is just in time to partake in the art of preserving the harvest in the form of jams & jellies. Glancing over his shoulder, spoon in hand, he is looking to his cousin for instructions on the recipe.

I will admit that I am a bit of a country mouse myself. Nothing like having bare feet in the grass reading a book, or snacking on wild fruit.

In the next illustration (coming soon!) she will be visiting her cousin's home in town.

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Mouses & Houses

On my plate this week: Mouses & Houses

Rambling Jack Rabbit

Rambling Jack Rabbit   7"x7"  Watercolor, gouache & ink on paper

Rambling Jack has wanderlust and loves a good adventure. Most rabbits are content to stay in their woods and fields, but Jack is on his way to see the world. Right now he is going to visit his Aunt Hattie and three little cousins, Elliot, Rose, and Buttons.  

He's asking directions from a local owl, as Jack had heard they are supposed to be very wise. 

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Painting the Great Egg

Painting the Great Egg   8"x10"   Watercolor, gouache & ink on paper

My last painting, Coloring Eggs Together was so well received, and it definitely found a soft spot in my heart. It was suggested to me to not just leave it at that, but to paint a new interpretation of it. And thus, this sequel was made.  

As well as a miniature story to go along with it: Fredrick, George & Harry Bunny will hand you a card for their trade and it will most likely read the following:  "...Bunny Bros. Inc., we'll paint your house, walls, fences, and storefronts. Have experience with whitewash, and fine detailed lettering."

Their specialty however, has always lied with eggs (no job is too big or too small). They aim to please and take pride in their craft. During this particular project, the eldest Bunny Brother, Fredrick is consulting the plans to their tried and true architectural plans. They have enlisted the help of their two dear friends, Sadie & Sam. But painting eggs can be a messy business, and some sort of mischief always presents itself. The youngest, Harry Bunny, will definitely have to take a good long bath tonight to remove all of that red paint. 

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