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Gretchen Ellen Powers

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The Christmas Pageant

December 15, 2017

The Christmas Pageant   watercolor on paper

The cast of the children's Christmas Pageant has two unlikely roles who are the best of friends. Peace on earth truly resides over all at this magical time of year! This is when the lion and the lamb truly come together. 

Are you beginning to feel the Christmas spirit yet? It has taken me over, from the tips of my toes to the top of my head! 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Christmas, pageant, play, children, kids, kid lit, kid lit art, nature, lion, lamb, peace, noel, happy, happy Christmas, Merry Christmas, painting, watercolor, watercolors, watercolour, watercolor art, paint, artist, artwork, mixed media, ink, paper, merry christmas, fun, friends, friendship, boy, girl, costume, nativity, peace on earth, joyeux noel, happy holidays, holiday, holidays, sweet, sugar plums, Christmas 2017, playing, drawing, draw, original art, santa, santa claus, school, acting, tradition
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The Key to my Heart

December 8, 2017

The Key to My Heart   7"x7"  watercolor on paper

This little bird lass holds they key to her own heart in her beak, exposing it, vulnerable to give away to a sweet love bird. There are many different keys that open many different locks, unlocking someone's heart is the most precious treasure of all.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags painting, watercolor, art, illustration, bird, original art, nature, wildlife, cute, feathers, friends, love, love birds, love bird, birds, flight, surreal, anthro, animals in clothes, winter, Christmas, December, November, paint, watercolour, watercolors, design, rustic, woodland, forest, whimsy, whimsical, charming, sweet, bride, wedding, woodland wedding, animals, artsy, creative, graphic design, mr, mrs, bridegroom, groom, hitched, romance, romantic, key, skeleton key, paper, Gretchen Ellen Powers, artist, illustrator, shop, Christmas Gifts, christmas present, present, gift, gift ideas

Miracle on 34th Street

December 3, 2017

Miracle on 34th Street   watercolor on paper

🎄🎥 There's nothing quite like cozying up to a favorite holiday film, and seeing what feels like an old friend who only comes to visit once a year. This is my newest illustration and interpretation of the classic scene at the end of Miracle on 34th Street. And here are the flicks that made it to my personal top five favorites:

✨ 5. "Rudolph" ✨4. "It's a Wonderful Life" ✨ 3. "The Nutcracker" with Elle Fanning ✨2. "The Polar Express" ✨ 1. "Muppet Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens ✨

And of course I love Miracle on 34th Street, in its charming and magical black and white cinematography!! 🍬🎅

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags miracle on 34th street, Christmas, Christmas tree, merry christmas, happy christmas, happy holidays, holiday, holidays, December, winter, snow, santa, santa claus, saint nick, st nick, hoho, classic, classic story, movie, film, films, movies, classic movie, macys, m, macy's, new york, new york ny, new york city, nyc, parade, animals, happy, family, fun, believe, watercolor, watercolor painting, painting, watercolors, watercolour, art, artwork, artist, illustration, illustrator, kid lit art, kid lit, kidlitart, kidlit, Children's Art, children's illustration, kids, magical, magic, Happy Christmas, rudolph, it's a wonderful life, the nutcracker, polar express, A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens, favorites, list, Christmas movies, tradition, paint, characters, character, character design, design, graphic, graphic design

Book Signing

November 12, 2017

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!!

In My Books, Art & Illustration (mine) Tags book, books, literature, book signing, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, children's book, children's books, kids book, publisher, publishing, published, illustrated, illustrator, illustration, painting, meet the artist, meet the illustrator, thank you, thanks, thankful, Thanksgiving, happy, fun, Boxcar, Boxcar children, The Boxcar Children, albert whitman, albert whitman & co, Gretchen Ellen Powers, Gertrude Chandler Warner, classic, classic book, novel, story, storybook, autograph, shop, store, clothing, fashion, illustrators, watercolor, paintings, art, artwork, artist, original art, wip, live, event, Michigan, November, book store, bookstore, book stores
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Signing Copies Today!!

November 11, 2017

So excited to be doodling little notes and happy signatures in this wonderful book I was blessed to illustrate!! I said I was having a book signing, and today's the day my fellow mitten'eers (aka: Michiganders, yeti, and inhabiters of the North Pole.) If you find yourself in southwest Michigan this afternoon, I'd love to see your sweet faces! 

The Details: Renaissance & Papyrus / 507 Phoenix St, South Haven, Michigan / noon-6

In My Books, Art & Illustration (mine) Tags watercolor, art, artist, illustrator, illustration, kids, children, children's illustration, children's art, nature, novel, book, books, book nerd, happy, book store, bookstore, book shelf, Kids Lit Art, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, photo, painting, painting demo, live, event, book signing, meet the illustrator, meet the artist, artwork, drawing, michigan, winter, November
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I love this book!

November 10, 2017

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!!

In My Books, Art & Illustration (mine) Tags The Boxcar Children, boxcar, boxcar children, kids, children, children's book, children's illustration, children's art, nature, kids book, classic, classic book, story, story book, storybook, literature, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, watercolor, apples, fruit, vintage, book, book worm, read, reading, booksheld, bookshelf, picking apples, classic story, book signing, fun, november, fall, autumn, painting, live painting, wip, process, painting process, art, artwork, illustrator, illustration, Michigan
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Book Signing & Live Painting Demo

November 4, 2017

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!

In My Books, Art & Illustration (mine) Tags art, artist, illustration, painting, painting process, nature, book signing, event, calendar, Saturday, South Haven, boutique, book sign, painting demo, paint, watercolor, The Boxcar Children, Box, kids, children, kids book, kid lit, kid lit art, children's illustration, children's art, children's book, middle grade reader, middle grade, mgr, novel, story, story book, storybook, illustrator, illustrated, special, hello, happy, fun, studio, events, eventful, wip, literature, classic, classic book, book, books, bookshelf, meet the illustrator, November, fall, autumn, leaves, thanks, thank you, thankful, Thanksgiving, Happy Thanksgiving, give thanks, blessed
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The Boxcar Children: Glimpse Inside #2

November 3, 2017

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!

In Art & Illustration (mine), My Books Tags The Boxcar Children, boxcar children, kids, children, Children's Art, children's illustration, children's book, kids book, kid lit, kid lit art, story, book, books, book nerd, sneak peek, book shelf, bookshelf, family, dog, puppy, fun, happy, cute, sweet, photo, photography, November, fall, autumn, leaves, picture, art, illustration, illustrator, illustrated, Gertrude Chandler Warner, Gretchen Ellen Powers, classic, classic book, classic story, middle grade, midd, mgr, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, paint, painting, artwork, artist, studio, nature, thank you, thanks, thankful, Thanksgiving, Happy Thanksgiving, blessed, give thanks
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The Boxcar Children 75th Anniversary Fully Illustrated Edition: Release Date

November 1, 2017

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.

In My Books, Art & Illustration (mine) Tags The Boxcar Children, boxcar children, gertr, Gretchen Ellen Powers, vintage, classic, classic book, book, books, kid lit, kid lit art, release date, book birthday, happy, excited, November, autumn, fall, leaves, photo, photography, illustration, illustrator, art, artist, artwork, kids, children, vintage book, story, storybook, story book, middle grade, middle grade reader, siblings, family, thankful, thanks, thank you, thanksgiving, blessed, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, painting, drawing, studio, sneak peek, anniversary, special edition, illustrated, cute, sweet, fun, adventure, children's illustration, Children's Art, children's book
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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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Happy Halloween Eve & a Sneaky Peek

October 30, 2017

A glimpse of something that may be Halloween related, hope you are all smiles, like this toothy pumpkin, enjoying the fun of dressing up and acting a bit silly! Happy Halloween!!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Happy Halloween, Halloween, Halloween eve, pumpkin, jack o lantern, jack-o-lantern, jack o'lantern, pumpkin carving, costume, halloween costume, Halloween Costumes, Hallow's Eve, halloween party, kids halloween, kids costume, mummy, trick or treat, trick or treating, trick or treaters, candy, chocolate, halloween 2017, costumes, fun, happy, autumn, fall, October, Octo, kids, children, sneak peek, wip, glimpse, studio, art, artwork, artist, illustration, illustrator, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, painting, drawing, Inktober, Inktober 2017, play, whimsical, whimsy, surreal, cute, sweet, sweet tooth, halloween candy
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The Boxcar Children: Glimpse Inside #1

October 28, 2017

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! 

In Art & Illustration (mine), My Books Tags Boxcar, Boxcar Children, kids, kid lit, kid lit art, sweet, cute, children, children's illustration, children's book, Children's Art, The Boxcar Children, boxcar, boxcar children, illustration, book, books, reading, read, book worm, literature, story, storybook, story book, classic, classic story, classic book, special edition, anniversary, Gertrude Chandler Warner, Gretchen Ellen Powers, Gretchen Powers, illustrator, watercolor, painting, photo, photograph, photography, sneak peek, coming soon, November, autumn, fall, October, happy, fun, drawing, silhouette, border
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They're Here!!

October 27, 2017

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!

In Art & Illustration (mine), My Books Tags The Boxcar Children, book, kid lit art, kid lit, children's illustration, childrens illustration, children's book, Gertrude Chandler Warner, Gretchen Ellen Powers, publishing, publisher, albert whitman & co, albert whitman, Boxcar, Boxcar Children, children, kids, kids book, books, literature, literary, art, artist, illustrator, illustration, illustrated, anniversary, 75th anniversary, snail mail, post, surprise, October, 2017, Thanks, thank you, thankful, Thanksgiving, autumn, fall, photo, photograph, photography, studio, sneak peek, happy, fun, blessed, season, classic, classic book, storybook, vintage, retro, sweet, cute, family, siblings, read, reading, book worm, picture book, middle grade, middle grade reader, story, story book, Children's Art, kid's book, library, classic story
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Original Painting: Be Cool Stay in School

October 6, 2017

Be Cool Stay in School  14"x16"  watercolor on paper

This original painting is now available in my shop, in case you'd like to give these two a loving home! 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags original, original painting, painting, illustration, original art, artsy, design, home decor, paint, artist, artwork, back to school, vintage, retro, quirky, eccentric, geeky, nerdy, geek, nerd, glasses, rabbit, bunny, kids, children, boy, cool, school, homework, friends, friend, friendship, watercolor, watercolors, watercolour, watercolor illustration, watercolor painting, watercolor art, studio, for sale, i love my job, happy, whimsical, whimsy, sweet, charming, surreal, fairy tale, storybook, kid lit art, Gretchen Ellen Powers
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Be Cool Stay in School

October 5, 2017

Be Cool Stay in School   14"x16" 

Something I created for my agency's promotional theme of "Take Your Pet to School". If we all only had a giant, helpful rabbit who helped us with the heavy lifting so we could have a free hand for yo-yo-ing! This kid is super cool, and he knows it!

(p.s. His glasses are my favorite part about his outfit, hands down.)

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags autumn, fall, September, October, back to school, school, kids, children, cool, quirky, cute, nerdy, nerd, geek, geeky, sweet, too cute, boy, rabbit, bunny, friends, pet, pets, exotic pets, fun, happy, illustration, art, illustrator, artist, artwork, artsy, design, character, kid lit, kid lit art, happy autumn, first day of fall, first day of autumn, happy fall, glasses, eccentric, retro, yo yo, yo-yo, brainy, kindergarten, elementary, elementary school, first day of school, school work, homework, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, painting, fashion
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Sneaky Peeks: Part 2

September 29, 2017

A Rabbit + a book + vintage spectacles = One happy illustrator

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags sneak peek, art, artsy, artist, illustration, illustrator, painting, paint, rabbit, bunny, bunny rabbit, cute, woodland, animal, animals, vintage, retro, friends, wip, work in progress, autumn, fall, school, back to school, whimsical, whimsy, surreal, fairy tale, storybook, children, kids, sweet, fun
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Sneaky Peeks: Part 1

September 27, 2017

He's so nifty, and what's more he knows it!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags wip, sneak peek, painting, progress, work in progress, paintings, process, painting process, cute, sweet, boy, kids, kid, children, Children's Art, glasses, nerdy, nerd, geek, geeky, cool, illustration, illustrator, quirky, eccentric, whimsical, whimsy, fun, happy, retro, vintage, studio, I love my Job, original, original art, fine art, paint, watercolor, watercolors, watercolour, aquarelle
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The Boxcar Children: 75th Anniversary, Fully Illustrated Edition

September 18, 2017

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!!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Boxcar, The Boxcar Children, Boxcar Children, kid lit, kid lit art, literature, book, middle grade, middle grade reader, mgr, albert whitman, albert whitman & co, Anne Yvonne Gilbert, Gretchen Ellen Powers, Gertrude Chandler Warner, retro, vintage, classic, classic book, story, books, literary, classic story, story book, storybook, kids, children, siblings, orphans, childrens illustration, children's book, children's art, t2, t2 illustrators, agent, agency, Tugeau2, Nicole Tugeau, anniversary, edition, special edition, news, publishing, publisher, fully illustrated, illustrated, illustration, painting, art, artwork, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, aquarelle, 1940s, history, historical, historical fiction, fiction, thanks, thankful, happy, illustrator, artist, artsy, creative, i love my job, workflow, work flow, work, best job ever, book cover, cover, cover art, blessed

Apple Dog

September 8, 2017

Apple Dog   11"x14"   watercolor on paper

A painting I did of my brother and his sweet black dog Molly- her favorite treats are apples. This is precisely how I wanted to capture them forever, singing to one another, and sharing in one of their famous adventures.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags dog, doggie, dogs, boy, music, musician, friends, friendship, fun, adventure, camping, camp, camper, campfire, camp fire, fire, harmonica, rustic, rugged, apple, apples, summer, fall, autumn, september, ocotober, apple tree, orchard, picking apples, puppy, puppies, puppy love, love, best friends, bff, treats, teddy bear, kids, children, nature, wildlife, woodland, surreal, fairy tale, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, aquarelle, paper, painting, paint, watercolor illustration, charming, whimsy, whimsical, farm, country, forest, travel, wanderlust, singing, song, funhappy, happy, brother, family, best friend, man's best friend, illustration, illustrator

Sneak Peek: Apple Dog

September 7, 2017

Just a corner of a surprise I made for my brother, featuring his dog and our loyal friend Molly. 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags molly, September, apple, apples, fall, autumn, sneak peek, wip, painting, watercolor, watercolors, watercolour, aquarelle, watercolor painting, paint, illustration, illustrator, children's art, children's illustration, kids, cute, sweet, dog, doggie, puppy, friend, friends, black dog, artist, artsy, design, character, back to school, fun, whimsy, whimsical, happy, happy fall, happy autumn, picking apples, nature, wildlife, animals, animal, pet, man's best friend, pets
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