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Gretchen Ellen Powers

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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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Friend Ship

April 30, 2018

Friend Ship   watercolor on paper

Even when sailing through stormy weather and rough waters, the Friend Ship holds fast and strong!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags boat, children's book, children's book week, children's books, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, illustration, illustrator, painting, water, sea, ocean, nautical, sailor, kids, children, sailing, pelican, bird, ship, boats, fish, fishing, whale, storm, we're all in the same boat, illo, creative, drawing, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, paint, art, artist, artwork, original, original art, fantasy, fairy tale, fairytale, story, storybook, children's illustration, children's art, book, books, literature, read, reading, kids book, book week, school, school library, school library journal, Gretchen Ellen Powers, Gretchen E Powers, Gretchen Powers, slj, April, April Showers, spring, cute, sweet, rustic, vintage, book worm, friendship, team work, working, work, working together, happy, fun, imagination, friends, friend, friend ship, Friendship, surreal, sea faring, captain, newspaper, news, the friend ship, quirky, watercolor illustration, draw, studio, childrens book week, one world many stories, world, adventure, adventures, library, reader
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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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Simon Squirrel

April 3, 2018

Simon Squirrel   watercolor on paper

There's no nut he finds too tough to crack. To be sure, he's one smart squirrel.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags squirrel, grey squirrel, cute, smart, nut, nerd, geek, geeky, nerdy, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, illustration, illustrator, kid lit, kid lit art, art, artwork, artist, simon, paper, watercolours, aquarelle, drawing, sketch, sketchbook, childrens art, children's illustration, Children's Art, childrens illustration, woodland, woodland animals, forest, rustic, anthro, anthropomorphic, glasses, book worm, book nerd, plaid, genius, eccentric, blue, red, surreal, fantasy, fantasy art, charming, wildlife, animals, Animals In Clothes, Gretchen Ellen Powers, illo, character, character design, creative, blog, studio
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Fun & Games

April 2, 2018

Fun & Games   watercolor on paper

Croquet is so much more fun when a hedgehog friends decides to come along for the ride and join in. It is all fun and games afterall.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags fox, red fox, croquet, summer, yard, yard games, happy, fun, kids, play, playing, girl, vintage, toy, cute, sweet, nature, wildlife, woodland, foxes, red foxes, charming, whimsy, whimcial, golf, outdoors, rustic, forest, games, game, purple, watercolor, watercolors, art, illustration, illustrator, Gretchen Ellen Powers, GEP, illo, kid lit, kid lit art, drawing, doodle, watercolour, aquarelle, sketch, artist, watercolor painting, artwork, original art, original, character, character design, design
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Original Painting: The Key to My Heart (Light Grey Art Lab's Arbortetum)

March 28, 2018

My original painting, The Key to My Heart, is currently on display at Light Grey Art Lab for their Arboretum exhibition! I am so very excited to partake in this enchancting collection, and to be exhibted along with so many talented and nature-inspired artists!!

If you're interested in acquiring this original piece of mine, please contact the gallery for information: gallery@lightgreyartlab.com, purchase it in their online shop, or pop into the gallery to view it in person now until April 20th!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags light grey art lab, gallery, gallery show, exhibtion, original, original painting, original art, artwork, artist, artsy, creative, minneapolis, mn, minnesota, LGAL, Arboretum, spring, spring collection, collection, exhibit, gallery art, home decor, wall art, photo, photograph, photography, wild, wildlife, nature, rustic, bird, aviary, surreal, naturalist, naturalism, minimal, minimalist, minimalism, miniature, framed, shadow box, wings, sparrow, chickadee, modern, white, green, wood, boho, bohomenian, gypsy, key, vintage, birds, bird art, songbird, love bird, heart, love, romance, romantic, sweet, sweetheart, hearts, i love you, originals, original artwork, artists, artists of tumblr, artists on Tumblr, art lab, grey, curated, midwest, plains, great lakes, shop, watercolor, watercolors, watercolour, mixed media, traditional, traditional media, hand painted, painting, paint, watercolours, aquarelle, drawing, draw, sketch
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Tribute: JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH - Book Cover

March 26, 2018

James & the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl - Book Cover Tribute

What happens when you combine an orphaned boy, a spider, centepeed, inch-worm, lady bird, glow worm, grasshopper, and one oversized fruit? Genius. 

This is another tribute book cover I did to one of my all time favorite adventures. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (originally published in 1961 by Alfred A. Knopf)

You can bet his wicked old aunts are up in that rickety house planning some kind of no-good and mean schemes. But for me, that round fruit full of typography left me suddenly wishing for bowls full of peaches and cream.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags knopf, a a knopf, alfred a knopf, publisher, publishing, James and the Giant Peach, James & the giant peach, Roald Dahl, childrens book, children's book, kid lit art, kid lit, kidlit, kidlitart, peach, peaches, classic, storybook, book, books, children's books, children's classic book, fairytale, fairy tlae, fairy tale, illustrator, illustration, watercolor, typography, book cover, book cover design, hand lettering, graphic design, creative, drawing, painting, art, artwork, children, kids, elementary, fiction, insects, fruit, 1960s, calligraphy, house, dark, spooky, book covers, tribute, fan art, fanart, designs, pink, coral
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The Key to My Heart

March 23, 2018

The Key to My Heart   7"x7"   original watercolor painting

So excited to announce that Arboretum's opening reception is happening tonight @ Light Grey Art Lab.

The collections include Arboretum: An exhibition about botany: genetics, enchanted forests and designed garden spaces. We are excited to celebrate our experiences in nature and discovery. In addition to the Arboretum exhibition, we will have featured exhibitions, Resurgence a artisanal exhibition about the return of vibrance, The Flush of Spring a collection of work about change, flux, and energy, and Campfire Comics and Stories is a 26page Risograph comic published by Dennis Madamba and Kyle Harabedian and featuring the work of 13 illustrators.

I am so thrilled to have my original painting of The Key to My Heart included into this enchanting collection. And this gallery's just another good reason to love and admire the midwest. The exhbition will be on display from March 23rd through April 20th!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Light Grey Art Lab, gallery, gallery show, nature, spring, woodland, botany, botanical, bird, birds, love bird, watercolor, watercolors, watercolour, Mother Nature, charming, whimsy, whimsi, whimsical, heart, love birds, key, romance, woodland wedding, rustic, woods, forest, garden, country, midwest, minimalist, mini, minimal, minimalism, reception, art gallery, original, original painting, original art, fantasy art, Gretchen Ellen Powers, illustration, painting, paint, wall art, home decor, science, genetics, artwork, fine art, shop, midwest living, midwestern, white, design, graphic design, cute, springtime, green, gardening, plant life, birdie, song bird, songbird, skeleton key, vintage, antique, aviation, flight, feathers, wings, magic, magical
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Humpty Dumpty: Had a Great Fall

March 22, 2018

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!) 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags illustration, illustrator, painting, paint, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, original art, art, artwork, fantasy, fantasy art, Mother Goose, picture book art, picture book, picture, book, picture book artist, picture book illustrator, Mother goose nursery, mother goose nursery rhyme, nursery, Nursery Rhyme, cute, egg, Easter, easter egg, easter eggs, spring, happy spring, Humpty, Humpty Dumpty, Dumpty, quircky, character, character design, graphic design, classic, falling, motion, action, layout, design, artist, drawing, classic book, fairy tale, fairytale, tale, storybook, story, story book, nursery rhymes, baby, babies, sweet, whimsy, whimsical
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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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Charlotte's Web: Then & Now

March 13, 2018
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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!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Charlotte's web, painting, illustration, illustrator, e b white, harper collins, 1950s, book, books, classic, literature, nature, farm, farmer, farming, country, country living, spring, children's book, children's illustration, Children's Art, kid lit, kid lit art, kidlit, kidlitart, Gretchen Ellen Powers, story, storybook, elementary, middle grade, middle grade reader, mgr, drawing, watercolor, artist, art, artwork, graphic design, characters, character design, book cover, fan art, original art, book cover design, design, creative, wilbur, charlotte, spider, pig, font, typography, calligraphy, lettering, hand lettering, review, book review, book shelf, book nerd, bibliophile
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Coming Soon: The Key to My Heart Original

March 10, 2018

Packed up and shipped off, this little lass has flown the coop and is offically on her way to Light Grey Art Lab Gallery's: Arborteum Exhibition! And I suppose that makes me an empty-nester now...

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In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags original art, original, original painting, watercolor, watercolour, watercolors, painting, paint, sneak peek, gallery, gallery show, Light Grey Art Lab, arboretum, exhibtion, shop, home decor, wall art, artwork, artist, studio, photo, photograph, photography, artists of tumblr, artists on Tumblr, artsy, creative, graphic design, spring, happy spring, bird, key, heart, love, romance, love bird, surreal, surrealism, mini, minimal, minimalist, minimalism, mineapoils, minnesota, great lakes, midwest, midwest living, midwestern, nature, naturalism, nature study, Mother Nature, woodland, green, spring cleaning, birds, love birds, collection, exhibit, mixed media, illustration, illustrator, traditional media, drawing, draw, woodland animals, rustic, rustic wedding, country, country life, country living, fine art
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Tribute: CHARLOTTE'S WEB - Book Cover

March 8, 2018

"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. 

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags Charlotte's web, e b white, e. b. white, classic, classic book, book, books, bookshelf, kid lit, kid lit art, nature, pig, farm, farming, farmer, country, novel, spider, web, wilbur, some pig, hog, piglet, cute, whimsy, whimsical, literature, literary, story, storybook, children's book, kid's book, children's books, children's literature, children's illustration, art, artwork, watercolor, watercolors, watercolor painting, illustration, illustrator, pink, book cover, cover, cover art, book cover design, design, graphic design, character, characters, character design, typography, lettering, type, font, calligraphy, hand lettering, hand painted, sweet, fictional, fairy tale, book art, book covers, traditional, traditional media, paint, painting, tribute, fan art, fanart, original art, original, writer, author, children's author, children's writer, charlotte, salutations, country life, country living, farm life, classic story, classic movie, film, chapter book, middle grade, middle grade reader, elementary, elementary school, read, reading, reader, book worm, book nerd, bookstore, book store, book shop, book club, happy, spring, Springtime, Gretchen Ellen Powers, Harper Collins, publisher, harper collins, timeless
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Light Grey Art Lab Gallery: Arboretum

March 7, 2018

So, my last few weeks of winter have been spent painting green things and not being able to hardly wait for this to happen! My many thanks to LGAL for inviting me to partake in all of this nature-y goodness. I'll have an original painting on display there March 23rd - April 20th!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags illustration, illustrator, painting, paint, watercolor, gallery, gallery show, mn, minnesota, minneapolis, midwest, midwestern, midwest living, arboretum, exhibition, exhibit, nature, naturalism, naturalist, nature study, bird, birds, feathers, flight, wings, wild, wildlife, Mother Nature, green, spring, springtime, happy spring, march, april, Light Grey Art Lab, original, original painting, original art, graphic design, home decor, wall art, minimalism, minimalist, minimal, wood, woods, woodland, garden, life, scientific illustration, science, natural science, forest, space, watercolors, aquarelle, Gretchen Ellen Powers, gretchenellenpowers, LGAL, opening, gallery opening, reception, botany, botanical, enchanted, magic, magical, genetics, collections, collection, resurgence, campfire, camp, display, artwork, artist, announcement, news, happy, winter
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Gallery WIP: Light Grey Art Lab

March 4, 2018

A little progress photo on a spring friend. She's going to be part of Light Grey Art Lab's Show: ARBORETUM

So very thrilled to have been invited to participate in this collection of pieces revolving around botany: genetics, enchanted forests and designed garden spaces

The finished painting will be on display beginning on March 10th. 

Remember to think on spring-y thoughts!

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags art, illustration, gallery, Light Grey Art Lab, show, gallery show, fine art, original, original art, painting, paint, watercolor, watercolour, illustrator, artist, artsy, creative, design, watercolors, watercolours, mixed media, process, painting process, fantasy, fantasy art, graphic design, bird, spring, happy spring, arboretum, nature, wildlife, photo, cute, happy springtime, springtime
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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
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Cat's Unhappy Valentine's Day

February 13, 2018

Cat's Unhappy Valentine's Day   watercolor on paper

Sometimes you just don't feel like celebrating little cupids, hearts, and warm-fuzzy feelings. This grumpy cat knows just how you feel, and he's not gonna take it anymore.

In Art & Illustration (mine) Tags cat, kitty, kitten, cats, valentine's day, valentines, valentine, animals, heart, love, romance, holiday, grumpy cat, cranky, quirky, hearts, cupid, crank, anti social, happy Valentine's Day, be my valentine, st valentine, surreal, cute, nerdy, nerd, fun, February, february 14, watercolor, watercolour, kids, children, illustration, illustrator, funny, comic, comical, art, artist, artwork, design, graphic design, character, happy, unhappy, paper, drawing, sketch, draw, painting, paint, watercolor art
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