So Many Choices watercolor on paper
Sometimes half the fun is the proces. And Halloween is the perfect excuse to dress-up… 2, 3, 4, even 5 times!
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.
Here Comes the Cirus
Here Comes the Circus watercolor on paper
The best kind of magic is the type we make ourselves.
Commission: Happy Together
Happy Together // Commissioned Work:
I had the most fun depicting this sweet gal & her beau as their favorite animal: The Collie.
(A fun note: That lovely Lassie (sorry couldn’t help myself!) is wearing a designer dress from the most adorable fashion line of prairie dresses by Batsheva Hay recently featured in Vogue, The Guardian & The New Yorker)
Also here are their two donkey friends, Frances & Damascus. They most certainly are, Happy Together!
Learning Curves
Learning Curves
Generational Learning at its finest, with a Grandfather teaching his Grandson something old and then in turn the grandson teaches his Grandfather something new!
You’re never too old or too young for learning!
Ice Cream Social
Ice Cream Social
The fun keeps rolling when an elephant on a bicycle is serving up your favorite sweet treat!
Bearly Floating
It's hard to stay afloat after so many snacks and tropical punches (he's Bearly Floating as it is!) But this bear is doing it, and making a big splash into the holiday weekend!
He hopes you're enjoying the last bits of summer too!
The Afternoon Safari
"The Afternoon Safari"
A girl and her dog spending the afternoon in a safari hunt. With a little imagination, the houseplants become a jungle, and the family cat has no idea what he's in for.
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!
Bobby Brock
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.
Tribute: JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH - Book Cover
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.
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!
Warm Wishes From a Snowman
Warm Wishes From a Snowman watercolor on paper
Just one of the friendly faces you might meet if you happen to go a-walkin' in a winter wonderland!
And so like this frosty gentleman, we are tipping our hearts to the old year, thankful for sharing in its joys and days, and greeting the new year at the same time, hoping to be dear friends soon! For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne
Miracle on 34th Street
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!! 🍬🎅
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!!
Signing Copies Today!!
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
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!!