L. M. Montgomery was born this day, November 30th, 1874. So here’s my tribute to the author and her red-haired, free spirited, enthusiastic, optimistic, Anne of Green Gables!
“True friends are always together in spirit.” -Anne of Green Gables
Book Cover: Little Women
The month of March has me thinking of these strong, independent, and loving March sisters. I have and always will love Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel “Little Women”
So as the strong March winds blow, cuddle in with the March’s adventures and fall in love with their family, as I have.
p.s. It’s no surprise that Jo is my favorite. Hands down. No contest. Just saying.
This being the month of March, I thought it was the perfect time to illustrate the famous March sisters of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel Little Women. This story has always been full of happy, fond memories for me, even as a little girl gathered around my grandmother’s living room, all of the women and even the little women of my happy family, watching the story unfold of the 1994 version.
Of course the book was always on the shelf as well, and waiting for me to grow and read it. Which I did as a young woman.
And yes, I do identify with Jo March the most. I do picture myself as her. And I’m not even going to hide that she is my favorite. I love Jo.
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.
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 Elves & The Shoemaker
The Elves & the Shoemaker 11"x11" watercolor on paper
In all of their story-telling-magicalness, The Bros. Grimm made a story about little elves that help a poor shoemaker. In my version the elves are mice, and the shoemaker a little boy who can't even afford any shoes for himself. And so he has fallen asleep with his work, barefoot, and unbeknownst to him these small helpers are scampering about his feet, helping him make his footwear, and the finest to be had!
Many thanks to Jacob and Willhelm Grimm for coining such an enchanting tale! Those brothers sure knew what they were doing... One of my favorite sibling collaborations!!
Hope is the Thing with Feathers
Hope is the Thing with Feathers watercolor & ink on paper
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -" -Emily Dickinson
Wind in the Willows: Mr. Mole in Springtime
Mr. Mole in Springtime 11"x14" oil on wood
Mr. Mole is cleaning in the springtime, taking care of his lovely home, and dreaming of above ground.
Part of my WIND IN THE WILLOWS SERIES: A miniature set of four paintings based on the classic children's novel by Kenneth Grahame.
Wind in the Willows: Badger by Candlelight
Badger by Candlelight 11"x14" oil on wood
Mr. Badger walking the halls of his long corridors at night while Ratty and Moley are knocking outside in the cold winter storm. They'll be invited in to warm themselves by the fire of the kind, solitary animal.
Part of my WIND IN THE WILLOWS SERIES: A miniature set of four paintings based on the classic children's novel by Kenneth Grahame.
Feature: Etsy's Seller Handbook
I had a pleasant surprise this morning as I clicked on my newest Etsy Newsletter to read, I was then greeted by an illustration of my own! My pencil- riding-goggle-wearing aviator girl & her adventurous bear accompanied their 4 Ways to Finance Your Business's Growth article. You can read it here!
Thank you to the lovely Taylor Combs (a writer and editor for Etsy's Seller Handbook) for selecting my illustration Head in the Clouds to be showcased with her helpful & inspiring article.
(Also, I have prints available of this piece in my shop on Etsy, of course!)
Hansel & Gretel: Breadcrumbs
Hansel & Gretel: Breadcrumbs 6.5"x10" Watercolor & gouache on paper
Little Hansel consoles a crying Gretel as he fends off the crows that are trying to steal their bread. Of course we all know the importance of those breadcrumbs to Hansel & Gretel, the famous forsaken and tragic fairy tale siblings.
This is my rendition of the beloved Grimm's story.
Shakespeare is Deer to My Heart
In My Hart of Hearts 8"x10" Acrylic on paper
Today the world is remembering & celebrating the brilliance of William Shakespeare, so I thought I would join in and share a Shakespeare inspired commission I did for a British music magazine (I'm a sucker for those lace collars.)
Here's the quote that inspired the piece:
"Give me that man, That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart, As I do thee." - William Shakespeare (Hamlet Act 3, scene 2, 71–74)
Way to go Shakespeare!