Ever since I was little, I used to play Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet on loop all the year through… Things haven’t changed much since then.
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
In honor of what would have been Maurice Sendak’s 91st birthday, I decided to interpret his beloved classic story, Where the Wild Things Are…
“And now," cried Max, "let the wild rumpus start!” -Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are
Sew Much Love
I’ll be the first to admit I am a member of the “Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve” club. Just like this little wolf and loving motherly owl. So I’m in good company!
Little Red Riding Hood in Winter
Little Red Riding Hood in Winter
Winter nights are magical like fairy tales… Mixed together you have Red Riding Hood and her deer friend.
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.
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!
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: Had a Great Fall
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!)
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.
Spring Has Sprung
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.
Berry Happy
Berry Happy watercolor on paper
Dreaming of warm weather and sweet wild strawberries. Two things that make me Berry Happy indeed!
Wings & Petals
Wings & Petals watercolor on paper
On a cold, wintery morning I found my thoughts filled with flights of fancy and warm spring blooms. This is the result of that wintery day-dream.
Father Time
Father Time watercolor on paper
Walking through the ages, holding time tenderly in the crook of his arm. Father Time himself has been on my mind a bit, seeing as we have left one year and gone into another, but it is true that he walks amoung us every calendar day of our lives. You may or may not know this, but Father Time is also a friend to Mother Nature, so I put some little woodland friends in there as well!
Happy Twenty-Eighteen, hoping it's off to a lovely beginning for you!
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
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker watercolor on paper
You may be familiar with the magical story of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet. In my version however they are happily dancing together- and the Rat King certainly appears a bit more mouse-y.
Home
Home watercolor on paper
I just love this illustration, and it certainly has to be in my top favorites. It depicts my favorite season, and it reminds me of my home, so that of course is what I decided to call it!
Many of you that live in the states are most likely homeward bound for celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family, and so here's to wishing you happy journeys, and a joy-filled time when you arrive at your homes, wherever they may be. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Original Painting: Be Cool Stay in School
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!
Sneaky Peeks: Part 2
A Rabbit + a book + vintage spectacles = One happy illustrator
Apple Dog
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.