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.
Lion King
Another something sweet from the same project as my deer & mushrooms. It certainly looks like that crown suits him.
Happy Valentine's Day: Froggie Went a-Courtin'
Froggie Went a-Courtin' 8"x10" watercolor & ink on paper
Miss Mousie has a pleasant surprise waiting for her outside of her front door. Froggie has come a calling for her hand, with a bouquet of waterlilies. It seemed so appropriate for a Valentine's theme, and being animals I couldn't help myself.
Wishing you a very Happy Valentine's Day- whether that means sharing the day with a sweetheart, a friend, family, a loyal pet, or extending some love to the natural world around us. Even if there might not be a frog outside your door with a bunch of posies, I hope today has a few special surprises for you as well! ♥ ❤
You're the Apple of My Eye
You're the Apple of My Eye 11"x14" watercolor on paper
This happy trio has spent the afternoon in the apple orchard, picking apples, reading, taking the occasional photograph, and (as the evidence of blankets and baskets would suggest) enjoying a hearty picnic lunch. There really is no sweeter way to pass a day than this.
On this cold and wintery January day, I am most certainly with them in my heart of hearts.
Picnics in Winter
The beginnings of things.
Also, my thoughts are officially on spring now thanks to this fun little picnic taking place.
Winter Sketching
Sketching in the wee hours by lamplight. Fueled by cup after cup of Tetley tea.
Bear Mitten
Bear Mitten 7"x7" watercolor on paper
Our bear friend has quite a large sweet tooth, he's a gentle giant and will never turn down an opportunity for candy. He's one of my favorites from my series Smitten with the Mitten.
Confession: I'm a bit jealous of his red mittens, and I'll admit that I wish they were real so I could snatch up a pair for myself! I can picture a jolly elf sporting a set of those mittens as well.
Inktober: Day 4
Another day of inking in October: White clover and a friendly bumble bee.
Holiday Thinking & Inking
That time six days ago when this little holiday piece was being inked. ✎ ❄ ❅
High Tea
High Tea 5"x7" watercolor on paper
I have had quite a few tea parties, and enjoy a ritual of tea every day - often more than twice! - and so I know precisely how my little mouse friend feels. Here is her miniature accompanying story:
Celia Mousekins has a great fondness for two treats, sugar cubes and Earl Grey tea. Here she has combined the two pleasures in one, and gives it a stir, as she enjoys a mouse sized version of High Tea.
Making a New Friend
A little afternoon painting from my sketchbook... I love making new friends.
From My Sketchbook
A drawing from my sketchbook, featuring two friends, an umbrella, and a jolly rain cloud.
More soon!
Sketchbook Snippet
A small snippet from my sketchbook.
The Neighborhood
The Neighborhood 20"x16" watercolor & gouache on paper
A happy scene is unfolding before the eyes of these little Brooklyn row houses. The neighborhood children have come out to play and enjoy this beautiful day together, and it just so happens to be someone's birthday on the street. A mother and child walking down the sidewalk are carrying balloons and bags, it is certain that a birthday party is in the air. And to top it all off, a stork mailman has made his way to the Big Apple from the woodland post to deliver a special birthday letter, and perhaps a little bundle of joy as well!
Sneak Peek Part II: The Neighborhood
Part 2 of my work in progress: This painting has been a labor of love and a good experience for me. It is quite a large painting by my standards, measuring 20"x16". This photo is from a few days ago, since then my happy little New York City scene has come together quite well. The finished illustration is coming your way in a day or two. Until then, happy playing!
Sneak Peek: The Neighborhood
All week I have been illustrating a happy scene from a street in Brooklyn. Here's an earlier sneak peek of the work in progress.
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!)
A Stork and a Baby
It's been a pleasant mixture of sketching, dreaming, and holiday shenanigans this past week...
Here's a small snippet of a stork and a baby.
The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse: Dollhouse
The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse: Dollhouse 5"x7" Watercolor & gouache on paper
Oh to be a few inches tall, then you could crawl into the walls of a miniature dollhouse! That is where the town mouse makes his home in the city, within the toy house of the little children who live in the building he takes shelter in. It makes for very lavish mouse-size living quarters, and I am a bit jealous of them!
The country mouse seems to be a bit uneasy and awkward as she stands atop the table holding her china plate. A cup has fallen on the floor and shattered amid the hustle and bustle of city life. This is perhaps my favorite of the two paintings, mostly due to the awkward positions they take while sitting at the miniature toy table.
This Aesop's fable was such a fun thing to interpret, but they were also a present to my Mother for her birthday as we have always called her and her sister "The Country Mouse and the City Mouse". My mother is a country mouse, and I am as well. Although, I could be tempted to take up residence in a local dollhouse if one could be provided or I could find a drink similar to Alice's when she shrunk in Wonderland. Keep me posted if you come across anything of that nature!
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.