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.
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!
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!)
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!
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.
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!
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!!
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!!
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!!
Book Signing & Live Painting Demo
I am so excited to announce that one week from today (November 11th) I will be having a book signing and live painting demo at the charming boutique shop Renaissance & Papyrus in downtown South Haven, Michigan from noon-7. If you're near by, please stop in and say hello, I'd love to meet you!!
There will be treats and goodies, and of course the shop is home to the most lovely of things!