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.
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!)
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!!
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! ♥ ❤
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.
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!
The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse: Blackberries
The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse: Blackberries 5"x7" Watercolor & gouache on paper
I have been working on a companion set of paintings to illustrate the classic Aesop's Fable, The Town Mouse & the Country Mouse. The first one takes a peek though the briers and brambles into the modest abode of a little country field mouse. She has invited her well-to-do cousin, who lives in town, to visit her. He happens to arrive during blackberry season, and so he is just in time to partake in the art of preserving the harvest in the form of jams & jellies. Glancing over his shoulder, spoon in hand, he is looking to his cousin for instructions on the recipe.
I will admit that I am a bit of a country mouse myself. Nothing like having bare feet in the grass reading a book, or snacking on wild fruit.
In the next illustration (coming soon!) she will be visiting her cousin's home in town.
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.