Another sneak peek: Once again, the love of a true furry friend! So glad I have my sweet golden retriever to keep me company, and she just loves to have an arm wrapped 'round her!
Summer Dreaming of Autumn
It's no secret that autumn is my favorite time of the year. So even though sweltering summer is upon us, my thoughts are on October...
Inking Work
The humble beginnings of a little mouse.
Commission Sneak Peek: Grandpa Bear's Chair
A fox and a bear.
The beginnings of something that has two of my favorite animals.
Typography & Tea
Typography + tea = a grand weekend.
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!)
Mouses & Houses
On my plate this week: Mouses & Houses
Rambling Jack Rabbit
Rambling Jack Rabbit 7"x7" Watercolor, gouache & ink on paper
Rambling Jack has wanderlust and loves a good adventure. Most rabbits are content to stay in their woods and fields, but Jack is on his way to see the world. Right now he is going to visit his Aunt Hattie and three little cousins, Elliot, Rose, and Buttons.
He's asking directions from a local owl, as Jack had heard they are supposed to be very wise.
A Wise Old Owl
A detail of an illustration featuring a rabbit with wanderlust, (as previously promised).
Here's the wise old owl he's asking directions from.
Painting the Great Egg
Painting the Great Egg 8"x10" Watercolor, gouache & ink on paper
My last painting, Coloring Eggs Together was so well received, and it definitely found a soft spot in my heart. It was suggested to me to not just leave it at that, but to paint a new interpretation of it. And thus, this sequel was made.
As well as a miniature story to go along with it: Fredrick, George & Harry Bunny will hand you a card for their trade and it will most likely read the following: "...Bunny Bros. Inc., we'll paint your house, walls, fences, and storefronts. Have experience with whitewash, and fine detailed lettering."
Their specialty however, has always lied with eggs (no job is too big or too small). They aim to please and take pride in their craft. During this particular project, the eldest Bunny Brother, Fredrick is consulting the plans to their tried and true architectural plans. They have enlisted the help of their two dear friends, Sadie & Sam. But painting eggs can be a messy business, and some sort of mischief always presents itself. The youngest, Harry Bunny, will definitely have to take a good long bath tonight to remove all of that red paint.
Central Park: Through Wind and Rain
Central Park: Through Wind and Rain 11"x14" watercolor, gouache and ink on paper
Letters are falling from the sky as a New York stork flies over Central Park making his rounds. The following historical poem was the inspiration for titling this feathered postman, but his obstacles are a little different:
"Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." - Herodotus, (Inscription, New York City Post Office), adapted from Herodotus Greek historian & traveler (484 BC - 430 BC)
However I did alter his creed, way up there a gust of wind can pose quite a pickle for feathered couriers. Storks would make for fantastic postmen. Here's to hoping one comes on my route sooner rather than later.
Original Painting Now Available: Coloring Eggs Together
My latest illustration: Coloring Eggs Together has been so well received, I would like to thank all of you for your kind words! Just in time for spring and Easter, I have listed the original painting for sale in my shop.
I have to say that this painting has found a special place in my heart, and I almost can't bring myself to part with it. It is definitely one of my favorite pieces in my portfolio right now.
A Happy Easter to all of you, my little rabbits, in your own little burrows across the globe!
Coloring Eggs Together 12"x16" Watercolor, gouache, & colored pencils on paper
Time Flies
Time Flies 16"x20" Watercolor & colored pencils on paper
Most of us have heard of the expression Time Flies, but it is also said to stand still... These are two images I tried to capture and convey within this illustration.
Swallows swoop and alight from an opened pocket watch as if they're escaping a birdcage, while a girl and her deer stand motionless and observe time flying by. (The girl is wearing a Valentino dress from their 2015 Pre-Fall collection.)
I was in my happy place painting all of those beating wings and the blue plumage of the swallows. Birds are dear to my heart, they are my feathered friends.
Hansel and Gretel
Hansel and Gretel 22"x17" Watercolor and colored pencils on paper
The famous fairy tale siblings, Hansel and Gretel, must have known happier times in their childhood before they were abandoned in the woods with a loaf of bread. This is my rendition of their story, at that time.
Due to my own Dutch heritage, I altered the story's setting from Germany to the Netherlands. I'm sure that the Brothers Grimm wouldn't begrudge me the opportunity to dress these sweet children in wooden clogs (klompen) and place a windmill in the landscape.
Welkom to my interpretation of Grimm's Hansel and Gretel!
Watercolor WIP
Building soft layers of watercolor. I can't think of a better way to spend the winter days and nights.
Geese WIP (Work In Progress)
Sneak peek of something that is currently in the works. Now that the sketch is completed, the paper is finally ready for the first kiss of watercolor.
The Pollination
The Pollination 9"x11" Watercolor, gouache & colored pencils on paper
Mr. Bombus is off to spend a pleasant morning with his sweetheart Miss Tulip and her relations.
This happy little springtime bumble is as busy as a bee, flying from tulip to tulip, discussing the weather and keeping them current with the latest buzz. He has a busy day ahead of him, but thanks to of his toils, we are all able to enjoy the floral landscape and the beauty of all the Miss Tulips in the world. Our hats off to you Mr. Bombus!
A formal introduction to Miss Tulip and Mr. Bombus: (Latin Names)
Tulipa
Bombus Hortorum
Spring Floral (Work in Progress)
WIP shot of a new illustration that I hope to share in a day or two. Inspired by a walk early this week I spied a little yellow flower peaking through the frosty ground. With it blossomed thoughts of spring and gardening, and a new sketch.
This illustrator is now thinking thoughts of spring and looking for that first robin of the new year.
The Rat and His River 14"x11" gouache on paper
Ratty is perhaps my favorite Wind in the Willows character. He’s sweet, sensible, down to earth and content. All he needs is his boat and the river and he considers himself well-off.
“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” -Ratty of The Wind in the Willows (Kenneth Grahame)
The Rat and His River
Mr. Toad 8"x10" gouache on paper
Once upon a time, a little girl fell in the love with the story of a rat, a mole, a badger, and a toad. I was that little girl, and the story was Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. Now that I’ve grown up (technically), I have finally begun a project that I have been dreaming about for quite some time. A series based on the tale and its characters.
Here is the infamous Mr. Toad at the wheel of his greatest weakness, the motor car. In describing his attributes and characteristics it would be best to quote him on himself: “I’m such a clever Toad.”
Mr. Toad is the first in what will be a series of periodic installments. I hope you will join me for the adventure!