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.
In My Hart of Hearts 8"x10" Acrylic on paper
Today the world is remembering & celebrating the brilliance of William Shakespeare, so I thought I would join in and share a Shakespeare inspired commission I did for a British music magazine (I'm a sucker for those lace collars.)
Here's the quote that inspired the piece:
"Give me that man, That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart, As I do thee." - William Shakespeare (Hamlet Act 3, scene 2, 71–74)
Way to go Shakespeare!
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 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 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.
I've been a busy bee this past week. Here is a close-up of something I recently finished. I'll share the finished piece with all of you little rabbits tomorrow.
New painting coming soon: "Rambling Jack Rabbit"
Here is my sketch of the traveling bun, Jack Rabbit. I'm smitten with this 'fella.
I'll share the painting with all of you shortly. Until then... happy trails!
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.
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
If you know anything about me, you'll know that every year since I was young I look forward to the tradition of dyeing and painting Easter eggs. The smell of hot water, vinegar, and food coloring wafting from small tea cups fills my soul with childhood memories and revisited joys. Let's all agree together to not get too "grown-up" to enjoy these youthful activities, who's with me?!
For 2016's batch of eggs, I also hand painted a couple. One with a floral pattern of pansies, and the other with bumblebees (being tempted by their flower friends.)
Here's to hoping your house smells of hot water, vinegar, and food coloring this weekend as well. Happy Easter!
Coloring Eggs Together 12"x16" Watercolor, goauche & colored pencils
This brother and sister know that rabbits make the best of friends, and who better to help them decorate a larger than life egg? The children are using broad strokes of red paint and paint cans, while the two bunnies are tackling the task of the fine painted detail with their little brushes and paint palettes. All the while springtime is in full bloom coming up around them.
Wishing a Happy Easter to all of you as well, my little rabbits!
A sketch of a little something that I did last week, I will share the finished piece tomorrow with you.
Yesterday was the first day of spring, and this little rabbit illustrator is welcoming spring with open arms.
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 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!
Building soft layers of watercolor. I can't think of a better way to spend the winter days and nights.
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 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
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.
Happy Groundhog day! 365 days ago I found myself sketching a groundhog in my notebook on my way to the library, and thus was born Diggery.
I have always enjoyed this sweet little holiday! And today I am extending my warmest thanks to Punxsutawney Phil for delivering the good news of an early spring this morning!
Happy trails winter!
Goldilocks and the Three Bears : Someone's Been Eating My Porridge 11"x14" Watercolor & gouache on paper
The second installment in my version of the classic fairy tale, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. My take once again depicts a different view of the curious girl and the Bear family, where they are the best of friends and she has been invited over for breakfast. Goldilocks and Papa Bear are sitting down for a steaming bowl of hot porridge. Mama Bear and Baby Bear had better hurry up and join them, before it's all gone!