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! 

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

Corresponding Bunny

Corresponding Bunny   Watercolor on paper  5"x7" 

There are few things in this world that are so delightful to the heart as a handwritten letter. 
Imagine how much more delightful that experience would be if it were written and delivered by a rabbit in a pinafore. 

Mother Goose - The Marriage of Cock Robin to Jenny Wren

The Marriage of Cock Robin to Jenny Wren   14"x11"  Watercolor and gouache on paper

Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme Illustration for The Marriage of Cock Robin to Jenny Wren

These two little love birds have quite the sweetest little courtship. I have included a piece of their love story below:

"It was a merry time,
When Jenny Wren was young, 
So neatly as she dressed,
And so sweetly as she sung.

Robin Redbreast lost his heart, 
He was a gallant bird;
He doffed his hat to Jenny,
And thus to her he said:

"My dearest Jenny Wren, 
If you will but be mine,
You shall dine on cherry pie
And drink nice currant wine.

"I'll dress you like a goldfinch, 
Or like a peacock gay:
So, if you'll have me, Jenny,
Let its appoint the day.''

Jenny blushed behind her fan,
And thus declared her mind
"Then let it be to-morrow, Bob
I take your offer kind..."

-Mother Goose (The Marriage of Cock Robin to Jenny Wren)

A Hand Sculpted Fox

My hands have been working in a bit of clay this past week. Amid my festive fa-la-la-ing, it's been a tradition since I was a child to make a new ornament to adorn the tree each December. So I decided that our tree was severely lacking a Vulpes vulpes presence. But no longer! 

Say hello to Thaddeus Fox.

He was crafted in the following way:

  • Handsculpted in polymer clay, 
  • Baked in an oven, 
  • Lovingly painted by hand. 

The final touch was the thin piece of rope to hang him by. 

He definitely has made the tree extra spiffy.  

Interview & Feature: DPI Magazine

Getting a parcel in the mail is always an exciting experience, especially around Christmas when we are waiting for our treasures to arrive upon our doorstep so we can whisk them away under the tree. But, something else very exciting came in the mail for this illustrator yesterday! The 200th issue of DPI Magazine, which features an interview with me and a 4 page spread on my work and Q & A's with me!

It is a charming, artistic magazine from Taiwan featuring illustrations. I was so very honored when I received a letter from them last month asking if I would like to participate. Of course I would! The magazine is created in Taiwan and most of the text is written in Taiwanese, but you don't have to speak the language to enjoy the beautiful high-quality photos and the lovely feel of the print magazine in your hands. If you are interested in ordering a copy for yourself, you can obtain one here. 

I hope you are having a magical December leading up to a blessed and Merry Christmas!