Almost done with this project, and I am very much loving the mice! I'll be posting the finished illustration for this fun book cover tomorrow!
Book Cover: WIP #2
The first soft, barely-there layers of color. I love this stage of the painting process!
Book Cover: WIP #1
The beginnings of a fun project I am working on. Painting mice and a friendly snake, for a book cover on Python computer programming!
More sneaky peeks coming soon!
Emmeline Wines: Pinot Gris 2016 Label Design
A few years ago Emmeline Wines and I did a collaboration on the design & illustration of their 2013 Syrah here. I was so honored and thrilled when they approached me last year to return and illustrate their newest release.
Here are the labels I illustrated and the finished product we created together for their Pinot Gris vintage 2016.
Thank you Narelle & Tim, it is always a perfect pleasure to work with you!
Happy Trails
Happy Trails 11"x14" watercolor and gouache on paper
These two exotic animals have been all over the world and while they wait for their next departure time, in between destinations, the sloth rests his head for a little nap, tired from all of the traveling. Meanwhile the llama is busy reading the newspaper and planning all of their new exciting travels. Clearly she has enough energy for the both of them.
It seems fitting to insert an excerpt from my favorite Frank Capra film: "Do you know what the three most exciting sounds in the world are? Anchor chains, airplane motors and train whistles." These two obviously feel the same.
Sweet William
Sweet William 8"x10" watercolor & ink on paper
A Sweet William peddler employs the help of a friendly, obliging snail who is pulling along his little cart full of spring cheer.
Maggie Among the Magnolias
Maggie Among the Magnolias 8"x10" watercolor & ink on paper
A fairy and a robin make for the best of friends. These two are singing the sweet first notes of spring.
February 10th was when I spotted the first robin in my backyard. And now, we're having a taste of spring here in Michigan this week, and I must say that I a little bird told me it was coming.
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! ♥ ❤
The Magical Story Hour
The Magical Story Hour 12"x12" watercolor & ink on paper
After building their new friend, the following day the children returned to enjoy his company again. And they all settled down for a quiet and magical story hour with their new friend. Everyone is hoping to have their favorite book read aloud, even the animals (the birds are carrying their favorite in the air!) What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon!
Thinking of teaching my own snow sculptures the handy trick of reading a-loud from favorite books.
Building Friendships
Building Friendships 12"x12" watercolor & ink on paper
One of my favorite things about the winter is being able to sculpt a jolly being from all that snow. These clever kids have thought of all of the right ingredients for making a new friend and bring him to life! (Sequel illustration to follow shortly)
You're the Apple of My Eye
You're the Apple of My Eye 11"x14" watercolor on paper
This happy trio has spent the afternoon in the apple orchard, picking apples, reading, taking the occasional photograph, and (as the evidence of blankets and baskets would suggest) enjoying a hearty picnic lunch. There really is no sweeter way to pass a day than this.
On this cold and wintery January day, I am most certainly with them in my heart of hearts.
Bon Voyage!!
Wishing happy trails to this original that has just been sent off to its new home!
I'll miss these little trick-or-treaters, good luck out there guys!!
Hope is the Thing with Feathers
Hope is the Thing with Feathers watercolor & ink on paper
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -" -Emily Dickinson
Picnics in Winter
The beginnings of things.
Also, my thoughts are officially on spring now thanks to this fun little picnic taking place.
Winter Sketching
Sketching in the wee hours by lamplight. Fueled by cup after cup of Tetley tea.
Making Friends with Furry Friends: Hello
Making Friends with Furry Friends: Hello 9"x11" watercolor and ink on paper
Greetings. Hello. Salutations. How-do-you-do. Bonjour. Ciao. Howdy. No matter how you say it, there's nothing quite as nice as saying hello to a friend.
These two are becoming acquainted over a fence post; and I'm sure that it won't be long before the little girl will be sharing some goodies from her basket with her new pals.
Santa's Little Helpers
Santa's Little Helpers watercolor & ink on paper
The right jolly old elf has some eager little helpers. They're hard at work on a special Christmas toy. Making some finishing touches on this toy elephant before packing it onto the sleigh for the big day.
The Caroling Troupe
"The Caroling Troupe" watercolor & ink on paper
Spreading some much needed holiday cheer in a forest near you.
Fox Mitten
Fox Mitten 7"x7" watercolor on paper
This little guy wraps up my series, Smitten with the Mitten. It's probably no secret, owing to my deep love of foxes, that this is the painting I am the most smitten with in this set. Gingerbread men dancing above his head, and soon sugar plums will be dancing in our dreams and hearts.
We're getting so close to Christmas, I can barely stand it! The jolly old elf himself is probably making his list, soon it will be getting checked twice, cross your fingers that you make the list. I know this little fox has most certainly been good all year, he's a definite add to the nice list, if you want my recommendation Santa!
Bear Mitten
Bear Mitten 7"x7" watercolor on paper
Our bear friend has quite a large sweet tooth, he's a gentle giant and will never turn down an opportunity for candy. He's one of my favorites from my series Smitten with the Mitten.
Confession: I'm a bit jealous of his red mittens, and I'll admit that I wish they were real so I could snatch up a pair for myself! I can picture a jolly elf sporting a set of those mittens as well.