the new tree

I've been asked to illustrate another children's book written by a friend. This is a lovely story about a girl who moves from the city to the country when her grandfather becomes too old to keep up his apple orchard alone. I've been using pencil and watercolor, which suits the style of writing and the subject matter. Delicate and simple. The author lives in Vermont and has visited apple orchards to get a better idea of how they work. There is a part of the book that explains how grafting works, which is an interesting aspect of the story. The whole things reminds me of New England -my homeland! More illustrations to come soon...

home for a snail

A new bag design, complete with snails and whispers of home. I am so intrigued with the creatures and love to draw them, I just can't help it! This one speaks of being homeward bound. Why does a snail always have to live within its shell?

These are for sale on etsy and on my new folksy shop.

le mollusc adventure

Well, I'm very excited about a recent project I have been working on: a children's book written by Simon Colley and illustrated by me! Simon email me a little while back with a proposal that I draw pictures for a story he had written about a boy who races snails. When I read the story I was inspired by the little world of amusing characters and events which filled my mind with wonderful images. Since last summer, when I spent time at a friend's garden, I have been taken with the simple beauty of snails and their funny ways. Simon found my pen and ink drawing posted to this blog (also my profile image) and that began the collaboration!

Be sure to check out Simon's blog where he reads the stories out loud!

http://molmacha.blogspot.com/

Below are a few of the illustrations I have done so far.