It is bitter cold outside. Blades of grass are sugared with frost and the water in the bird bath is solid again.
I cocoon myself in scarf, hat, gloves and coat to venture out into the garden. A bunch of snowdrops and to defrost the bird bath, my small mission. It's thirsty work when you are a bird preparing to build a nest. Flitting branch to branch and darting from tree to hedge, I've been watching them from my window as I work.
There is new growth in the garden. Among the dry browns, a new primrose and a single bluebell emerge.
And back indoors, it doesn't take long for the snowdrops to open up.
In the mean time and because I haven't any new work to show you today. Here are two old paintings of mine which were done for a personal picture book project, a few years back. It got abandoned in dummy book form when I was told by publishers that the illustration style was too old fashioned looking? I also felt my story wasn't strong enough.
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I think they are wonderful and I love the paper cut garland in the window- and the hope in the fact that over in UK things are starting to push up out of the ground! Here- there is still three feet of snow to get through- but maybe the melt is coming!
ReplyDeleteToo old fashioned???! I think those 2 pictures are so magical! Kids need a bit of magic in their lives these days...there really isn't enough.
ReplyDeleteI am soooo tired of being cold. I would cry if we got snow again down here! lol
I am hoping to get some seed trays on the windowsill this weekend...I want to get things underway for the garden now :)
Old Fashioned? Not at all! I agree with Julia. Indeed, the magic of "old fashioned" is that it brings comfort in a spinning world.
ReplyDeleteLove your work!
It is a great shame that your book did not make it, As for your style being too old fashioned, well! If it makes you feel any better I get that all the time but - what goes around comes around. Your work has a timeless magical quality which will always be a delight.
ReplyDeleteBoth images would make beautiful Christmas cards, have you thought of submitting them to a card publisher? I think they are exquisite and I am sure I am not alone.
Simply beautiful! Your art has such a magical fairy tale feel to it, it would seem to me that it would never be out of style. I love your creations (I think your owl friend is my favorite) and find them quite inspiring!
ReplyDeleteYour paintings are simply beautiful, Karen, and full of magic. I hope you will revisit this project in time to come and bring it to reality. As always, a lovely heart-warming post! Bright wishes. xx
ReplyDeleteI love those two paintings. I guess I must be old-fashioned. LOL I think they are fine as is, but it is you who must be completely satisfied with them. All your work has such a lovely magical quality to it, like the snow and frost that resides outside your window and the flickers of gold upon fur. Perhaps publishers might see things a wee differently now. :) Have a lovely Valentine weekend~Theresa
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ReplyDeleteThey're both absolutely lovely and the second one particularly so. You should trust your vision, you always create magical landscapes to get lost in.
ReplyDeleteAll the best!
These really are beautiful works, so otherworldly. When my kids were young, 15 or 20 years ago, I wouldn't have been able to resist a book with pictures like this. Actually, I probably still couldn't! Did you do more for the book, or just these as samples to show the publisher?
ReplyDeleteBoth are gorgeous and I agree with the sky needing to be a bit darker.
ReplyDeleteAlison
Oh thankyou for sharing the photo of your snowdrops...the birds ate all my snowdrop bulbs !!!!!!! So not one have I in my little garden and they are my fav flower ! Oh I agree old-fashioned is best...your painting of the jug and garland in the window made me cry (happy cry)...dont know why memories of my childhood !
ReplyDeleteHave you ever thought of licensing your work again, Karen? I know you worked for Roger la Borde at one time. I think these 2 illustrations are really pretty, and would make lovely cards, especially when printed with a sprinkling of glitter (which is back in vogue these days - everything always comes round again!)
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your posts! and I'm afraid the painted owl wooden heart I bought from you last year, which was intended as a present for my sister who has owls in her barns, never left my own studio because I loved it too much myself, lol!
It's all down to taste, isn't it? And there are plenty of us here who love those paintings, so stuff the others! I love the red on the first painting and the unicorn on the second. Definitely magical! x
ReplyDeleteWell, I suppose I'm too "old-fashioned" as well, because I think these are wonderful. So atmospheric, such perfect pictures of winter. Keep going on your book. Remember that JK Rowling was turned down by almost everyone.
ReplyDeletehumbugs, your style is timeless & has a wonderful magical quality to it. It has been freezing cold here too, thought the sun is shining.
ReplyDeleteI think your paintings are beautiful as are the words that you pen :)
ReplyDeleteI love them. And what's wrong with old-fashioned? They remind me of favourite childhood picturebooks. Sometimes I find today's ones are aimed more at the parents than the children!
ReplyDeleteThese are right up my street!
Hi Karen, I think both images are absolutely stunning. Maybe the publisher was looking for a particular style at that time? Silly foolish people ;)xx
ReplyDeleteOldfashion?? mmm i think its a classic style, but OMG *__* wonderfull, you have a talent dear!! I love unicorns and pretty skys jeejejej!! takes care
ReplyDeleteblessings
I think those paintings are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteyour work is really enchanting publishers blow hot and cold too quickly I also love your wood work items really special
ReplyDeleteThey are both simply enchanting! The unicorn in the snow would make a fabulous holiday card for next year...maybe!?
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely and enchanting! I agree with some of the other commenters that they would make beautiful xmas cards.
ReplyDeleteI think these paintings deserve to see the light of day :)
Oh, and thanks for the snowdrops - so sweet.
I love your art. It seems many times when I go back to a work of art, it gets "overworked". (not always)
ReplyDeleteKarena
I think the two illustrations are perfect...maybe you should revisit that book! And if it's any consolation at all, I'd LOVE some cold weather right now...I'm so over summer and we've probably got another good month and a half of it to go before it cools down, we get some rain, and green things start appearing again! :)
ReplyDeleteI love both these paintings. These are so beautiful. Just love your work. Would love to see these made as cards for us to buy too
ReplyDeletePublishers know nothing! What utter tosh. They are beautiful. I think you should go back to that book......
ReplyDeleteKaren!
ReplyDeleteAren't you wonderful thinking of those thirsty birds like that!
The snowdrops look lovely and I bet they smell amazing.
Regarding the paintings. The bottom one looks like a winter wonderland. I love it!
Maybe strengthen the trees. Define them a bit more so they don't get lost in all of that white on white.
Otherwise they look great!
-Dean
I love these pictures and think that as people are more into vintage looks now, it could be time to resurrect the idea of the book.
ReplyDeleteGive it a go and good luck :)
I particularly like the bottom one...its lovely....you paint a magical picture of the simplest of tasks
ReplyDeleteI think your pictures would make magical Christmas cards too. i would certainly buy them!!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see a few small signs of Spring isn't it?
Best wishes
dan
-x-
Old fashioned?!? I love old fashioned, and magical, as I am sure many, many do! The paintings are beautiful, and would be wonderful in a book, as cards, and prints!
ReplyDeleteDelighly engaging paintings, thats what i think. Excellent.
ReplyDeleteI also love the photo of the frosted blades of grass.
they look like the fur on my cat, Iki although he would never have frost on the endsof his unless he managed to get into the freezer like he manages to sneak everywhere else. . . I digress.
One word... Magical!
ReplyDeleteOld fashioned indeed.. The world needs a bit more old fashioned. I agree with Ruthie, your work is timeless... Sometimes we need to go with our heart. There is a publisher out there for these magical paintings.
Your art work is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteTerra
hi...i just found you and just signed on to follow! i love your work!!!
ReplyDeleteOh its been a while since I stopped by Karen ... its lovely to feel the magic of your creativity again. I love the two pictures and don't think them old-fashioned at all! The little child in red playing outside in the snow is a wonderful touch!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see the green shoots appearing although I feel we have a long way to go yet after this very cold winter.
Jeanne x
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ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all your positive comments about the pictures :) xxxx
ReplyDeleteI think they are both gorgeous. That blue unicorn painting is glorious. The cathedral was indeed enchanting.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog tonight. I am truly in love with your artwork. There is so much magic and character in everything I've seen here, and I love your use of color. I hope one day I can own some of your work. It's just beautiful.
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