For this week's Illustration Friday topic: Simple, I chose to illustrate a quote from one of my all time favorite children's authors, Laura Ingalls Wilder. For those who may not be familiar with her work, she wrote the "Little House" series of books about growing up during the late 18oo's on the American frontier. I LOVED those books and read them over and over again throughout my childhood....and not too long ago too. She describes in glorious detail the simple (yet complex and dangerous) lives they led. Wonderful books!When contemplating how to illustrate the quote, I decided to do an homage to another childhood favorite of mine, Holly Hobbie - the prairie-bound figures that celebrated girlhood, wildflowers, homespun calico and life's simple pleasures. I spent countless hours in the 70's drawing Holly Hobbie figures with their big, floppy bonnets - I loved them. I still do - they were an undeniable influence on my artistic style. I'm happy to see that good old Holly Hobbie is enjoying a bit of a renaissance. Good for her! (check out the Holly Hobbie e-cards - cute stuff)
So here's to the simple joys of life - may our days be filled with them and our lives enriched by them - and may we stop long enough to savor them!
"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all."
Laura Ingalls Wilder
I loved Holly Hobbie and the Little House books as well! I used to have the Holly Hobbie doll, sewing machine and I still have my tin Holly Hobbie box. It's just right for holding index cards. This is a beautiful illustration, and I knew before I read what you wrote that Holly Hobbie was your inspiration. :0)
ReplyDeleteHi there,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful illustration.
It brought back all kinds of childhood memories so thank you for that.
I instantly thought of Holly Hobbie when I saw it, I still have a few Holly books here at home. And I still have the Laura Ingalls books as well, they used to be one of my favorite readings, this was over 22 years ago... ohmegosh.
I always love seeing what you are up to! Nice soft illo, I am not familiar with the books though. All the best.
ReplyDeleteSweet. I like the border around the illustration.
ReplyDeletewww.wynlen.no
I have always loved the little house books and this is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet...I love the homespun look with the patchwork bacground and the muted colors.
ReplyDeleteloved the Little House books and Holy Hobbie and I love your homage!
ReplyDeleteSeems as though you're bringing back lots of memories for those of us who enjoyed Holly and Laura as little girls. I certainly like the way you have illustrated this theme. Great colors and patterns. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteBecki, thank you so much for all the nice posts on my blog. I really loved this illo, it also brought back so many memories I had totally forgotten about. The illo is so sweet and beautiful, just like everything you create. Congratulations and God bless U girl!
ReplyDeleteSigh, I loved Holly Hobbie. I had a set of sheets for my bed and everything! Such a sweet illustration. Thanks for stirring some good memories :).
ReplyDeleteI read all of the Little House books as well!...and also LOVED Holly Hobby!! Your illustration is fantastic..and, love the quote! I really like your background inside the frame...VERY nice!
ReplyDeleteBefore reading your post I though of Holly Hobbie! I had the doll and purse. I still remember what her foot tasted like. Weird I know!! Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog. I feel blessed to know you too!!
ReplyDelete-Holli
Oh my I loved watching little house on tv with my boys when they were little. My nieces have read all the books.
ReplyDeleteAnd the Holly Hobbie motif sure brings back memories.
If my memory is correct i think Holly Hobbie was the start of the country decor. Always wonderful to see your lovely posts each week. I look forward to it
Nicely done, Becky! These are all such strong pieces. Hope you're adding these to your folio. I always loved the LHOTP-type shows (like The Waltons) as they're usually so warm and focus in on the goodness of life. Thanks for sharing your take on IF's "simple"!
ReplyDeleteYep, my kids read all the books in the series when they were younger. Great colors, and I like the 'quilted' border. Wonderful sentiment in the text.
ReplyDeleteI read those too! and my dughter had a Holly Hobby doll. Lovely 'homespun' country style illustration.
ReplyDeleteI like the colors, and it's so sweet.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big Holly Hobbie fan. I had checked out her autobiography (with lots of her art inside) from the library, and I wanted to buy the book, but it took months before I found an affordable copy from an online used bookstore. Now it its one of my prize possessions!
Becky, I knew you had great taste too hahaha. Van Gogh is just amazing. I'm glad you liked my Starry Night...I'm waiting for your "song" to arrive!
ReplyDeleteGod bless U and keep up the great work!