31.1.06

The 'Good Queen Esther'















The large nursery commission I finished recently, (not the greatest of scans)...as usual there are lots of personal touches, pertinent to the baby - in this one there are so many I wrote a little letter of explanation to the tiny recipient, for when she is older. The commissioner particularly wanted a London Routemaster bus, although the Mayor has just finished replacing the aging fleet with 'bendy buses'. The skyline is a *bit* inaccurate - the Gherkin pops up where it shouldn't' be - it is just supposed to represent some of the more famous attractions of the capital. The national colours of green, white and orange are Hungarian. Yet again one of my paintings is traveling to a far off country...this time I am going with it, (albeit in paint only) with Pumpkin, the youngest member of our cat family...



16 comments:

lorna said...

This is wonderful PG, what a lucky little recipient! Something to treasure for ever.

andrea said...

This looks like a watercolour. Is it a painting or a mural (since you said "nursery commission")? I heard about the authorities replacing the double deckers. What a shame. I read almost all of "Anna Karenina" at the top and front of the number 73.

Gretel said...

It's an A2 watercolour with added pastel. I refer to them as nursery paintings as a loose description, makes 'em sound a bit posher too!

It is a shame about the Routemasters, but Ken is a very determined chap...

Maya said...

Gretel...you know what you did..I saw the work you posted here and ran to my desk to draw a bit...I couldn't stop myself...even skipped dinner (I am starving).

The illustraion is gorgeous...your my inspiration Fairy ;)

The fabric of my life said...

Gretel I am in awe. Your illustrations are just delicious. The child that receives this is a very lucky one and the commisioner a very generous benefactor. Beautiful :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi PG, Good Queen Esther- I haven't shown her yet but I think she will be dead chuffed! Not that many Esthers around, and I she'll like the flowing brown hair!!! I do love to see ,more of your illustrations, I look at the 'stormy day' regularly and see more depth each time. x Nursie

Anonymous said...

Hi PG, Good Queen Esther- I haven't shown her yet but I think she will be dead chuffed! Not that many Esthers around, and I she'll like the flowing brown hair!!! I do love to see ,more of your illustrations, I look at the 'stormy day' regularly and see more depth each time. x Nursie

Anonymous said...

PS excuse the typos on the previous, bit of a rush tonight. What a wonderful piece of work I'm sure the little girl will grow up to love this scene, I'm pleased to hear about more little Esthers entering the world!!! N

Gina said...

Wonderful whimsical work.

valerie walsh said...

what a wonderful painting and what a very lucky child! Your colours are so beautiful

tlchang said...

Congrats Gretel! It turned out so nicely. I adore the balloon. And your palette. Sometime, if you will, post a bit about your watercolor/pastel combo technique? I love how it looks.

Gretel said...

Oh gosh, thank you everyone! It's always a relief to know it turned out ok, especially when it's been done in a hurry...:)

Joanna said...

Its a lovley magical seen to carry the lucky little girl of into here dreams.

The fabric of my life said...

I'm glad you liked my fabric room Gretel. I think you inspired me to get in there and clear it up! The noddy dolls are not the bendy ones you mentioned, the Mickey mouse is, they are the more modern ones but still collectable. I have rather a big collection coming on as Alfie has given all his old ones to me (he's too grown up for them you see!)

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful, whimsical painting for a nursery. I'm sure the little one will enjoy it for many years to come. (and so thoughtful of you to write the letter of explanation. How fun)

Unknown said...

your illustrations are BEAUTIFUL!! WOW!!