Hippopotamus on a T-Shirt

Still on the Hippopotamus theme, I've designed some items which are now in my shop online at Redbubble

These designs are based on the children's classic, There's a Hippopotamus on our Roof eating Cake. Story by Hazel Edwards and illustrations by me.
I have enjoyed designing in a new format and Redbubble has been a great site where I can display my works. It's been a lot of fun!

Here is a peek at some of the hippo inspired works. There are prints, posters, cards, notebooks and t-shirts, available in most sizes and colours, from newborn onwards. The design can be printed front or back. There are many other designs at my shop, but hippos are a favourite!

Hippo T-Shirt

Hippo T-Shirt

Hippo Hoodie from the back

Hippo Notebook

Hippo Poster

Hippopotamus at Glen St Theatre

Who would have thought that everyone's favourite hippo would be residing on the roof at Glen St Theatre, Belrose, Sydney?

He has been starring in the popular new musical especially for kids, called Hippo! Hippo! A new musical adventure!

The school holidays are on in Sydney so it is a great time to see this fun show which has been adapted from the books written by Hazel Edwards and illustrated by me. The first book of the series is There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake,  published in 1980 and continuously in print.

I'm taking some young family members this week. We are all looking forward to seeing the hippo singing and dancing!

A Musical Hippopotamus

Coming to many venues throughout Australia, in the next few months, is Hippo! Hippo! A Big New Musical Adventure!

Showing in popular areas in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, this fun production would appeal to all young children and adults who have a soft spot for a friendly pink hippo. 

It is based on the classic children's book 'There's a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake' written by Hazel Edwards and illustrated by me. 

The musical has been created by Gary Ginivan who has produced many exciting shows based on popular Australian books.

I'm looking forward to seeing the hippo star in his stage debut!  He'll rock it I'm sure!

http://touringselector.com/production?p=2438

Kawase Hasui

Hasui Kawase (1883-1957) was a Japanese artist who produced a magnificent body of work.

Kawase worked on landscape and urban prints based on sketches he made during travels around Japan. Earlier ukiyo-e masters such as Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849). were influential in Kawase's work

Kawase was a realist and used Western compositions in his paintings . He made travel and landscape prints from woodblocks and watercolours. His paintings are beautiful in their natural tones of light and shade.^.
 He also painted works in oil, and produced traditional hanging scrolls.

 His artistry was much appreciated worldwide and in 1956 was named a Living National Treasure in Japan.

Hans de Beer

Hans de Beer is a favourite artist of mine.  He has written and illustrated many books for children.
His very well known ones feature Lars the little Polar bear and his adventures.

I have other books that are beautifully illustrated by him.  He has a muted approach with watercolour and delicate inkwork in his art work. His animal characters always show great empathy without going overboard in the facial expressions.

Ollie the Elephant

Little Polar Bear

Illustration Hans de Beer

Ahoy There Little Polar Bear

Prince Valentino

 All his works are worth looking at for his fine drawing and reading for the amusing and heartwarming stories written by Hans de Beer and other authors.

It's Christmas!

Happy holidays one and all!

May 2016 bring exciting and creative times for everyone.

Here is something glittery to help the festive mood!

Old Photos

Early photo restoration Deborah Niland

I've been having a great time looking at and sorting photos from the family collections.  Some of these photos need a lot of restoration because of fading, marks, and damage due to age and fragility.

I found this one of my mother when she was a little girl.  I have restored it quite a bit but it still needs a lot of work.  It is such a sweet photo.

Easter Bunnies

Kano Osanabu (1796-1846)

  Happy Easter!  Here is a fine selection of rabbits depicted by different artists.

Mori Kansai (1814-1894)

Kawamura Bumpo c.1807

Old woodblock print

Shao Fan

Hui Yuan Chang

James W Johnson

Christmas Greetings!

Have a very Merry Christmas, everyone! 
Wishing you all a jolly festive season with family and friends.
Looking forward to more fun in 2015.

Here are some beautiful illustrations of birds in the colours of Christmas!

Maurice Saxby

I was saddened to hear that grand old man of children's literature, Maurice Saxby, died recently.

He was an enthusiastic and tireless promoter of children's literature and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of this genre.

Many an author, artist, teacher, academic or would-be creative person could not help but be inspired by his encouragement and generosity, whether through his books, lectures, articles or in person.

I will miss his cheery disposition and youthful outlook. He will be greatly missed.

Vale Maurice Saxby (1924 -2014)