My Little Library

Is finished! And being picked up today... Remember I told you about the Little Free Library program back in May? Several artists in my town were asked to do one and they will be auctioned off to raise money for the Decatur Book Festival - an event near and dear to my heart.
     Well, MANY hours later, my library is finally complete. I rarely paint by hand (I usually sketch by hand, but do everything else in the computer), so this was an interesting exercise for me and is a rare piece of original art (most of my finals are digital prints). I used acrylics and colored pencil. Daren Wang (organizer) is going to arrange to have it get a clear-coat of acrylic spray to seal it since I really don't have a space to do that.
     All said, I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out:

     The door has book spines painted on it (my titles, of course) and the library is a lovely salmon pink inside. ("Sweet Tangerine" from Ace Hardware for those who might be interested.)

     Notice book spines make up the trunk of the trees. (I think this is my favorite panel.)

     Along with fairies, I included a robin, an owl, a lizard, and reading mice.


     And voila!

13 comments:

Christina Rodriguez said...

This turned out beautifully! I've been in love with Little Free Libraries since last year when my old MN library tweeted about them (fancy that!). They started in the Midwest and it's so good to see how they've sprouted up all over the US!

Elizabeth O Dulemba said...

Thanks Christina! And indeed - I've been surprised by how many people had already heard of them! :) e

Elizabeth Rose Stanton said...

This is so cool! I'd love to get one of these started in our community!

Nicole Hill said...

Elizabeth, this is beautiful!
I love the back panel with the 2 fairies.

Arabella said...

Wow! This is just beautiful! I've never heard of a Little Free Library... must look it up!

Arabella

Teresa Arsenault said...

Elizabeth, this is awesome. So gorgeous. I love it. Thanks for showing it and thanks also for the adorable sunflower.
Blessing hugs,
Teresa

Linda D said...

So very cute! Love all the reading fairies and the book spines are brilliant!

Lagene said...

AWESOME birdhouse! Fantastic!

judit said...

Wow Elizabeth, this is gorgeous. I love the idea of the Little Free Libraries as well! Yours just turned out beautiful! Hugs, judit x

Janette said...

Never heard of this before but it sounds a brilliant idea, I just love your work, it's stunning.xx

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth, this is gorgeous! Anyone who gets it will truly be blessed! Nice job!

Lisa Jacobi said...

The most precious artwork in our house is a children's table and four chairs painted by hand by you for our daughter.... in the very first year of your professional illustration career.

Our *fire escape* plan for our home, everyone knows to grab the dogs and E's artwork. Then if there is time, my musical instruments and laptop.

I am so sorry that I won't be in Decatur for the festival so that I could see your Little Free Library House in person.

Elizabeth O Dulemba said...

Lisa - you're too sweet!! I'm so glad I was able to create a treasure for you! Hugs, e