Memories of Calli Lilies

One of my all-time favourite artists, Diego Rivera, was born in Mexico and many of his paintings reflected the political and social times of his era. Here, he depicts a simple market scenario of women selling Calli-lilies from giant bunches. The contrast of bright white on black and traditionally dressed women brings focus to the task at hand. Though faceless, it seems these pieces overflow with emotion. They are my two choice pieces completed by Rivera and stand out as both a set or on their own.

Considering that these are facsimiles of the real thing, they are simplifications of how I have envisioned his technique. Many prints are on the market, but the originals are worth the time to discover.

Sweet Pea's version are 2x2 foot replicas on stretched canvas; a gift for my baby sister gone gardener, since she purchased her first home;)
They also bring back memories of our time together in Central America...though we tell our favourite stories enough that it is hardly forgotten;)

With lots of love and best wishes...from your big sister.

Almond Blossom Princess

How appropriate that Sweet Pea's last piece before flying off the China is for one of my all-time favourite wee customers...Miss Giuliana Lucia.

Over a year and a half ago, I was introduced to her family and four projects later, I continue trying to convince them to add to their art collection...mostly so I can return for a delivery visit;)
Miss G is Sugar 'n Spice in a tiny little package.

Exclusively designed with her in mind, this 2x3 foot scroll is made to match her bedroom and serves as a keepsake for her to grow with. With a flower blossom theme, it is mature enough to last her for years to come. Charcoal gray branches jut out to display bursts of candy pink almond blossoms with lemon chiffon centers. Two-tone sequins frost the tips of the flowers to mimic sparkling dew drops. Giuliana's first and middle names are painted in Gigi font, with a faint tiara placed gently on the "g".

There is still more to come. Once a wooden dowel rod is secured to the top of the scroll, black finial endings and satin ribbon will be added for hanging. The pink that dominates her room along with the black accents will blend nicely with her new scroll.

Looking forward to seeing the little munchkin and her doll of a baby brother before heading overseas...and hopefully hooking up in the future for more fun projects.

Big Brother D

This set of letter canvases is meant to compliment the mural of little E's big brother, D. Diamond and square shapes alternate with a blue, red and tan coloured pattern. The letters are painted in a two-tone chocolate; dark and cocoa with a solid, masculine font.

Last year when he was waiting for his baby sister to arrive, his mom ordered a hockey canvas for him that now hangs above his bed. These letter canvases, with a colour scheme to match his mural will hang vertically to spell out his name.

Here's to Big Brother D's new room, in his new house where he will make many more great memories with his growing sister.

B is for Baby

Nearly a year ago, I was lucky enough to be part of a chic nursery in-the-making as little E's family prepared for her arrival. With the furniture on order and walls painted a soft sage, I added a creamy white bow with ribbon tails that centered over the crib (that was coming) and onto the connecting walls. This year, when I returned, the nursery was complete right down to the gorgeous details..and most importantly a smiley baby girl!

To keep with the colour palette and feminine accents, this year little E's mom opted for 6 12x12" canvas with alternating shades of cream, pink and sage. Each canvas represents a different letter of baby's name with a flowing ribbon font. Puffy daisies and rounded baby butterflies are scattered around the letters. Maintaining a simple palette (in this case, three colours plus a creamy cocoa for the butterfly bodies), round and graceful images emphasize the delicate nature of the baby girls room.
Stay tuned for glimpses of the chic nursery all complete.

Wishing Baby E and family all the best as they make their move into their new nest;)

T is for...

...Tractor!

Little J is getting a big tractor today!

The vintage-style machine billows a puff of smoke out the top and idles as it waits for the driver to return to his work. The canvas measures 3x4 feet with a background shade to match the green wall in baby J's big boy bedroom. Charcoal grays, steel blue, creamy yellows and whites keep the colour-palette neutral. Best of all, it keeps with his Pottery Barn bedding theme of construction vehicles.

Baby J's mom who has a great eye for design has also requested a footstool (to help him onto his big boy bed) and pegboard with images from the Pottery Barn bedding; C is for cement truck & B is for bulldozer. Once everything comes together, this little cutie is going to have one cool construction space for sleep and play!

Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice...

...that is what Princess' are made of;)

Tonight I finally get to meet little Z when I deliver her Royal Scroll to their castle in Milton. This is one of the greatest parts of my job; meeting the new mini owners of the illustrations.

Her scroll measures 2x3 feet and is topped off with fine, cream finial endings and a lilac satin ribbon for hanging. The rolling sage hills make way for the sandy-coloured castle with tall turrets and flags waving in the breeze. Butterflies swirl in the sky, chased by a stream of sequins. Rows of trees line the hills and rose bushes surround the drawstring bridge door. A patch of sunshiney daisies and fuschia flowers bid you welcome to the royal palace and all of the treasures that lie within.

Wishing little Z a lifetime of Princess dreams.
All hail the Princess!

CHINA BOUND!

Valued Customers ...
It is with great pleasure that I announce our family decision to relocate to China!

This dream has been many years in the making for my husband and I...so we are very much looking forward to the opportunity to live and work in the community where we stayed two years ago...most importantly to begin our family;)

Sweet Pea Murals has truly grown in the past year; many new contacts, many new wee ones and a portfolio that has become quite extensive. I am not giving up my love for design...just taking it across the ocean!

It is my plan to to ship custom art from China. I have had several customer requests to do so. It may take a few months to get production details underway, but my hope is that I can continue creating for your little ones abroad (& some little ones over there too...including our own!)

BIG PAINTINGS FOR WEE PEOPLE
The Sweet Pea blogsite http://www.sweetpeamurals.blogspot.com/
will be updated on a regular basis to display the latest and greatest; keeping parents posted on what's new in the big world of illustration for children. My contact will also remain the same sweet_pea_murals@yahoo.ca The website is all that is no longer available.

I want to take this time to thank you all for your business, kind words and well wishes, as we embark on the journey of our lifetime.
I look forward to continuing business with you from China!