A Gnome For Every Season
Gnomes have always been hovering around the borders of my life. This series follows the gnomes of NW Illinois as they enjoy each month. Inspired by the works of Rien Poortvliet and Jan Brett these prints start from watercolor paintings, digitally enhanced with a border. This border gives me an opportunity to tell more of the story, each month bringing changes to the gnomes’ homestead and giving them more chances for fun!
January
Celebrating the New Year together, the gnomes brave the weather with bonfires, sparklers, and fireworks. They toast the upcoming year on the apple tree platform, and enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing and fort building.
April
April is the time for garden prep and enjoying the first real smell of spring. The apple trees are just startign to bloom, and the stars are bright. The gnomes will help their animal friends get their summer coats ready and goof around.
July
July is for fireflies and enjoying the cool night air after a sweltering day. The gnomes will sit with a loved one in a refreshing summer rain, play music with friends around a bonfire, and always remember to take the time to forage for summer-blooming mushrooms!
October
This gnome carving a jack-o-lantern is the one who started this whole series. They also enjoy crisp fall air, warm beverages, bonfires and dressing up for Halloween!
February
Sometimes February is tough. Winter has been around for a while and the gnomes are starting to get excited about spring, even though it’s a while off. Spend this month enjoying the last bit deep snow, a hot tub in the cold, or a wintery smooch. Winter is also a decent time to get some tree trimming in if you can manage it!
May
May is the best month for morel mushroom hunting, and you know the gnomes are heading out into the woods! The apple trees are in bloom, rabbits are frolicking in the fields, and it’s the time of fresh veggies and spring cleaning.
August
August is the season to get into the lake! The gnomes also check to see how the apples are growing, harvest tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and basil. They enjoy the hot summer nights, and try to catch some falling stars during the Perseid meteor shower.
November
Roast marshmallows in the cold, and wrap up tight in blankets. Even as the weather turns bitter, the gnomes find ways to enjoy the outdoors, bird watching, jumping into piles of leaves, and visiting friends and family.
March
March is a good month to feed the birds before the spring bounty is in full effect. The gnomes enjoy the early spring weather with kite flying and chilly picnics. Even they sometimes get stuck inside when the storms are too wild.
June
June is time for Midsummer, enjoying the long warm nights, with bonfires, snacks, and revelry. The gnomes enjoy the smell of fresh cut grass, perfect camping nights and fresh raspberries. Whenever possible they get out on the lake to bask in the start of summer.
September
The first cool touch of Autumn is in the air as the gnomes celebrate the harvest. Apple picking is a bit more challenging at their size, but they are up for it! Processing the bounty of the growing season is the name of the game in September. That and heading back to school.
December
In December the Gnomes bring back pine branches to decorate and wood to burn. They visit family, play ice hockey, exchange gifts, and adorn the huge cedar tree with julbock, Danish hearts, and other festive decorations. During the darkest days of winter, they find many things to celebrate with friends and family.