Yuval Zommer's Charming Children's Book Illustrations

I've been following Yuval Zommer on Twitter and continue to be delighted by his work.

He's an illustrator hailing from London who has found his passion in children's books.

These Christmas pieces are full of friendly animals and birds

that evoke a cozy feeling of all things good.

The Big Book of Bugs has been published in 17 different languages!

It's part of a 3-book series which includes 

The Big Book of Beasts and The Big Book of Blue.

In this illustration, Yuval, a keen environmentalist,

discourages use of single-use plastics by 

showing their dangers to oceans and sea life. 

Other fun and intriguing books~ 

A few more of his illustrations~

Follow Yuval Zommer on Twitter.

Note Cards by Sarah Robinson Designs

 

I first noticed Sarah Robinson's work on Twitter, and began following her.

This girl from the UK has got real artistic talent.

I especially like the charming note cards she creates from her linocut designs.

 More of Sarah's work here:

Etsy

Twitter

Kay Leverton's Wonderful Scratchboard Designs

Kay Leverton, of Wales, creates her art using a medium called scratchboard.
If, like me, you aren't familiar with this, I'll explain.
 Using a sharp tool, or nib, a layer of india ink is scraped and scratched away, 
exposing the white clay surface underneath.
The resulting black and white image is detailed and dramatic.
Kay achieves fantastic texture, perspective and depth with her designs.

Find more of Kay's work here:

Website

Etsy

Images used with direct permission from Kay Leverton.

Catherine Rowe's Christmas Illustrations

Catherine Rowe, of the UK, is a talented artist and illustrator.

Her Christmas card illustrations caught my eye~

colorful birds -pheasants have always been a favorite of mine-

stylized with mistletoe, pine cones and evergreen sprigs.

Catherine was commissioned by the Isle of Man Post Office to design a set of stamps.

iomanpost.com

Pretty holiday patterns!

Find Catherine Rowe's art here:
Website
Etsy
Facebook

How I'd Love to Witness a Starling Murmuration!

Have you heard of a phenomenon in nature called a "starling murmuration?"
It's the uniting of thousands of birds, flying together in swirls across the sky.
They practically become a single living, breathing organism,
swarming and swaying in a precisely choreographed dance.
Other-worldly! A surreal cloud of unbelievable beauty!

How does this happen? 
It has to do with a bird's ability to balance cohesion with uncertainty. 
Each one actually focuses in on 7 of its neighboring flyers to find this balance.
If you have a bent for ornithology or physics, you're welcome to explore this further.
As for me, I attribute it to the glory of God our Creator!

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

Psalm 19:1

Enjoy this National Geographic video from YouTube~

Paper Artist Diana Beltrán Hererra's Gorgeous Bird Postage Stamps

When it comes to paper art, it's tough to top the 

exquisite work of Diana Beltrán Hererra.

Her paper bird sculptures are so detailed, you'd expect them to take flight.

I'm showing off her bird postage stamp project. 

A shout-out to Jessie, who did mission work in Papua New Guinea.

And this one is for my friend Ruth, who rises with the roosters.

Want more? Read this previous post I wrote on Diana's paper birds!

Also, you can check out her website and Facebook page.

Images used with direct permission from Diana Beltrán Hererra.

Chloe Giordano's Sweet Freehand Embroidery Art

Chloe Giordano, of Oxford, England, does spectacular freehand embroidery.

Her lovely birds and animals are brilliantly shaded to look so realistic!

Each is surrounded with sweet details like blossoms and butterflies.

She sells her original works as well as prints and greeting cards.

Here are a few of Chloe's stitchery creations~

Where to find more of Chloe's work:

Website

Etsy

Facebook

Twitter

Images used with direct permission from Chloe Giordano.

Ultra-Realistic Paper Sculptures by Calvin Nicholls

It's difficult to process that these amazing pieces of art

were created with untold quantities of tiny paper snippets!

Calvin Nicholls patiently constructed these paper sculptures

down to the very last feather or wisp of fur.

Immaculately detailed. So realistic.

Appreciating the uber talented Calvin Nicholls!

Also find Calvin's work here:
Website
Facebook



Images used with direct permission from Calvin Nicholls.