Two magic trees

This really was a fun project: two paintings for two wonderful kids. I created these images after interviewing the two of them trying to figure out what they like, what makes them laugh, and what they would like in their painting. 

That was the easy part... 

After that it was clear I had to create a painting with a tiger- a shark- an  elephant- AND termites in it....only in a 5 year old mind that's the easiest thing to do ...it was a hilarious fun experience ;)

The best part...when they saw their paintings and were flat on their bellies trying to figure out the stories behind the paintings.

These pantings were auctioned off at the Spring Benefit 2012, of the Metropolitan Montessori School NY

Happy Thanksgiving Turkey Freebie!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!!

It's been a great year! Thank you for checking my blog!! Here is a free printable Turkey illustration I made for you. 

Print it, cut it out, fold and glue it to make a fun table decoration for you tomorrow!!

Although I have to admit my daughter thinks they look creepy...  Personally I think the creepiest turkey is the pinkish one that's taking up all my fridge space today....

Somehow I think Red is getting fed up with her fairytale...

crocs in school

I recently made a sign for a new elementary school in Heino, The Netherlands. This painting was a gift from the Parent Association to the new school. It is a beautiful new school, with a huge and fun playground. When visiting I didn't see any crocs or elephants, really. But hey! you'll never know what kids bring to school these days...

Here are some links to articles in the local press about the painting :)

http://www.sallandmagazine.nl/lokale-oudercommissie-heino-schenkt-koos-cadeau-voor-opening-ons-plein/
http://sallandcentraal.nl/article.php?action=showarticle&id=35083
http://www.deweekkrant.nl/pages.php?page=2369618
http://t.co/HvWL6m8t

Sailor elephant said it hurt but he did not cry

I am not sure what a regular tattoo artist could work a thick, wrinkled, sensitive skin like this. But this guinea fowl sure knows what he's doing!

Little Red Ridinghood

Little Miss Red walked into my sketch book last night.... Glad to finally meet her in person

Can we keep him?

Two days ago I visited a store on the UWS in New York...I was complimented by the shop owner that I told my kids "no".  She said she rarely sees parents telling kids no...

Ain't that weird I thought. Knowing my kids, if I'd never say no, things would get radically chaotic pretty soon....

I have vivid memories of a tantrum 'cause we said "no" to a baby elephant, even though the kids promised he would sleep in the bath tub.

It's just the perfect Tuesday for Ice cream

It's hot and sticky outside. The water is back on in Central Park...Yep! I'm sure!! Summer is here!!

Albert Einstein was a wise man!

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
Albert Einstein

Tribute to where the wild things are

Two days ago, Maurice Sendak, author of "Where the Wild Things Are" died at the age of 83. It was one of my favorite books growing up, although I read the Dutch translation " Max en de Maximonsters". I must have read it at least a 1000 times (...and I still love and read it...)


I love where the wild things are! 


I know where they live, 
they live in brave little girls!

Happy pinning!

Oww I just love pinterest. It's great for mood-boards, illustration referral boards, inspiration...and as I discovered...excellent for making lists. 

This is at the moment my most important board, for I know I'll depend on it for surviving June-July and August!!!.... 


How to spend 103 days of summer-vacation...?

Please (pretty please!) feel free to add suggestions!!! 

http://pinterest.com/spekelharing/how-to-spend-103-days-of-summervacation/

Happy Queens-day!

It's Queens-day in the Netherlands today! Wishing everyone who's celebrating today a very fun, happy and of course orange day!!

I'm taking my giraffe shopping in SoHo today

We are having friends over this week. And I know it's time for some retail therapy! SoHo here we come...!

Bansky meets Pekelharing...

I watched "Exit Through The Gift Shop" the other day. (http://www.banksyfilm.com/ ) It's a great movie...it's the inside story about street art, with some amazing artists, but really also a movie about hyping something.


I wouldn't mind to be hyped...if only I had the nerve...

Rhino in Central Park illustration

Wunderground.com said it was 96 F (33 C) today! Summer has definitely started in NYC! In Central Park everybody is playing outside with their friends these days. It just that some friends are great for a lunch date and others perfect for hangin' at the playground, it aint easy to find that one friend that is great no matter what you want to do....

Wild Things

This little girl is my newest family member. I loved this picture of her so much. You just know she will grow up and live in a forest where she will teach a grizzly to do a juggling act. It's pretty clear she at least has the right attitude at the age of 2 months.

So I made her this painting... When she's 4 I'll give her an outfit like that..no pressure..., it just would be so cool to have a tamer of Wild Things in the family.

sketches

Three new sketches...for a new birth announcement card. There is something real fun about elephants.