book read

[flea]

The art of Holly Hobbie: drawing on affection, by Holly Hobbie (1986). The artist now best know for the Toot and Puddle children's books, originally famous in the 1970s when her drawings of prairie girls for Hallmark cards became a merchandising phenomenon. I had a Holly Hobbie doll. It's actually her real name.

This is a heavily illustrated little memoir about her art-life and its intersection with her family-life, as she raised 3 children during the period of Holly Hobbie popularity, and they often served as her models in one way or another. It's sweet, domestic, full of love for her children and the outdoors. Interesting to compare the watercolors (this is her main medium) with her recent work in Toot and Puddle - her style has evolved, and is more free. I love sharp detailed watercolors and wish I could do them.

Comments

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

I have a Holly Hobbie doll my mom made me when I was about Casper's age. She's so cute, although I cut off her bonnet as a child because I wanted to wear it myself. I sort of regret that now.

I did not know she wrote books.

[askye.livejournal.com]

I had a Holly Hobbie doll and this decorative plate thing -- sort of like a paperweight and also the Color Forms. I loved those color forms (well, I loved Color forms in general).