Favorite Artist Spotlight on: Marjolein Bastin

One of my most favorite artists would certainly be Marjolein Bastin. If you've ever come across a Hallmark greeting card that you thought was just so naturally beautiful, you'd probably flip it over and see Marjolein's name.

Marjolein has always loved nature, and her love of nature is easily seen in her work. Her art is done in beautifully applied watercolor, where the lightness of the medium is used to its finest. I love the detail in her work. She not only captures nature realistically, but also captures it beautifully when she applies just a bit of whimsy. Check out her Vera the Mouse character (who is so adorable) who has appeared in children's books already. Marjolein is one of those wonderful people who know the value of having children more involved in nature. As a child she remembers lying the grass, soaking up the sights, sounds, and feelings of nature. It is so important for little ones to be outside. It slows down their thinking and relaxes them, opens their mind and teaches them.

It is easy to see that Marjolein loves nature and animals. Her work has been featured mainly on greetings cards, but also in calendars, children's books, scrapbooking items, stickers, and magazines.

I think her work is wonderful! This piece is one of my favorites: