Friday, December 04, 2009

Nutcracker fun

One of my favorite scenes from the Nutcracker is the dance off against the Rat King and his comrades. How touched was I when the above illustration arrived. This was a gift to me from artist, Maia Chavez Larkin. She illustrated my daughter Amelia and titled this "Amelia takes a stand." If you know my girl, this work captures her fearless smiling self. I can just see her laughing during this dance as she protects the Nutcracker. Surely, Rat King has no idea who he is up against.
Enjoy the first weekend in December.

20 comments:

Purple Flowers said...

Beautiful illustration. I'm sure your daughter smiles when she looks at it! Enjoy your weekend!!

Shandell's said...

Nothing better than Seeing the Nutcracker this time of year.

Jo said...

I love the Nutcracker. It's been a Christmas tradition for many many years. What fun that your daughter is featured in this lovely piece.

Have a wonderful weekend~
Jo

Mrs. Blandings said...

Absolutely charming.

Deidra said...

I knew that was your daughter as soon as the image popped up on the screen! What a great illustration!

Maia said...

Glad you both like it! I had such fun doing it ;)

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Absolutely adore this illustration! Maia is such a talent! I can't wait to have her capture the crumb's essence!

jacjewelry said...

Love it! We are going to see the ballet at Lincoln Center soon. Can't wait!

My Notting Hill said...

How wonderful! What a treasure.

Karena said...

How darling. The Nutcracker is such a great tradition for the holidays!

Debra said...

What a wonderful, thoughtful gift! I see the likeness. This illustration is a treasure. Hope you're enjoying a wonderful weekend with your family.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

That is something to be treasured. How beautiful!

Jeanne Henriques said...

It is sweet and lovely.

Kwana said...

This is just wonderful and so like Amelia. It really captures her fearless spirit.

Emily said...

It's beautiful and so unique! My own daughter wants a nutcracker for Christmas...she loved him in one of the Barbie movies. What a special gift.

Kelley said...

So cute. I danced in the Nutcracker for years as a little girl, so I can hear the battle music that goes along with this scene.

Unknown said...

It's truly her! How sweet!
Treasure it, it is so special!

XX
Victoria

Rebecca said...

I was a grandmother the first time I saw the Nutcracker (in person)with granddaughter number one. It was great fun for us both.
I saw a report she did about a valuable possession and her Nutcracker book, with the tickets in it, was what she wrote about.
How fun your daughter got to dance in a production!! The illustration is wonderful and a great memento for her to cherish.

P.Gaye Tapp at Little Augury said...

How gorgeous- I recognized her immediately.Definitely determination in those eyes and the set of her chin! Wonderful and I bet she loves it too. GT

Marnie said...

this illustration is a beauty - captures your daughter perfectly, as you say. fun to have another illustrator's work in the mix. love, love the nutcracker. best wishes to amelia on her nutcracker performance