Watercolors
The Latest! ...
Well, it's FINALLY HAPPENED!! At long last, I've finished my first children's book: "Monday Mice," and it's off to several publishers for their review. (I'm sorta holding my breath ... and I'm as excited as a new author can be! I can't wait to actually hold my book in my hands, and of course, I want all of YOU to be able to do that too.)
To explain more about this children's book: as a child, I read constantly, and some of my favorite remembrances of "early reading" were books by authors such as Beatrix Potter ... anything about mice, or other sweet creatures. I've always loved illustrating mice and birds, and as a 10-yr. old, I had my very own two pet mice: "Minnie," and "Beatrice."
Now, in my sixties, I have more of these "Fancy Mice," and I think they are sweet and beautiful! I've owned mice again for the past five years, and in the Summer of 2023, I had quite a surprise when one of my little mama-mouses had SEVENTEEN babies right here in my house (in her aquarium habitat, of course!) I kept the mama "Liza" and six of her babies -- three girls and three boys. Several of those six sweet babies
"Tea for Two"
(13.5" x 9.5" on Arches 140#)
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"Bath Time Tale"
10" x 14" on Arches 140#
This little mouse does NOT want to take a bath, and in the accompanying poem, he tries valiantly to suggest various friends of his to Mama-Mouse. Friends who DO NEED a bath!
(Not for sale ... yet. I plan on having a book-signing event where all of my illustrations for the book will be displayed ... at some point in the future. Most of the paintings will be for sale at that time, so please stay tuned!)
lived beyond two years (which is elderly for mice!) One of the girls (named Alice) lived to the ripe old age of 2 years, 8 months, and 2 weeks, passing away on May 14, 2026. I so enjoyed their antics, their sweet companionship, and their willingness to pose for my camera at any time. I've used many of the photos as references for the illustrations in this book. At right is one of my favorites: "Bath Time Tale" -- the final of four illustrations for a poem I wrote as a young mom in my 30's!. (I'll share the poem I wrote to accompany this illustration when I publish! Sorry -- some things have to wait!)
About Ruth Andrews-Vreeland
I'm a Fine Artist working in watercolor, and I'm passionate about painting faces, whether human, or animal. I specialize in painting LIGHT, as I believe all beauty comes from light.
I'm a native-born Californian, transplanted to New Mexico in 1980 when I married my wonderful husband and father of our three now-adult "kids." We have seven precious grand-children (plus two bonus grandkids!), and I've been busy teaching them to paint in watercolor too. Watch out ... these kids are definitely going to be part of the "art scene" in future years! They're "scary-talented!" (Just this biased Grandma's opinion, but apparently the NM State Fair Judges agree!)
I am a strong Christian woman ... a 3X cancer-survivor ... and a recently-retired faculty-member at the NM Art League, where I taught watercolor portraiture (it was my dream job!) I'm also a "Master-Painter" Signature Member of the NM Watercolor Society, and a "Master-Painter" Signature Member of the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies. I began painting in oils at the age of 10, switching over primarily to watercolor at the age of 49. I'm still learning much about this wonderful medium, but I enjoy the learning process more than I can say!
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