Set Sail For Steemfest 2016

On Wednesday, I leave for Steemfest to join dozens of other exuberant steemians in Amsterdam. The first week of November has already passed, and next weekend's festivities are upon us.   

While there, I invite everyone to come on over to Art at Steemfest on the first floor of the Quartier Putain cafe on Sunday November 13th from 13:30 - 18:00. I will be working on a detailed drawing of a tulip, a flower that created Tulip Mania during Holland's Golden Age in the 17th Century. 

  

The tulip has a special significance to Holland. So prized was this exotic bloom, the bulbs were often used as currency and the flower itself became the ultimate status symbol for the aristocracy. It's no wonder we think of Holland when we see tulips. I will teach you some helpful tips that will help you draw this familiar Dutch icon. I look forward to seeing you there!   

Here in my studio it's a flurry of activity getting ready. I'm packing up some copies of my Dutch inspired picture book "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod" which I will be signing, as well as a selection of limited edition prints.    

Following is a selection of some of the prints I am bringing along. 

These will make unique mementos from Steemit's first official conference.   

Extremely limited edition of the first illustration from "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod."  

Three Little Kittens Who Lost Their Mittens 

Fairies in daffodils, from my very first picture book "Maggie Mab and the Bogey Beast"
 

What is Amsterdam without an owl on a bicycle? 

Frontispiece illustration for "The Little Mermaid"

Last but not least, a commemorative print in honor of the very first Steemit Conference, Amsterdam 2016.

All of these illustrations have been featured in my steemit blog posts, and are available for the first time at Steemfest.

Safe travels to all, and I'm honored to be part of the amazing pool of talent convening this next weekend.  

Illustrations  © Johanna Westerman 2016

Tulip plate courtesy of  Maria Sibylla Merian from "New Book of Flowers"