Bob Robber and Dancing Jane

'Bob Robber and Dancing Jane'; a children's book illustrated by Bee Willey and written by Andrew Matthews is to stage as a ballet!

Produced by Clare Prenton,  the story now evolved as 'Shadow Thief' is a thrilling development of the original book about the dark souled Bob Robber who learns to dance and live in the light with help from Dancing Jane. Bee says "Both myself and Andrew were delighted at the clip with the lyrics we were sent by Clare's agent, and also by the twitter info around the rehearsals in Barnes, seemingly leading to a premiere in 2014 in Edinburgh! It is wonderful for a story like this to take off in a new context…"

Once Upon A Time

Bee Willey will be taking part in 'Once Upon A Time'; an exhibition celebrating Children's Book Illustrators of East Anglia.
Opening on 25th January, the show takes place at Ipswich Art School and includes original artwork from artists such as Edward Ardizzone, Michael Foreman,  Janet and Anne Grahame Johnstone and Helen Oxenbury. Bee says "I am very happy to be showing five images here as part of a large show at the Ipswich Art School Building. This is one of the artworks included as well as older pre-digital pieces . It is great to be there amongst great illustrators!". Running until the beginning of May, admission to the exhibition is free.

Forest Love

Here's a sneak peek of a book project by Bee Willey;  Esmeralda the magic hare and another called Maximilian come together in a forest love story set at Christmas. Experimenting with medium, Bee says "I have just started using egg tempera and I love it". More to come soon!

Narnia Grotto

Bee Willey completed an amazing job leading up to Christmas last year; creating artworks for a grotto was the perfect commission to put her in the mood for the festivities! Commissioned by Katie Burnett at Les Enfants, Bee worked on the scenery for a Santa Grotto, a Narnia landscape (with wardrobe) and the Snow Queen's castle. The artworks were used at a Christmas event with the finished result being a Narnia themed environment for children, complete with props! Irresistible!

Rory McRory

Bee Willey has been working on the re-launch of Rory McRory; a book originally published some years ago. Along with the author Sandra Horn, and published by Clucket Press, Bee is excited about the new artwork and thrilled to give the story a new look. Bee says "We will be producing a small edition of signed copies, which will be available after February 15th 2012 on Amazon and via Tatty Bogle.

12 Dancing Princesses

Children’s book illustrator Bee Willey is very proud to have completed 12 Dancing Princesses for OUP. Forming part of a series of traditional tales, Bee’s magically ambient paintings light the pages, she says; "…I love this story and am really happy to get this job…". The book is out very soon.

Bee Willey's Scrapbook

 

Children's book illustrator Bee Willey tells how her flea market treasures have resulted in her entire house becoming a scrapbook. Bee Willey's Scrapbook.

Celebrity Bee

We’ve been entering the monthly Creativematch Flair competition for a while now and have gained an impressive list of winners along the way. The New Year didn’t disappoint as Bee Willey was declared the January Flair winner with a page from her new children’s book ‘Celebrity Cat’. Commissioned by Judith Escreet and due to be published by Frances Lincoln in March 2006, the author Meredith Hooper has worked with Bee on previous books, the combination is obviously inspiring. Bee’s absorbing, atmospheric scenes inhabited by her ever so slightly stylised characters feel like they’ve been sprinkled with magical dust. Well done Bee!

The Wonder Fairy Dolls

Bee Willey has recently enjoyed the most playful of commissions. Working internationally through our New York office Bee was selected by toy manufacturing giant ‘ Mattel’.

e, Kindlee and Lenara are the Wonder Fairy Dolls.Back in the Enchanted meadow, a festive party is beginning. The fairies, sprites and pixies danceunder a bright full moon."

Art director: Jill Ruby and Sue Davis, for Mattel. Artist: Bee Willey.