Fairies in Oz?
Describing The Little Book of Elves and Fairies, amazon.com calls Ida Rentoul Outhwaite “the forgotten painter” of fairies and fairyland. But wasn’t it she who forgot? Outhwaite, a granddaughter of Ireland, forgot the Faery power of the Sidhe in favor of wispy little pastel imps!
But, Fair Dinkum, may she be forgiven? For prancing among this Australian’s ink and watercolor pixies are some utterly unique, charming–and unforgettable–touches: koalas, kookaburras, geckos, cockatoos, eucalyptus trees, billibongs…
A lifelong illustrator, some of her last—and least fairied—works were her images for Phyllis M. Powers’ 1958 Legends from the Outback.
L-R: from “The Fairy Bridget and the Kookaburra,” “The Little Witch” (and a eucalyptus tree), Legends from the Outback.
That’s what tickled my fancy about her, too, Pat!
Delightful illustrations from down under. I love the juxtaposition of kangaroos and koalas and bush people with whimsical adorable fairies. What talent, imagination, skill and joy.