Here is an illustration for the final chapter of the Notable Missourian book on Olive Boone (written by Greta Russell, published by Truman State University Press). Here Olive is shown enjoying the company of some of her many grandchildren. Olive's final years had some rough turns after the passing of her husband, Nathan, but her grandkids continued to be a source of joy for her. A big thank you to my awesome editor Barbara for the help with period clothing throughout this project. If left to my own devices I would've made everybody from the 19th century wear a top hat, a monocle and have their hair in a bun.
Olive and her kids escape to the neighborhood fort
Another illustration for the Notable Missourian book on Olive Boone (Written by Greta Russell, published by Truman State University Press).
During the War of 1812, many Native American tribes were allied with England and would regularly attack the new settlements in Missouri. These were especially tense times, especially considering that Olive's husband Nathan was in the army and far away from home. On two occasions Olive and her children sought refuge at the neighborhood fort, fully expecting an Indian army to attack. Fortunately for Olive the attack never came.
If you love them, carve them a piroque out of a cottonwood.
This is for Chapter two of the Notable Missourian book on Olive Boone (written by Greta Russell, published by Truman State University Press). Here Nathan and Olive are flirting as he carves a piroque out of a large poplar in preparation for his families move to Missouri. They thought they would never see each other again but all that courting clearly had an effect. Soon after saying their goodbyes and setting out to travel down the river, Nathan landed in a nearby town and bought a marriage license. He returned to Olive by horse and asked her to marry him. Spoiler alert: She said yes.
Olive Boone Sketches
Here's some example sketches for the book on notable Missourian Olive Boone (Published by Truman State University Press, written by Greta Russell). For the sake of experiment I freehanded these sketches completely on the computer instead of the pencil/computer combination used in the other sketches. I prefer the other way.
Olive learning how to use a spinning wheel from her mother.
Olive and Nathan Boone flirting while he carves a piroque out of a huge poplar tree.
Olive and Nathan Boone crossing the Missouri in a skiff with all their possessions.
Olive gardening at their new homestead.
Olive and slave girl building a chimney without the help of the men.
Olive and slave girl building a chimney, alternate view.
Olive and her (at the time) seven children rushing to a fort during an Indian raid.
An elderly Olive with some of her grandchildren.
Olive showing her granddaughter how to use a loom.