Artist Claire Fletcher studied graphic design and illustration at the Central School of Art & Design, Kingston University, and the Royal College of Art. Thanks to her hard work and excellent credentials, she’s been able to call herself a professional illustrator since 1990.

Her cleanly designed website reflects her cohesive nostalgic style. Her work feels like turning the pages of a much beloved children’s picture book, recalling those days when you’d lie on your tummy and daydream as you flipped through an illustrated story, your imagination whirling with adventures. In those days, summer seemed to last forever, and you lingered outside playing until long after a lavender dusk.

What caught our attention first is Fletcher’s treatment of a little dog rolling on her back. The staccato lines and undisciplined washes of color evoke a sense of movement, as if the dog pictured is about to squirm a few more times, then spring to her feet and shake out her coat, tail wagging with pride. It’s a quintessential dog moment captured with skill and nuance.

In another illustration, a young girl holds her best dog friend close — remember when you didn’t worry about dog fur on your clothes?

Or how about a day at the beach? When you weren’t afraid to go dashing into the waves? And if you looked closely enough, you swore you could see mermaids playing in the waves?

We know it’s still winter, but spring is on the way, and we can’t help daydreaming of spending summer with our dogs after looking at Fletcher’s endearing work.

Images via Claire Fletcher’s website