Henri Fantin-Latour, Self-portrait (1859), Museum of Grenoble

Our Mystery Artist had a pen name of E. S. Hardy although she was known among friends as Evelyn Stuart Hardy. Her actual birth name is Beatrice Evelyn Elizabeth Hardy. She was commonly said to have been born around 1870 in Bristol, England.  Her whole family was very artistic including her parents who were both artists.

In her lifetime, Evelyn illustrated many books and periodicals. Her work was prolific and her illustrations were very popular. She created work for "A Visit to Fairyland with Humpty Dumpty" in 1898 which was reviewed as "an ingenious and elaborate conception". She created moving figures and animals in pop-up books that were amusing and fun.

One of Evelyn's notable works was the beautiful mermaid painting (shown above) which was published on the cover Hans Christian Anderson's book of Fairy Tales. You can see more of her wonderful illustrations that include bible stories, fairy tales, children, and much more HERE>

I particularly love her whimsical fairy scenes. They are purely delightful! Her color palette is soft yet engaging in these illustrations. Her little mermaid is gorgeous to say the least with the flowers in the hair and little artistic touches. Evelyn also created a whole series of bible story art that is amazing too! It's no wonder her work was so popular! You might even be able to acquire one of her pieces, as many have been sold at auctions.

She also wrote a few of her own books which include: The Book of Gnomes (1895), At the Farm (1920), Me and my Doggies (1924), and Me and my Ponies (1925). 

Evelyn was a fantastic artist who brought joy and color to this world in her lifetime. She passed away in Sussex, England in 1935.