Artwork Description
Reproduction of Once Upon a Critter II by Courtney Prahl
"Once Upon a Critter II" by Courtney Prahl is a captivating work of contemporary whimsical illustration, rendered in a style that harmoniously blends the softness of watercolor with the precision of graphic design. The piece presents a charming anthropomorphic hedgehog as its central subject, depicted with an endearing, almost childlike innocence that invites immediate emotional engagement. The creature's face is rendered in delicate shades of pale pink, with a subtly textured, hair-like stippling technique conveying the softness of its underbelly, while its eyes are large, dark, and expressive—giving it a soulful, gentle gaze that suggests narrative and inner life. The hedgehog’s quills are a striking focal point, painted in vibrant, translucent layers of cerulean and turquoise blue, evoking the appearance of a watercolor wash. The fluidity of the pigment creates a dynamic, almost feather-like quality, with visible brushstrokes and subtle color bleeding that lend the work a sense of organic movement and spontaneity. This technique exemplifies Prahl’s mastery of fluid watercolor, where the interplay of transparency and layering gives depth without sacrificing clarity. Adorning the hedgehog’s head is a whimsical floral arrangement: a soft magenta flower with a gentle gradient of pink and red, accented by a single green leaf. This floral embellishment adds a touch of narrative elegance, suggesting a tale of transformation or celebration, and enhances the piece’s fairy-tale sensibility. The background is composed of a repeating, stylized pattern of light gray chevron-like shapes, reminiscent of woven textile or delicate lace, which provides a subtle, textured contrast to the organic forms of the hedgehog and flowers. This patterned backdrop functions both as a decorative element and as a framing device, drawing the viewer’s attention to the central figure while imbuing the composition with a sense of rhythm and harmony. The overall palette—dominated by soft pinks, cool blues, andFor more art by Courtney Prahl click here.
Decorus Art is an authorized licensee of Wild Apple Graphics. All artwork is printed in-house and fulfilled directly from our U.S. studio.
Part Number: 101023f
SID26795
For more art in the following categories, click here: Animals, Juvenile
Artwork Profile Attributes
COMING SOON
Licensor, Part Number, and Series Information
Material Details
1. Print on Demand Canvas
2. Print on Demand Poster Paper
3. Print on Demand Fine Art
Bleed and Trimming Information
- Bleed Information (canvas only): 3-inch mirrored bleed included. Reach out to us for other options.
- All Prints:
We include a small trim border around each print with order and copyright details. If you'd prefer your image printed right to the edge (no border), just let us know in the “Order Notes” section for that item.

