"I grew up in the countryside so I have always been surrounded and inspired by nature."
- Lucy Grossmith
While creating our puzzle collections, we are fortunate to collaborate with talented artists like Bigelow Illustrations, aka Chris. Through our partnership with Chris, we bring puzzlers new and exclusive designs that can't be found on other wooden puzzles, as well as select pieces from his portfolio to transform into our unique wooden puzzles for adults.
We have worked with Bigelow Illustrations for a number of years now, and we know our puzzlers love his artwork too. Chris is the talented artist behind some of our best-selling wooden puzzles, including Puzzle Room, Wonderful Wellingtons and Pretty as a Pitcher. Chris' stunning artwork with plenty of detail and vibrant colour is a favourite for our customers. His designs are always in demand and frequently featured in our best-sellers collection. Learn more about Bigelow Illustrations and his beautiful and bold artwork.
How would you describe your art?
With a few exceptions, I would say 1) Colorful, 2) Interesting, 3) Detailed. I don't restrict myself to any particular technique, but I try to achieve those things. My work is usually realistic with enough painterly feel to not seem photographic, and generally the vibe is peaceful or cozy, except when it is meant to be a bit more exciting, in which case the vibe should "wow, that's cool!"
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Always from nature and wildlife, observing the amazing flora and fauna in the natural world, the changing seasons, colours and weather.
Do you have any ‘signature’ techniques, styles or processes that we should look out for in your art?
I believe I have strong compositions that still have a comfortable "flow" despite normally being filled with many individual elements. I start my compositions with very few focal points and start adding supporting elements as I go, carefully working them into the scene so that they don't distract from the art that I was already happy with. As much as possible I want details to be sharp, but I can't rely on soft or blurry painting to help the composition, so I play with scale, lighting and color to make some elements less noticeable.
A less "artsy" answer is that I do have fun working surprises into my illustrations. Some are personal, like names of friends and family, and some are things to amuse myself and make me wonder if anyone will notice. For example, someone was so curious about a pumpkin crate label in an autumnal scene of mine that he tracked down Art Licensing International to ask them to find out if the name on the label "VanPelt Pumpkins" was a reference to Linus VanPelt (and the Great Pumpkin) from the Peanuts comics. The answer was yes.
How do you feel about your art being made into wooden jigsaw puzzles?
Jigsaw puzzles are the greatest thing to ever enter my professional life. The spectrum of possibilities, the freedom to create almost anything that lights a spark in me, and the joy of knowing that thousands of people will spend time enjoying my work, not just glancing at in a magazine or hanging on a wall fires me up every day!
Do you ever complete a wooden puzzle yourself?
No! I just had a family vacation where we had one of mine going and all of us pitching in, but I am pretty slow at it. I did most of the initial flipping over, however. I was well qualified, but I had no idea it would take so long to flip 1000 pieces. I started doing some sorting, but I don't think it was very helpful. I have great respect and gratitude to every puzzler who has done one of mine!
As an artist what do you feel makes a good jigsaw puzzle image?
A cow standing in the distance on a vast green field under a big blue sky. The opposite of that! The three elements previously mentioned (Colorful, Interesting, Detailed ) probably sum it up best.
New and Exclusively Designed Art Puzzles by Bigelow Illustrations
If you love art puzzles, you’ll adore our collection of wooden puzzles for adults featuring delightful designs by Bigelow Illustrations. Our selection of wood puzzles ranges from shaped puzzles with extra-difficult details to our classic cut puzzles with themed whimsies, and our ever-popular collectible gift sets, offering a surprising challenge that puzzlers of all abilities will enjoy.
Bigelow Illustrations captures the charm of this monster mansion, home to all sorts of spooky creatures, ghouls, and ghosts. This Halloween-themed jigsaw puzzle for adults is sure to delight for years to come.
Be transported to the yellow brick road with themed whimsies inspired by Dorothy’s adventures across Oz.
This exclusively designed wooden jigsaw puzzle for adults is inspired by The Wizard of Oz, bringing to life the beloved characters and magical moments from L. Frank Baum’s famed fable. Shaped for added intrigue, this wooden puzzle features themed whimsy pieces—look out for flying monkeys, Dorothy, Toto, and more.
Photos by @puzldme
"It’s a perfect mix of fantasy, nostalgia, and puzzling joy… and proof that sometimes the best adventures start with a single puzzle piece.” - @puzldme
Get set for spooky season with this set of four frighteningly fun jigsaw puzzles for adults. Designed with intricate, irregularly shaped pieces and themed whimsies, these puzzles offer a magical and mystifying challenge you can enjoy time and time again.
Each delightfully detailed wooden puzzle is beautifully presented in our signature collectible set packaging with gold foiling, perfect for gifting.
Enjoy the serenity of this summer scene with this premium wooden jigsaw puzzle for adults, featuring stunning artwork that any outdoor lover is sure to adore.
Photos by @l_inspireuse
"I grew up in the countryside, so I have always been surrounded and inspired by nature."- Lucy Grossmith
This superb sunset scene with a hare will make a great gift for jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts and animal lovers alike. Complete with wonderful wildlife whimsies and irregularly shaped puzzle pieces, it makes completing this traditional wood puzzle for adults a little trickier than you may think.
Video by @mk_puzzle
If you’re searching for a gift or treating yourself to a new wood puzzles, our wooden puzzles with images by Bigelow Illustrations will be a fantastic addition to any puzzler’s collection.
