Children's Picture Book watercolour Illustrator
The Joy of Being a Watercolour Children's Picture Book Illustrator
There’s something truly magical about bringing stories to life through watercolour. As a children's picture book illustrator, my days are filled with soft washes of colour, delicate brushstrokes, and a sense of wonder that never fades. Each project I take on is an opportunity to step into a new world, one where characters dance on the page and tiny details tell a story beyond the words.
The Process: From Sketch to Final Painting
Every illustration begins with an idea—a spark from a manuscript, a conversation with an author, or a playful doodle in my sketchbook. I start by sketching out rough compositions, making sure the flow and energy of the story come through. Once I’m happy with the layout, I move on to painting.
Watercolor is an unpredictable medium, and that’s part of its charm. The way the pigments blend and spread can create unexpected textures and moods that bring depth to the artwork. I love layering colours to create a soft, dreamy aesthetic, perfect for capturing the whimsy and innocence of childhood.
Sunny Bird’s Special Nest: A Heartwarming Story
One of my favourite projects has been illustrating Sunny Bird’s Special Nest, a beautiful picture book about gratitude, self-acceptance, and the true meaning of home. Sunny Bird lives in a nest lovingly built from scraps and strings by her Mama Lynn, but when others make fun of her nest, Sunny feels discouraged. Through Mama Lynn’s wisdom and lessons of gratitude, Sunny learns that a home is not about how it looks—it’s about love, togetherness, and finding joy in the little things. This book, with its bright, whimsical illustrations, was a joy to create, and I love knowing that it inspires children to embrace their uniqueness and cherish what truly matters.
Challenges and Rewards
One of the biggest challenges of working in watercolour is its permanence—there’s no undo button! A misplaced drop of paint or an unexpected bloom can change the entire composition. But over time, I’ve learned to embrace these moments, often incorporating happy accidents into the final piece.
The most rewarding part? Seeing a child's face light up when they recognize a character they love. Knowing that my art plays a role in inspiring young imaginations makes every brushstroke worth it.
Finding Inspiration
Inspiration is everywhere—in nature, in picture books, in the laughter of children. I often take long walks, sketching little details that catch my eye: a curious bird, a winding path, the way sunlight filters through leaves. These moments find their way into my illustrations, adding layers of storytelling that go beyond the text.
About Me
I am passionate about creating playful and exciting illustrations for picture books. I have extensive experience working with graphite pencils and watercolor, as well as digital tools like Procreate, Photoshop, and Illustrator. I love drawing animals, flowers, and human characters to create imaginative worlds in soft, playful colors.
In 2022, I completed a picture book writing and illustration course with Zanni Louise and Anna Pignataro, which fueled my desire to work with picture books. I am currently illustrating a self-published book for a client while developing several of my own picture book ideas.
Creating Joy and Bringing Visions to Life
My goal as an illustrator is to create a sense of joy and happiness for my clients and the world. I want to help people bring their vision to life and make them feel proud of what we have created together. Taking time to understand each client makes the process of creating the art just as enjoyable as the final product.
Final Thoughts
Being a watercolour children's picture book illustrator is a journey of patience, creativity, and playfulness. It’s about capturing emotions, telling stories through colour, and creating something that a child (and their grown-ups) will cherish for years to come. My work is joyful, delicate, and timeless—infused with whimsy, fun, and heartwarming beauty.
If you love my work and would like to collaborate on your upcoming book, please send me an email—I’d love to bring your story to life!