Hello, I’m Helen, an Illustrator, Watercolour Artist and Workshop Host.
I’m a live illustrator based in Reading, Berkshire and I love creating joy and connection at weddings and live events, developing bespoke artwork for brands and private clients, and through my mindfully creative workshops and retreats.
I paint live portraits at weddings and events in the UK and beyond, capturing guests (and dogs!) in just 10 minutes in a fun and expressive style.
I host watercolour and illustration workshops held at various venues across the UK and for corporate clients seeking engaging team activities.
This includes the Flow and Flourish Retreat - a full day watercolour retreat in Farnham, Surrey, which I co-host with Jodie Rose Calligraphy twice a year.
I’ve been Highly Commended at the Quirky Wedding Awards 2024, and featured on BBC News, Stylist Magazine, Quirky Wedding Magazine and the The Being Freelance Podcast.
My client list includes Westfield, John Lewis, Assouline, and 1 Hotel Mayfair.
Let’s Work Together
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Live Event Illustration
Book me as a live illustrator to create live portraits, illustrated products, windows and more. If you’ve got an idea on an event you’d like me to illustrate, get in touch!
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Wedding Illustration
You can book me as live illustrator to capture you and your guests on your wedding day. I create live portraits in just 10 minutes, and it’s a wonderful way to give your guests a unique memento of your day.
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Creative Workshops
I host public workshops in a range of venues in Berkshire, and you can also book me to host a workshop at for customers, clients or your team. All my workshops are beginner friendly and all materials are included.
Press, PR and Podcasts
Features Include: Stylist Magazine, Quirky Wedding Magazine, BBC News, Absolutely Berkshire Magazine, Your Berks, Bucks, Oxen Wedding.
I’ve also been a regular guest on BBC Radio Berkshire, and on podcasts including Being Freelance, Creative Career Change, Makings and Musings and Business Nest Natters.
I love chatting about illustration, running a small business, creating a community and embracing rejection. If you’d like to have me as a guest on your podcast or feature in your publication, please get in touch!
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"We invited Helen to create live plant portraits of our customers during our shops first anniversary celebrations. Helen is a fantastic illustrator who vividly captures individuals, she's brilliant to work with and always embraces new ideas. Helen has also delivered botanical workshops in our space. We highly recommend working with Helen :)"
Jacqueline - Midrib Plants, Reading
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“We had Helen at our wedding to do live portraits of our guests. It was a wonderful addition to the day, all of our guests commented on what a great idea it was and how beautiful Helen's portraits were. We loved that so many people had a personalised portrait to take home at the end of the day and keep as a memento. Helen was great from start to finish and we would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone else looking for something different at their wedding!”
Chelsea and Mark
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“Helen's watercolour workshop was absolutely brilliant! I enjoyed it from start to finish. She really gave me the confidence to think outside the box and I came away with a piece of art that I will pop in a frame for my home. I would definitely recommend any class she runs in the future..”
Jessica
If you would love to commission me or book me for your event email me at helenanneridley@gmail.com
To get updates on my latest projects, workshops and more sign up to my newsletter.
Or why not book a free 20 minute coffee and chat so we can discuss how we can work together.
