Live Illustration at the Hoxton Hotel in London. Videography by Chris Milbourne at Heart Shaped Films

Live Wedding and Event Illustration

Helen Ridley is an illustrator, watercolour artist and creative workshop host.

Illustrating joy and connection, she creates hand painted live illustrations and artwork for weddings, events and brands.

She hosts mindful watercolour and illustration workshops and retreats to create community and connection, whilst encouraging creativity.

Work With Me

Live Event Illustration

I create quick, flattering and vibrant portraits at your event.

Using ink and watercolour I draw individual people from life in approx 5 minutes. I can also draw couples in 10 minutes and groups in 15 minutes.

Quick portraits that are perfect for sharing on social media, and for adding excitement to your event!

Workshops

An illustrator and artist with over 15 years experience in the creative industries, I host a range of workshops and creative retreats for brands, organisations and private and public events.

Creative workshops can employee wellbeing, promote connectivity and communication, build leadership skills and keep your team engaged.

Contact Me

Wedding Illustration

Add an artistic edge to your wedding day, and book me to create fun and colourful guest portrait illustrations.

I create portraits in just 5 - 10 minutes from reference photos or live whilst your guests pose and wait.

It’s super fun way to keep your guests entertained and they have a wonderful memento of to take home and treasure.

Testimonials

“We booked Helen for our London wedding last weekend. We were blown away by how awesome she was, everyone loved the idea and said how unique it was. It really added an element of magic to our day. Our guests took the illustrations home as favours and we had so many beautiful comments.

Helen was a pleasure to work with, friendly & professional from start to finish and super accommodating on the day with getting as many illustrations of our guests done as possible, maybe even a few more which we really appreciated. We really loved her set up, it was gorgeous”

— Natalie and Robert

“Helen was one of my favourite suppliers I booked for our wedding! All of our guests raved out her, and what a unique addition the portraits were to our day!

Helen was speedy with each portrait, and captured all of the gorgeous bright colourful outfits perfectly!

I would recommend Helen to anyone planning their wedding, such a special takeaway for your guests and you!”

— Robyn

“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”

— Jacqui

Join The Flow and Flourish Retreat in Spring 2025

After a sellout event in Autumn 2024 the Flow And Flourish Retreat will be returning in Spring 2025...

Flow And Flourish Retreats are hosted by Helen Ridley Illustration and Jodie Rose Calligraphy who will be hosting a full day event in Surrey with 3 workshops:

Watercolour Spring Florals by Helen Ridley Illustration
Dip Pen Calligraphy by Jodie Rose Calligraphy
Mindful Breathing Workshop

All tickets will include a goody bag, welcome drinks, and a delicious buffet lunch.

Discover the joy of creating art while surrounded by like-minded individuals in a serene and inspiring setting.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of watercolour painting and calligraphy. This in-person event is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike.

“A gorgeous retreat. Helen and Jodie thought of every last detail. From the immaculately put together personalised box with everything we needed for the day, to the delicious lunch and yummy cookies for afternoon pick me up. It was such a special way to take time for myself and lose myself in creativity. Gorgeous venue too. 5 stars, smashed it, thank you ladies!”

— Sarah

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Testimonials for the Flow and Flourish Retreat

"Gorgeous retreat. Helen and Jodie thought of every last detail. From the immaculately put together personalised box with everything we needed for the day, to the delicious lunch and yummy cookies for afternoon pick me up. It was such a special way to take time for myself and lose myself in creativity. Gorgeous venue too. 5 stars, smashed it, thank you ladies!"

Sarah
"Brilliant time at the art retreat by Jodie and Helen. The communication before the retreat was excellent, I knew exactly what to expect. The retreat was superb. So well thought out, led and hosted. The two workshops - watercolour florals and dip pen calligraphy were really well thought out to work together and we ended up with finished pieces. Both Jodie and Helen are excellent teachers. Lunch was delicious and we were well fuelled with tea, coffee and drinks throughout the day. We also each got a box with all the supplies needed, beautifully laid out and presented. The venue was lovely too and so nicely decorated. Would highly recommend. Thanks so much for a very lovely day!"

Roche
"A truly wonderful day, Helen, Jodie and Jodie’s mum hosted an excellent event. It was well organised, welcoming and very creative in a lovely setting. Both Helen and Jodie ran excellent workshops that were easy to follow and resulted in some lovely art created by every one who attended. The box of supplies was excellent quality and a delight to receive. I would definitely recommend future events."

Jennifer
"A wonderful day which was well organised and very enjoyable. We were treated to some lovely food and drink too. Thank you for spending so much time putting it all together."

Kathryn