Children's picture book illustration of dancing frogs playing music. A whimsical, cosy watercolour painting by Amy James, freelance artist based in Northamptonshire.
A children's picture book illustration of a shrew and frogs by the river by artist Amy James, freelance illustrator in Northamptonshire. A cosy, whimsical watercolour.
A whimsical watercolour painting of two mice carrying a birthday cake going to a party. By Amy James, freelance children's picture book artist based in Northamptonshire. UK.
A children's picture book illustration of a shrew and a bird talking up a tree with mushrooms and water. By watercolour freelance artist Amy James, based in Northamptonshire.
A whimsical watercolour painting of a foraging red squirrel inside a fairy ring. Painted by children's picture book artist Amy James, freelance illustrator based in Northamptonshire.
Children's picture book illustration of a cottage in the woods surrounded by ferns and a fox. Painted by watercolour artist Amy James, freelance illustrator based in Northamptonshire.
ILLUSTRATION
Amy James artist, picture book illustrator, smiling and holding a small dog in a lush green garden with trees and a cloudy sky.

Whimsical, watercolour illustrations from Northamptonshire, England.

Green handwritten text saying 'hello!' on a white background.
Green handwritten text saying 'hello!' on a white background.

My name is Amy. I’m a freelance illustrator creating loveable animal characters and nature inspired artworks. I love to explore themes of storytelling, adventure and magic!

I’m keen to work and collaborate with clients with a unique vision in -

  • Book publishing. Children’s picture books, fiction & non-fiction

  • Children’s novelty games - pop up books, jigsaws, puzzles.

  • Character design

  • Licensing - print, pattern, stationery, packaging

  • Children’s education

I am currently seeking representation and looking to secure commissions in children’s picture book publishing. If you are an agent or would like to recommend an agent, please email me. :)

Please click here to view my portfolio and latest personal projects.

Thank you for reading and visiting my website. You can sign up to my newsletter here and check out my shop here.

Get to know me
Contact
watercolour painting of a dandelion flower, by Amy James, whimsical, cosy, picture book illustrator, based in Northamptonshire.

Why watercolour?

The fluidity of watercolour and various techniques (glazing, wet-on-wet, dry brushing, etc) makes the medium a unique and exciting one to use. Depending on the application of paint, watercolour can be soft, subtle and understated or bright, vivid and bold.

It can be combined with other materials such as, pencils, ink and gouache to create different effects. It is portable, easy to clean with minimal to no wastage. It’s truly a wonderful medium to work with.

I use professional quality watercolour paints made with gum arabic and pure pigments by ‘Daniel Smith’

My favourite paper is, Fabriano Artistico, 140lb (300gsm) cold pressed. It is 100% cotton, archival quality and acid-free.

Watercolour artists past and present that inspire me are, Jill Barklem, creator of Brambly Hedge, Chris Dunn, Beatrix Potter and many more!

Cosy, whimsical, watercolour paintings of a red squirrel, European badger and a hedgehog by Amy James freelance artist based in Northamptonshire.