Hi! Welcome to my Website. I live in Wiltshire, England, with my husband and Poppy, a little black and white doggy (I try to sneak in regularly in my illustrations, along with my once small daughter Lucy). I love nature, history, countryside and general silliness (I believe if people were more silly, there would be a lot less trouble). My earliest memory of painting is a hazy recollection of playschool and standing with an easel with all those incredibly messy pots of poster paint with more dribbling down the sides than on the inside- I must have been three. I quickly discovered I loved drawing and could copy quite well (a great way to learn). Album covers were a favourite, as they were from my parent’s eclectic collection, these ranged from Tubular bells to iconic Pink Floyd images (there’s now a Netflix film devoted to them).  A few years later, my dad saw a monetizing opportunity and facilitated commissions from anyone he could persuade! Starting with birds to pet portraits and house paintings, in a small way, this really helped me understand customer needs, deadlines and professionalism. I gained a degree at Bath Spa University and after a little slow start and encouragement and help from College friends working in design and publishing, doing the rounds with my little black portfolio, my career began in illustration. These days, I don’t need to tread the pavements, contact can made through technology, amazing. So this is what I now ‘do’:-

BOOKS

I am a freelance children’s Book illustrator with more than 30 years experience, working with Publishers both large and small from all over the world. I love painting traditionally in watercolour or gouache, I also use my Photoshop skills to be able to supply high quality scans directly ready for print.

SELF- PUBLISHING BOOKS

I often receive direct email enquiries from aspiring authors, which I try to help and advise on.  I do sometimes accept “Self-Publishing “projects through my agents, Advocate-Art. One of my books , “Musical Soulmates-The Girl That Hears Music Everywhere”, written by Cindy B Witty won a bronze medal with The Living Now Awards, 2023! One company  I have worked successfully with and can highly recommend www.miriamlaundry.com who have experience and cover all aspects of the self-publishing business.

PRIVATE COMMISSIONS

I have a new  portfolio section- “New Baby Paintings” a great idea to celebrate the birth of a new member of the family. I also accept private bespoke commissions. Please get in contact and we can discuss your ideas.

I also offer relaxing and fun Private or Corporate Art Workshops for small or large groups, adults and children, usually for a half to full day. Please contact me to discuss your booking.

SS&L MAGIC of WATERCOLOUR CLASSES

As well as illustrating books and taking on private commissions, I  give regular adult Beginner  Watercolour classes in Frome, Somerset- currently through Somerset Skills and Learning . My courses can be booked under the titles, “The Magic of Watercolour” search www.sslcourses.co.uk.

SHOP

I currently sell some of my art through Fine Art America which ship worldwide. My images can go on prints, cards, bags, phone cases and more. Search www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/estelle-corke 

INSTAGRAM  estelle_corke_illustration

See CONTACT to get in touch