• Fun folk

    Creative, Illustration

  • Crazy creatures

    Creative, Illustration

  • Monsters and Aliens

    Creative, Illustration

  • Amazing mazes, maps and puzzles

    Creative, Illustration, Magazine

  • Wicked wheels

    Creative, Illustration

  • Miscellaneous medley

    Illustration

  • Brilliant buildings

    Illustration

  • it’s a mystery

    Creative

Illustrator Extraordinaire

I’ve been passionate about drawing for as long as I can remember. As a child a packet of felt tips and a jotter pad would keep me amused for hours. At school I would illustrate everything, whatever the subject. From chemistry diagrams to trigonometry triangles, I would always focus on the pictures. I was born to be an illustrator!

I’ve been freelance for over 15 years now, working for countless clients including Scholastic, Oxford University Press, HarperCollins, Constable and Robinson, Horrible Science Magazine and Girlguiding UK to name but a few.

I am a nature geek and love being outside. So I feel I am perfectly placed, happily living and working in the heart of the Cotswolds in Winchcombe, near Cheltenham.

I specialise in children’s illustration and cartoons. I draw my artwork by hand and then colour it digitally (although I love the opportunity to dust off my watercolours from time to time!). I especially like to draw animals, maps, architecture and vehicles, the more complicated the better!

I also teach beginners drawing, life drawing and like to get out and about doing events and workshops at schools and festivals.

Please get in touch if you’d like to see any more work, to request some sample artwork or if you would like to chat about possible commissions or workshops. I’m always happy to help and would love to hear from you.

We really enjoyed working with Gemma and love her funny and colourful illustrations for our book
We really enjoyed working with Gemma and love her funny and colourful illustrations for our book

Lisa Maurer, Managing Editor– Schwager & Steinlein Verlag, Köln, Germany

As well as drawing delightful illustrations, Gemma is thoroughly professional, the perfect freelancer!

Duncan Proudfoot, Publishing Director– Robinson, Piatkus, Constable & Robinson, London, UK

Gemma is a true professional. Fun, reliable, flexible and worth her weight in gold. Give her the job and let her get on with it, whether a corporate job or more casual illustration she nails it.

Jason Pelta, Director– Pages Creative, Cheltenham UK

Gemma is a pleasure to work with, she delivers beautiful illustration that fits the brief perfectly. I can always rely on her to bring a brief to life and I would have no hesitation recommending her.

Nicolle Thomas– Scholastic

Art Classes

Creating art is a great way to stimulate the brain and anyone can do it! My classes are very friendly and relaxed, and I teach in Winchcombe and surrounding areas. Absolute beginners are very welcome. Please see details below and get in touch if you would like more information.

DRAWING FOR BEGINNERS – ONLINE CLASS

This is a virtual class for beginners but it is suitable for any ability. It will cover the basics and fundamentals of drawing. It requires a basic list of materials which are easy and inexpensive to obtain. I will email out a task every Wednesday and will be available to offer support by email, phone or text. I will individually critique each  students’ work by email. Task sent out every Wednesday morning. £10 per week, 6 week term.

WATERCOLOUR FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS – ONLINE CLASS

Are you keen to try your hand at painting with watercolours but unsure where to start? This course will cover everything you need to know, starting with the basics and gradually progressing to experimental and contemporary techniques. We will cover paper, brushes, painting techniques, using colour, composition and draw our inspiration from several different sources with an emphasis on nature and the landscape. Suitable for beginners or those wishing to improve their existing skills.

This course requires a list of materials which are easy to obtain. I will email out a task every Wednesday and will be available to offer support by email, phone or text. I will individually critique each students’ work by email. Task sent out every Wednesday morning. £10 per week, 6 week term.

 

BEGINNERS’ DRAWING AND PAINTING – THIS CLASS IS CURRENTLY SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19

This class is for anyone that would like to learn how to draw but is worried they would be intimidated by a regular class.  Even if you haven’t picked up a pencil for years I can help you to find your hidden creative talent.

I cover all of the basics, line, shading, capturing light and texture, composition, using colour, perspective, portraiture, landscape and still life. The list goes on and on. This is a friendly, relaxed class and we even venture out to draw the beautiful Cotswold landscape and architecture in Winchcombe on warmer days.

Wednesday mornings 10am – 12 noon at Encounter Church, Winchcombe. £85 per 6 week term

WATERCOLOUR FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS – THIS CLASS IS CURRENTLY SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19

Are you keen to try your hand at painting with watercolours but unsure where to start? This course will cover everything you need to know, starting with the basics and gradually progressing to experimental and contemporary techniques.

We will cover paper, brushes, painting techniques, using colour, composition and draw our inspiration from several different sources with an emphasis on nature and the landscape.

This course is suitable for beginners or those wishing to improve their existing skills.

Monday evenings 7pm – 9pm at Abbey Fields Community Centre, Winchcombe. £99 per 6 week term

Contact me

elephant-icon
Gemma Hastilow
Winchcombe
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire

07813 062003

Contact Me

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Subject

Your Message