Illustrated Books

I collaborate with authors and publishers and create books which portray the joy, beauty and a sense of timelessness in traditional handmade illustrations.

My illustrations are where story and observation gently intertwine. Working in detailed watercolour, gouache or digital, I create immersive, whimsical worlds which encourage the readers to slow down to explore and enjoy each page turn.

Each illustration carrying emotion and atmosphere across full spreads, single pages, end papers, spot illustrations and book plates.

“Protectors of the Written Word” by Vincent Phan

I collaborated with 1000 Libraries and Vincent Phan to bring his beautiful book to life. “A narrative non-fiction book telling the extraordinary stories of people from all around the world who have dedicated their lives to spreading the joys of reading in the digital age”.

Woven between the words and paragraphs, I painted a book plate and spot illustrations featuring details or scenes of each persons life and goals in protecting the written word.

"Gill is not only amazingly TALENTED, she has been an absolute PLEASURE to work with. We’re a small independent book publishing company, and have worked with many illustrators on our books. Gill has provided a level of work that EXCEEDED OUR EXPECTATIONS. It is no wonder that she has so many fans world-wide. She is truly passionate about art, and about delivering the best results for clients. My advice: Don’t sleep on Gill. She is a rising star in her field. We look forward to working with her again on our next book project."

Vinny Phan - 1000 Libraries

Protectors of the written Word by Vincent Phan

Illustrated spot artwork - Antique books

Illustrated spot artwork - Vintage typewriter

Illustrated spot artwork - 'Biblioburo'.

Illustrated spot artwork - Boxing Gloves

Illustrated spot artwork - Water damaged vintage books

“Awesome Insect Alphabet Book!” By Sandra Payne Illustrated by Gillian Bowen-Johnston

Working with Sandra Payne a children’s writer and an award-winning digital series director/producer I illustrated a series of artworks featuring insects and bugs from countries around the world in their native habitats.

A rhyming ABC book, each full page illustration was completed digitally with incredibly detailed, bright and colourful artwork - bringing the wonders of insects to life.

Polyphemus Caterpillar and moth, north America - Digital illustration

Venezuelan Poodle moths - Digital illustration

Lacewing butterflies, Australia - Digital illustration

Mother Shipton Moth, Wales - Digital illustration

Jewel Beetles, Spain - Digital illustration