Charming Flights of Fancy Fill Vanessa Gillings’ Imaginative Illustrations
“Envoy” (2025), watercolor and gouache, 10 1/4 x 13 3/4 inches. All images courtesy of Vanessa Gillings and Gallery Nucleus, shared with permission
Charming Flights of Fancy Fill Vanessa Gillings’ Imaginative Illustrations
October 14, 2025
ArtIllustration
Kate Mothes
Share
Pin
Bookmark
For fans of cozy cottages, sipping tea with a good book, exploring misty woodlands, and relishing timeless folk- and fairytales, the illustrations of Vanessa Gillings tap into a sense of comfort and wonder. Her protagonists, often donning witchy or wizard-like hats, appear to be on marvelous and mysterious journeys, sometimes accompanied by ravens, foxes, or butterflies as they explore forests, pen stories, or attempt to cast spells.
The works shown here formed part of the artist’s recent solo exhibition, Into the Woods, with Gallery Nucleus. See more on Gillings’ website and Instagram.
“Making Friends” (2025), watercolor and gouache, 9 x 11 3/4 inches
“The Forest Guardian” (2025), watercolor and gouache, 19 1/2 x 7 3/4 inches
“Waiting for Inspiration” (2025), watercolor and gouache, 10 1/4 x 8 1/4 inches
“Constant Companion” (2025), watercolor and gouache, 9 3/4 x 14 1/2 inches
“Ferdinand” (2025), watercolor and gouache, 7 1/4 x 9 inches
“Homeward” (2025), watercolor and gouache, 9 1/2 x 14 3/4 inches
“Memories” (2025), watercolor and gouache, 18 x 6 3/4 inches
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member now, and support independent arts publishing.
Hide advertising
Save your favorite articles
Get 15% off in the Colossal Shop
Receive members-only newsletter
Give 1% for art supplies in K-12 classrooms
Join us today!
$7/month
$75/year
Explore membership options
Previous articleNext article More