Live Illustration for Events

Watercolour storytelling unfolding in front of your very eyes to surprise and delight your guests

A close up of Imogen Partridge with a sketchbook in her lap drawing with a pencil. She sits cross legged and the photo focuses on her hands and sketchbook drawing a beautiful live illustration which is slightly blurred out

Photo by Katie Rhona Photography

There’s something about watching an artist at work that people really love.

My illustrations draw people in. They always stop, look and come closer, curious to see how it all unfolds and it becomes a moment in itself. Whether it’s a garden at Chelsea, a beautiful pop-up, or a celebratory occasion, I paint what I see in front of me, live in real time. From people to places, to the buzzing atmosphere of an event. 

It’s a kind of quiet performance and one that people remember (especially if they get to take a piece of it home).

Bring your event to life through creative live illustration

Whether you're hosting a brand launch, press day, community event or festival, live illustration brings a really memorable touch. I create hand painted scenes, guest portraits, or visual interpretations of your space as it unfolds, capturing the energy and essence of the day in a way that photography simply can’t. 

Rooted in detail and thoughtful storytelling, my illustrations invite people in, to pause, observe and connect. It's a beautiful form of artistic performance that gives your audience something to watch, share and take home.

What I Offer for Live Illustration

Capture the Scene

Live illustrations of your event while it's happening. Whether it’s a garden installation, pop-up venue or celebration. These hand painted artworks act as visual keepsakes to remember the feeling and atmosphere. They are a wonderful storytelling piece, capturing the imagination in a way a photo cannot. They can also double as creative marketing assets afterwards.

Guest Portraits

Live illustrated portraits that guests can take away. Each is quick (about 10 minutes) and expressive, capturing the essence of the people who really make the events. This is ideal for creative activations, celebratory occasions or values-led gatherings. They make for great conversation and thoughtful, joyful mementoes of the occasion. 

Window Painting

If you’re looking for a larger visual impact, I also create hand-painted window murals for seasonal campaigns, launches or installations. Recently, I illustrated for Skye McAlpine as part of Belgravia in Bloom to add to the storytelling of the ‘forever summer’ concept. We even included Skye’s Mum’s two little dogs in the piece and some of the insects we spotted on the wonderful flowers, lending to the beautiful narrative and sheer delight.

How It Works

Imogen Partridge painting outside for a live illustration commission for the Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival. An easel is setup with Imogen painting with a brush and holding a watercolour palette in her left hand. There is a sunny grassy backdrop

Live illustration for Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival

Here’s a simple outline of how we’ll bring your live illustration to life:

  1. Enquire – Fill in the contact form with some details about your event: date, location, type of event, and what you’re imagining. If you're not sure yet, that’s totally fine too!

  2. Plan Together – I’ll get in touch to confirm availability, chat through ideas, and make sure we’re clear on what I’ll be creating (scene, portraits, windows, or a mix). We’ll also agree on timings, cost and any specific requests.

  3. On the Day – I arrive with my materials, ready to quietly slot into your event space and begin illustrating. I don’t need much room, just a small table or corner will do, or I can spread out and take up space to create more interest if you prefer. 

  4. Post-Event – If you’d like digital scans or follow-up materials for marketing, we can discuss this beforehand and I’ll prepare those for you afterwards.

I keep the process flexible and simple, so you can focus on enjoying your event.

Live illustration at Chelsea Flower Show. Hand holding a mini clipboard with a beautiful sketch of a garden in pencil. the garden in blurred in the background beyond

Chelsea Flower Show live illustration of The Glasshouse show garden

Packages & Pricing

Each event is unique, but here are a few starting points:

  • Half Day (up to 3 hours) from £600
    A great choice for smaller activations, portraits or single-scene illustrations.

  • Full Day (up to 6 hours) from £1200
    Includes detailed scenes or multiple sketches, with post-event digital scans available.

  • Custom or Ongoing Projects
    Looking for something more bespoke or long-term. Get in touch and we can discuss that together. 

All materials included. Travel within London/South East is covered. Additional fees may apply for extended travel, framing, digital services or any special requirements.

Pricing and How to Book

If you would love to bring some wonderful creativity to your event, then please fill in the enquiry form with your event details and I will be in touch to discuss it soon!

Looking for something interactive?


I also run creative workshops for teams and communities bringing people together, creating space for connection, peace and calm through creativity.