Annelies Verkade Art

Annelies Verkade Art UK Artist and Bookmaker. Art, Prints & Handmade sketchbooks and journals I work mainly with watercolour and ink and markers on paper, and acrylic murals.

Bold, feminine and vibrant, my art is inspired by nature, wildlife, stars, planets and the space around us - from the tiny atoms to the huge celestial bodies, and the connections we all have with one another. I also create handmade sketchbooks and binders, which are available to purchase through my page or Etsy shop!

A little bit of watercolour practice ✨ Wasn’t sure how my experiment with the salt was going to turn out, but did like t...
29/04/2026

A little bit of watercolour practice ✨

Wasn’t sure how my experiment with the salt was going to turn out, but did like the effect in the end!

Few little nice moments and things I’ve made over the last couple of months ♥️
18/03/2026

Few little nice moments and things I’ve made over the last couple of months ♥️

A little look at the process of painting ‘Butteflies’ in my sketchbook! 🦋Usually when I get an idea, it begins with a re...
14/03/2026

A little look at the process of painting ‘Butteflies’ in my sketchbook! 🦋

Usually when I get an idea, it begins with a really quick scribble, or few thumbnail sketches to just get the idea out on paper whist it’s on my mind, and then figure out the composition and elements with a few more scribbles.
Then once settled, I can spend a lot more time on a more careful and detailed pencil sketch that will be painted. I’ll often use reference photos for accuracy - in this one, I had collected and used a lot of butterfly pictures from different angles!

Then after a little practice painting butteflies and settling on the colour palette, I get painting and gradually build up the layers of watercolour paint. I always get to a point here where I start to doubt myself and think it’s terrible. ‘Have I forgotten how to paint?!’ - Honestly, I nearly gave up with it and considered starting over again. But you have to just trust the process and keep going!

I add more detail with a smaller brush and watercolour pencils. I love the use of the pencils to add definition.. and being watercolour, they can also be washed and blended with the paint for more effects. Then, I use a white pen or ink for highlights, and an opaque, gold watercolour paint on the lines of the sun ☀️

I really did enjoy painting this one, despite the momentary self doubt in the middle - it helped me to process a lot of thoughts and feelings I was going through at the time.. sometimes you just have to sketch it out!

First make of the year.. I’ve put together just three of these gorgeous dark blue journal covers ♥️The colours together ...
11/01/2026

First make of the year.. I’ve put together just three of these gorgeous dark blue journal covers ♥️

The colours together remind me of the night sky ✨
Though like many if us, I can often feel a little down this time of year, one thing I do love about the winter is looking up at the stars and planets on those clear, dark nights!

Another year of adventures, creativity and time well spent with family and friends passes by. More wonderful memories ma...
01/01/2026

Another year of adventures, creativity and time well spent with family and friends passes by. More wonderful memories made, and a few lessons learned. Spending my first morning of the year all cosy with a nice warm coffee, looking back at some of the lovely moments in 2025 ♥️

Happy New Year! ✨ Wishing you all the absolute best for the year ahead!

Couple of little highlights from the last few weeks..♥️Took my daughter on her first ever trip abroad to Greece, swam in...
10/11/2025

Couple of little highlights from the last few weeks..♥️

Took my daughter on her first ever trip abroad to Greece, swam in the gorgeous sea of Crete, spotted turtles and all sorts of cool little critters, and enjoyed the company of several stray cats! We had an absolutely amazing time exploring some of the island and soaking up the sunshine ☀️

Then just this weekend was very lucky to catch a rainbow sat upon on the hills of the Peak District after a morning walk through Padley Gorge to Hathersage. Inner fairy is feeling well recharged after a peaceful autumn walk through the woods 🌈

It’s been so lovely to explore somewhere new, and so different to home. I really loved the sea, it was absolutely gorgeous and clear! But also, to then come back and appreciate just how beautiful it is here too ♥️

Few pen drawings from over the years 🖊️🥰
04/09/2025

Few pen drawings from over the years 🖊️🥰

Little frog sketches 🐸♥️
03/06/2025

Little frog sketches 🐸♥️

Few snaps and sketches from the year so far ♥️ Drawing, painting, baking, making and taking pictures of things as always...
21/03/2025

Few snaps and sketches from the year so far ♥️ Drawing, painting, baking, making and taking pictures of things as always ✨

Bunnies to fill the first couple pages of my new sketchbook 🐰💫Went for a watercolour book again this time so expect to s...
23/02/2025

Bunnies to fill the first couple pages of my new sketchbook 🐰💫

Went for a watercolour book again this time so expect to see more paintings in this one.. would like to draw and paint more wildlife this year 🥰

I made some cute little bookmarks 🔖♥️Looking at different paper textures I could use to make more in future.. this one i...
29/11/2024

I made some cute little bookmarks 🔖♥️

Looking at different paper textures I could use to make more in future.. this one is very smooth, and backed with a more textured linen card. But I think perhaps it would work well with a more textured front too? I have always loved working with paper.. I will have to try out some different types and see what works best ☺️

Address

East Retford

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Annelies Verkade Art posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Annelies Verkade Art:

Shortcuts

Share