Artist and illustrator Elsa Gladstone brings a playful, painterly energy to everything she touches, from joyful watercolours to bold, abstract canvases. We caught up with Elsa to talk creative chaos, colour confidence, and how her spontaneous, spirited approach to art shows up in everything from her wardrobe to her wallpaper.
You’ve explored everything from bold abstract canvases to delicate wedding illustrations. What draws you to such a wide range of creative expressions?
Honestly, I just can't pick one! I love the small watercolour illustrations I use for stationery designs, but I couldn’t give up on the big canvases either. One is my job, and the other is for fun, which is important when you do something you love for a living. You need elements that don’t feel like work.
You started sharing your work for fun on TikTok, and now run a growing business. What’s been the most surprising or rewarding part of that transition?
The variety of work from different clients. Whether it’s a wedding in the Bahamas or a Cotswolds garden celebration - or working with a fashion brand one week and a food brand the next - it keeps things exciting. I also get to meet so many interesting, inspiring people at events, which I love!
Rainbow Zinnia Amour Dress
Your work has such a joyful, painterly energy. How would you describe your aesthetic, or what are the recurring themes in your art?
Whimsical and organic meets playful and colourful. I like to paint quickly without sketching anything out first, so I can see where the painting takes me. Sometimes it ends in a dodgy illustration, but it can also lead to something unique, it’s less about accuracy, more about energy. I’d love to go back to school to get a more technical understanding of things like perspective, composition, and negative space.
Poppy Stripe Clara Dress
You’ve mentioned that you don’t like to box yourself into one creative style. Has that mindset influenced how you approach things like fashion or getting dressed each day?
100%. I change my mind about my style every day. One minute I want to dress more “grown-up,” and the next I remember I’m 25 and still want to be somewhat cool. Some might call it an identity crisis - I prefer “versatile.” In the end, I just love clothes that make me feel happy and confident, which usually means a vibrant, flowy dress.
Candy Floss Gingham Kolkata Top & Skirt
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you? Are there any rituals or must-haves that help you feel focused and inspired?
I love the days when the only thing on my to-do list is painting. I’ll dive in straight away, and suddenly it’s 7pm and I’m still in my PJs - oops. Most days I have a few meetings, which gives the day some structure. I try to fit in a walk and some garden painting if I can. I’ve just moved house, so I’m still finding my rhythm.
What role does colour play in your creative process, and does that carry over into how you dress?
I’m not afraid of colour - in fact, I gravitate toward the brightest palette possible. That definitely influences how I dress too. I like to invest only in “wow” pieces, which for me always means colourful. You won’t find a beige capsule wardrobe here, no, thank you!
Sky Lily Mix Aimee Dress
Our new Summer collection is filled with painterly prints and rich hand-crafted details. Were there any pieces that stood out to you? How would you style them in your own way?
I adore the new collection, especially the cherry print! The two-piece trouser and jacket set is such an easy outfit that looks like a showstopper but can also be dressed down with trainers. My absolute favourite is the Sky Lily Mix Aimee Dress - I styled it in New York with blue Sambas and a navy jumper over my shoulders.
Retro Loveheart Zoey Dress, Candy Floss Gingham Kolkata Top & Skirt, Neon Border Elizabeth Dress
What inspires you most right now — whether in your work, wardrobe, or life in general?
My home! I finally bought my own place, so I’ve loved decorating and making it my own. I even designed my own wallpaper, which has been so fun.
As someone who wears so many creative hats, how do you stay grounded or re-energised when things get busy?
Having lots of creative outlets keeps things moving - it keeps me inspired. I try to remind myself that even though it’s work, it’s still so much fun. And also: it’s not that deep! I’m painting pretty pictures at the end of the day. I try to take life lightly and enjoy each day as it comes. I’m very lucky to work on my own schedule, doing something I love.
Follow: @elsa_works_
