Riley Sheehey’s Whimsical Watercolours: Inspiring Nature Conservation Through Childlike Wonder

Riley Sheehey creates watercolour illustrations that could have easily come from children’s books from the early 1900s, such as Peter Rabbit and Madeline. For her, these illustrations are the embodiment of her childlike wonder and appreciation for nature. Sheehey wishes to share a child’s point of view, one that sees everything big and small, from insects to plants and elephants alike, as wondrous and magnificent. 

In today’s reality of rampant biodiversity loss, Sheehey wants her artworks to inspire people to appreciate nature a little bit more, to look at its wonders and care for it the same way a child does. So that they can play a part in making sure that these little-big wonders will be around for generations to come. This is why Riley Sheehey’s illustrations are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Life on Land.

Sheehey’s illustrations are characterized by their delicate, whimsical style and attention to detail. Each piece invites her viewers to step into a world where nature is revered and cherished. For example, in her piece for Earth Day, Happy Earth Day, various animals are seen walking around the globe. Flowers have replaced continents, and the stars are now confetti. They are having a momentous celebration of life on Earth, where the natural world is front and centre.

In another piece titled Up Up Away, various wild animals, such as a swan, a giraffe and an elephant, are seen floating away on balloons. This depiction associates interacting with these animals as an uplifting and joyous experience. This whimsical scene encourages Sheehey’s audiences to see nature as a source of joy and inspiration, further encouraging them to go out and see the real thing. Similarly, her piece Giraffes Apple Picking, which depicts the titular idyllic scene, is yet another playful reminder to engage with nature.

In her series The Alphabet Collection, Riley Sheehey has also created small illustrations to accompany A-Z animal or plant names. This particular piece serves as both her usual reminder to look at the world through a child’s gaze while also serving as a functioning children’s educational tool. Here, Sheehey is also reminding her adult audiences to take on the perspective of a child who is learning and experiencing everything for the first time. This point of view, of seeing the world with fresh eyes, means that people will be able to find wonder in the ordinary. Therefore, reminding her audiences of nature’s wonders that are all around them, waiting to be discovered and appreciated.

Riley Sheehey’s watercolours serve as a call to action, inviting people to look at nature with renewed curiosity. Her art encourages viewers to think critically about the legacy they want to leave for future generations and to consider how they can contribute to the preservation of the planet’s biodiversity. In today’s world, rife with environmental challenges, Sheehey’s illustrations offer a hopeful and upbeat perspective. They remind her viewers that even small actions, when driven by love and respect for both future generations and nature, can make a significant difference.

Find out more about watercolours by Riley Sheehey and their other initiatives by checking their Instagram on @rileysheehey.