Whimsical watercolor illustrations designed to make you smile

I'm Iris, a watercolor illustrator based in Virginia. I create whimsical animals and playful scenes designed to bring a moment of calm. My artwork translates beautifully to greeting cards, paper goods, and licensed products.

Let's Work Together!
Let's Work Together!

You can also reach me directly at: iris@wanderingirisstudio.com

Explore my illustration portfolio by category.
Click an image below to view collections and individual works.

Seasonal

Animals

Floral

Meet the Artist

Hello! I’m the artist behind Wandering Iris Studio. I work primarily in watercolor, creating animals and botanical scenes that carry a bit of humor and warmth.

I love drawing animals interacting with their environment, often with a hint of mischief.

Shop the Studio

A small collection of greeting cards, prints, and paper goods featuring my watercolor illustrations.

Browse the Collection
Browse the Collection

Follow me on Instagram @the.wandering.iris

I wanted to get in on this Mediterranean trend but do it my way! This is a watercolor painting of Cinque Terre, a region of the Italian Riviera. The colors are so vibrant in Italy, especially the pink, orange, and yellow houses set against the blue
This watercolor illustration is my response to the #bugsinbloom2026 challenge. These lantana flowers are poisonous to deer so this deer is cheekily keeping his distance from them. Butterflies are a natural pollinator for these flowers. This was s
At the beginning of each month, I pull out my watercolors and paint some birthday postcards. I use this time to experiment and keep my style looser than how I usually paint. This is a way for me to remember to celebrate the birthdays of friends and
This is my watercolor Midsummer Frolic collection based on the illustration I painted with the playful animals around the Maypole. I took each element of this hero illustration and gave it a chance to shine in different patterns. Even the sky had t
This watercolor illustration features a hand lettering quote about friendship by Ralph Waldo Emerson. I find this quote especially meaningful because making friends is harder now that I am older. What a helpful thing to remember that what I can con
I couldn't resist painting this cheery pitbull enjoying her shower (so unlike my pet dog!) She dons a cute pink shower cap and has her toy shark to play with. This watercolor illustration continues my whimsical set of animals bathing -- perfect for
I'm participating in this Planet Week art challenge. This watercolor illustration is my response to the prompt "Forest Growing". I love the view of the forest from a low angle. The way the light filters through the leaves, creating shadow a
In this watercolor illustration, I wanted to continue with this collection of animals bathing. This bear is having a relaxing soak in a barrel bathtub. Lush green leaves surround this peaceful bath. He's got his bath brush and face towel to give him