Jo Gershman
Paintings & Illustrations
Jo Gershman’s watercolor paintings are vibrant and elegant works, intricately detailed, full of whimsical realism mysterious domains, and complex patterns.
Children’s Illustrations
Cards & Borders
Still Life
About me
I create illustrations for picture books, gift books, journals, and greeting cards that range from magical flying horses to kangaroos and green pythons to the Nutcracker Ballet. For gallery exhibitions I focus on fruits, vegetables, and elegant still lifes.
I use a variety of watercolor techniques in my paintings: loose washes, glazing, drybrushing and varied textural effects. I also enjoy teaching watercolor and talking to all ages about the process of illustrating books.

One of my earliest horses
When I was a little girl in Philadelphia, I used to watch a children’s television show in which the host would tell fairy tales, illustrating them as he spoke. On a huge blank sheet of white paper, he would render flawless drawings, bringing the stories to life. I had no idea that he was tracing pre-drawn pictures – it was like magic. For years, I thought that drawings and paintings happened this way, perfectly formed at first try, and I would discard my paper the moment I committed an imperfect line. And while I now sketch many imperfect drafts to create a finished piece, I think that my drive for perfection of detail as well as my sense of magic spring from this childhood influence.
My love of design and detail are greatly influenced by medieval manuscript illuminators and leading artists of the late nineteenth century Arts & Crafts movement, particularly William Morris. From the moment I fell in love with Black Beauty as a very young child, animals and nature have always been my favorite subjects to draw and paint, and my life is filled with many, including a lovely Morgan mare, and two affectionate and opinionated cats who have me very well trained.
“The aim should be to combine clearness of form and firmness of structure with the mystery which comes of abundance and richness of detail….”
William Morris, 1883
I have exhibited both fine art and illustrations in one woman shows and juried group shows in various galleries and museums. I have illustrated over 40 books for children and adults:
Picture Books
Artemis and the Violin
Screech Owl Press, chapter book 2018
Jilly’s Terrible Temper Tantrums and How She Outgrew Them
Smart Love Press 2017
The Land of Walloo
Mascot Books 2016
Mommy, Daddy, I Had a Bad Dream!
Smart Love Press 2012
2013 IPNA Ben Franklin Gold Award for Children’s Books
The Adventures of Kingii
Teacher Created Materials 2013
The Snake’s Diary by Little Yellow
Teacher Created Materials 2013
Wind Dancers Series of 12 books
Feiwel and Friends 2008-2011
Welcome to the White House
Peter Pauper Press 2010
The Night Before Christmas
Peter Pauper Press 2008
The Nutcracker Ballet
Peter Pauper Press 2008
Silver Honor Parents Choice Award
Peter Pauper Press
1995-2010
Christmas Cards
Journal covers
Florentine Journal & cards
Wedding Anniversary Album
Friendship Bracelets
The Merry Christmas Tree
Irish Legends
Nature’s Miracles
A Simple Christmas
Blueberries from Heaven
First Aid for the Jewish Soul
Kabbalah: The Way of Light
History of Our Family
Celtic Sunrise
Chanukah
The Key to Friendship
The Key to Love
The Gift of a Rose
A Cup of Herbal Tea
The Key to Happiness
Noah’s Ark
Pearls of Wisdom
The Key to Life