Hi, I'm Manuela
Discover the story behind a watercolor artist inspired by nature. Explore custom art, surface patterns, licensing, commissions & wholesale opportunities.
I'm the founder of ella-artwork - a watercolor artist, surface pattern designer, and passionate cat lover based at the foot of Mount Pilatus in Switzerland. Nature is my biggest inspiration. I draw flowers, plants, fruits, vegetables, and animals, transforming my impressions into delicate illustrations and unique pattern designs.
Spending time outdoors, practicing meditation, and staying active through sports are what keep my creativity flowing. Whether I'm hiking in the mountains or enjoying a quiet moment in nature, I bring these experiences into my artwork - capturing the beauty and calm of the natural world with every brushstroke.
Through ella-artwork, my mission is to express my deep love for nature, celebrate its beauty, and share its magic with others - one painting at a time.
What I'm doing
-
High-Detail Watercolor Illustrations: Original watercolor artwork, crafted with precision and care. My illustrations are known for their fine detail and gentle, expressive style - perfect for branding, packaging, editorial use, and creative collaborations.
-
Surface Pattern Design for Textiles & Products: Seamless, print-ready patterns for fashion, home decor, stationery, and lifestyle products. Designed to translate beautifully across fabric, paper, and digital surfaces - bringing a soft, artistic touch to any product line.
-
Shop: Discover a curated selection of illustrated goods in my online shop - including greeting cards, art prints, calendars, notebooks, children’s puzzles, beach towels, pouches, laptop sleeves, and phone cases. Every product features original watercolor artwork, designed to bring beauty and warmth to everyday life.
-
Licensing, Commissions & Wholesale: Open for licensing opportunities, custom commissions, and wholesale partnerships. Whether you're looking to license artwork, stock your shop with unique illustrated products, or bring a personal idea to life - I’d love to work with you.
The Story
I'm a nature-inspired watercolor artist with a deep love for detail, storytelling, and organic beauty. Painting has been a constant thread throughout my life - a creative anchor that has shaped the way I see and connect with the world.
From the time I was a child, I was drawn to art - spending hours sketching and painting the things that sparked my curiosity. That early sense of wonder still fuels my creative process today.
I originally trained as a graphic designer and continue to grow through ongoing education. My time working as a pharmacist introduced me to the world of medicinal plants, deepening my connection to nature and inspiring the earthy tones, soft textures, and botanical forms that now define my work.
Nature is my greatest inspiration. Whether I’m walking through forests or simply observing the quiet moments of the natural world, I feel most at home surrounded by it. With a sketchbook in hand, I capture fleeting impressions and transform them into watercolor illustrations that blend emotion, story, and natural beauty.
My art is used around the world for surface pattern design, product illustration, editorial content, and fine art prints. I offer licensing, commissions, and wholesale collaborations for brands and creatives who are looking for meaningful, nature-rooted artwork.
Let’s Collaborate
If my work resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you're a brand looking to license artwork, a designer in need of illustrations, or a shop interested in wholesale, let’s create something beautiful together.