Helen Taylor is a visual artist and children’s book illustrator based in Lyttelton, New Zealand. She works primarily in watercolour and mixed media, with a focus on New Zealand’s native plants, birds, and natural landscapes. Her art is known for its clarity, fine detail, and sensitivity to the environment.
Since 1992, Taylor has illustrated numerous children’s books, collaborating with writers including Ben Brown, whose book A Booming in the Night won Best Picture Book at the 2006 New Zealand Post Book Awards. She has also written and illustrated her own titles, such as Kakapo Dance (Storylines Notable Book, 2015), The Indigo Bird, and Pīpī Kiwi. Her work often combines simple narrative with strong visual storytelling, making it accessible and engaging for young readers.
Helen studied art history at the University of Canterbury, completing a Master’s degree in 1991. Alongside her illustration work, she continues to develop her studio practice and exhibits both locally and internationally. Her paintings are held in private collections, and she regularly takes part in school and community programmes supporting art and literacy.
