portraits painted while you watch.

(yes, this is a real thing.)

Hello Sunshine (aka Jo) is a Midlands-based watercolour portrait artist who paints live at weddings, events and markets. Brush in hand, tea nearby, portrait done before you've finished your canapés. can't make it in person? Online commissions are open, and you don't even have to get dressed.

Hire Jo for your event
commission a portrait online

portraits painted live. at your wedding, event or market.

Hire Jo to paint your guests in real time. A 10-minute keepsake they'll actually keep.

Hire Jo

a portrait. painted for you. posted to your door.

send a photo, get back something hand-painted and brilliant. people, pets, or both.

Commission a portrait

shop handmade bits and brilliant things.

earrings, pins and small joys. the good stuff, available while stocks last.

Browse the shop

find Jo in the wild.

Jo pops up at craft markets, maker fairs and festivals across the Midlands and beyond. come say hello, get a portrait painted on the spot, and leave with something you didn't know you needed.

See where Jo's headed

don't just take Jo's word for it.
(she's biased, obviously.)

  • "We decided to book Jo for our wedding after having had a few pet portraits done for ourselves and gifts for family. We also loved the unique style of Jo's work. Jo was very helpful and communicative leading up to our wedding. Our portrait was done before the wedding to allow more time for the guests on the day. Jo did this from photos, and we were amazed when we received it on our wedding day it. On the day the setup she had was warm and welcoming, it was perfect! All our guests managed to get a portrait done, and they commented on how friendly Jo was and how much they loved their portraits and how different they were. They also loved the fact they had a souvenir they could take home to mark our special day."

    Adam & Tori

  • "Jo really brought the sunshine to our business launch party, and our guests were absolutely thrilled with their lovely portraits. It was a truly above and beyond experience with every detail carefully considered. Jo is one of the most cheerful, organised, and easy to work with people we've ever met, and we look forward to booking again in future!"

    The Createry. Photos by Alison Edward

  • "Sunshine Jo has played a huge part in our lives over the last 6 years! She created some amazing portraits as gifts for our friend's and families, then provided the artwork which we used for our wedding save the dates. One delayed covid wedding later, Jo updated our artwork to include new additions- doggo and twins. We used this for our wedding invite and was the talk of our guests. It was only right that we asked her to draw portraits in person at our wedding, which made the day for us. Sunshine Jo has been nothing but glorious the whole time. So friendly, professional and exceptionally talented. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for going on the journey with us!"

    Jenna & Joe

  • “Jo brought the sunshine to our winter party in more ways than one. She lit up the room with her welcoming presence, helped our guests break the ice and created truly treasured momentos for them to take home. Jo was professional, flexible, accommodating and easy to work with. She’s incredibly talented and it was a privilege to share her portraits with our clients and loved ones. We would recommend Jo to anyone hosting a party or event, and will definitely be inviting her back next year!”

    Katie Underwood, Managing Director, KUCO

  • "Jo was an absolutely fantastic addition to our wedding day. We knew we wanted a creative live entertainment during our reception, something a little different to the norm that suited us as a couple, and Jo provided the perfect unique treat for our guests. Jo was really quick to reply to all emails during the booking process and travelled a long way to be there on the day. Her creation station perfectly blended in with our barn venue and she was completely self-sufficient so there was no stress or worry. There was a queue for Jo throughout our drinks reception because, despite her portraits only taking 5 minutes, everyone wanted one! So many of our guests now have Jo’s portraits on the wall of their home and it’s a super reminder of the fabulous day we had. Jo even brought along a portrait of us with our two cats (aka children) on the day, which we absolutely cherish. Our only regret is that we didn’t book her for longer. We can’t thank Jo enough for her kindness, professionalism and talent! We would recommend hello sunshine to anyone."

    Louise & Dan

  • "Book Sunshine Jo for your wedding you will not regret it! We booked Jo for our wedding to give our guests something different to do during the drinks reception. We also wanted them to have a keepsake (that they actually would want) from the day. Booking with Jo is super easy and she keeps in touch prior to your big day to confirm details. On the day Jo turns up and sets up with no fuss. When she draws she engages wonderfully with all the guests and it felt like she was truly a part of the wedding day. Our guests still talk about their portraits and they all have them on display in their homes. Our wedding portrait from Jo is one of my favourite memories from our day and I was so excited to see it! My one piece of advice would be book her for as long as you can - We wish we had booked her for longer as our guests absolutely loved it."

    Steffi & Rich

the human behind the paintbrush.

Jo Want is a Midlands-based illustrator, portrait artist and maker with an alarming tea habit and a lot of feelings about good art. here's a bit more about her and how Hello Sunshine came to be.

Meet Jo