Exploring the mystery of plants

Every painting tells a story. Throughout her practice as a botanical artist, Jarnie has continued to engage with subjects that spark a feeling and a conversation with those which have character and, ‘a soul’.

Jarnie’s artistic roots are firmly grounded by her love of the garden and woods that surrounded her childhood home. With the city of London not far away, the tranquil beauty of bluebells, birdsong, and the scent of roses have filled her imagination with a lifetime of love of nature.

‘I really want my paintings to engage and to enliven a conversation, a memory, an exploration. I see my botanical subjects almost as a portrait painter sees a person. I look for a unique personality which excites, intrigues and informs my painting. In my work I seek to know their character, and endeavour to embody this through each piece’.

Portfolio

Jarnie is a self-taught botanical artist painting realistic, detailed, and vibrant botanical watercolours. In 2025 she was awarded an RHS GOLD Medal for her series of watercolour paintings, ‘Tulipa: Species & Botanical Class Tulips’

Born in London, Jarnie has been a teacher, a graphic designer, and received a formal training in Architecture. The work Jarnie focuses on as a botanical artist combines her love of structure, vibrancy and detail, with precision and realism at its heart. Her passion for botanical painting lies in vivid colour, detail, and capturing beautiful, but not always perfect flowers at larger than life size.

Her work can be found in both private and public collections, including the prestigious Hunt Institute of Botanical Documentation in Pittsburgh. In 2023 her first book, 'Vibrant Botanical Painting' was published by The Crowood Press, and in 2025 she was awarded a prestigious Gold Medal by the RHS for her botanical series ‘Tulipa’ .

Selected Exhibitions & Publications

2025 RHS Botanical Art & Photography Exhibition. Saatchi Gallery, London. RHS GOLD Medal. Tulipa: Species and Botanical class tulips

2025 SBA ‘Plantae’: 40th Anniversary Exhibition. Society of Botanical Artists. Mall Galleries. London. Millwall Park Roses

2024 SBA ‘Plantae’: Society of Botanical Artists. ‘Solitude’.

2023 ‘Vibrant Botanical Painting: The life of plants in watercolour’ published by The Crowood Press

2022 ‘Floreat’ Exhibition of Botanical Painting. Timothy Langston Gallery, Pimlico. London.

2021 RHS Botanical Art & Photography Exhibition. Saatchi Gallery, London. RHS Silver-Gilt Medal. Echinacea: Life in full colour

2018 16th International Exhibition of Botanical Art & Illustration. Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, Pittsburgh. ‘Waterlily’. Hunt Permanent collection.

2015 ‘The Irish Alphabet in Botanical Art’ group exhibition. National Botanic Gardens of Ireland. Glasnevin.

Portfolio

For projects, collaborations or commissions email Jarnie mail@jarniegodwinart

I am drawn to character and presence. I am drawn to subjects which instantly invite a conversation or evoke an emotion.
My paintings are a response to the narratives which have shaped my own story. From growing up in east London to the experiences of teaching in the classroom.
I find a particular interest in subjects which may be overlooked or dismissed. The imperfect are perfect in my eyes, and these have their own story to tell which often are the most intriguing ‍
Watercolour is such an energetic medium. Many artists fear the lack of control and a quote by the artist John Singer Sargent often comes to mind,
‘make the best of an emergency’
The spontaneous nature of watercolour excites me, and I exploit the ‘emergency’ in my work. The juxtaposition of precise botanical painting with an excitable and spontaneous medium provides its own narrative within the painting.
The challenge of me as the artist in partnership with the challenge of nature to succeed is never lost.
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My early experience was shaped in both architecture and graphic design. The careful and precise design elements of both disciplines provided a valuable insight into how the simplest design devices articulated with precision can have the highest impact.
‍In my botanical pieces I maintain a simplicity which elevates a singular element into a unique and elegant statement. Precision is at the heart, with vibrancy and
‍Painting larger than life allows me to engage more deeply with the subject. Here the smallest details become part of the wider conversation. Each line captures the character and presence of the subject, inviting questions on how we view both the natural world and ourselves. ‍
It often surprises people when I say that I was teacher of geography and not an art teacher.
My Estate Management university degree had a focus on sustainable development, and it was here that I combined my love of architecture with the natural landscapes of my childhood.
I taught in the classroom for nearly 10 years. Introducing young people to the outdoors and nature is wonderful experience. For some, it is a spark which stays with them for life. And that joy never really leaves you. They often say that once you are a teacher, you never really stop being a teacher.
‍Now I have the pleasure of introducing adults to the joy of botanical painting. Whether it’s online or at a workshop, the same spark is there. I love teaching.