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“Flowers are very powerful tokens of heartfelt emotion that can evoke strong memories from the past. They are associated with key moments in our lives and are the time-honoured gifts between old friends and new. Flowers also invite us to slow down, drawing us to look at nature and ourselves in a new way. Even more so now, with the challenges we face in the world we live, connecting with nature is even more important to our well-being.

In my paintings, the contrast of the sumptuous blooms against the dark backgrounds from which they emerge, further accentuates the impact and drama of the flower, drawing in the viewer. This gives an extra sensuality to the work which has been influenced by a combination of 17th century Dutch still life painting, botanical art and modern artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe.”  - Jennifer Harmes

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Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Jennifer was accepted into Northwest Nazarene University, Idaho, USA with several scholarships to study for a Bachelor of Arts Degree. On her return to New Zealand, Jennifer continued her studies in graphic design at Auckland Technical University and established a successful career as a graphic designer, art director and stylist in magazine publishing.

 

In 2000 Jennifer shifted her focus from graphic design to painting full time. Having previously painted in watercolours and traditional oils, Jennifer Harmes started experimenting with alkyd oils and developed a style of painting using layers of transparent colour. Her current technique soon evolved and with this delicate process, she is able to achieve incredible depth, detail and vibrancy to her paintings of large scale flowers. Jennifer successfully sold her work through exhibitions and commissions which are now held in private collections in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and the USA.

 

A change in personal circumstances in 2005 saw Jennifer return to graphic design, leading her to work in London in 2007. She resumed painting in 2020 from her home studio near St. Albans, Hertfordshire and became a Fellow of the Society of Botanical Artists in 2023.

Exhibitions

2023 Royal Institute of Oil Painters exhibition, Mall Galleries, London

2022 Royal Institute of Oil Painters exhibition, Mall Galleries, London

2022 Gallery selection, Thompson's Galleries, Harpenden, UK

2021  Gallery selection, Panter & Hall, London, UK

2005  Joint exhibition with Tim Wilson, Fishers Fine Arts, Auckland, New Zealand

2004  New Years Exhibition - selected artists, Fishers Fine Arts, Auckland, New Zealand

2003  Bloom - solo exhibition, Te Tuhi - The Mark, Manukau City, New Zealand

2002  Joint Exhibition with Anna Palmer, Flagstaff Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand

2001  Joint exhibition with Alan Bond, Flagstaff Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand

2001  Gallery selection, Flagstaff Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand

2001  Matters Of The Heart - selected artists, Morgan St Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand

2000  Christmas Selection - selected artists, Morgan St Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand

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