Jane Watkins studied Textile Design at Leicester Polytechnic and gained a degree in Art and Design in 1976.

In the late 80’s, when her children became more independent, she took up botanical painting.

In 1990 she was invited to spend a year in the USA with a commission to paint Frank Cabot’s famous alpine plant collection in Wavehill, a national monument in New York, which culminated in a successful exhibition in Cold Spring, New York. During this time she was also commissioned to paint Jefferson’s Roses at Monticello.

On her return to England she exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Society in 1991, where she received a silver-​gilt medal.

She also works as a freelance illustrator, mostly for children’s educational books. Harper & Collins, Ginn, Jarrolds and Macmillan/Heinemann have published her work.

In May 2000 her paintings of medicinal plants were published in a National Geographic Society book entitled Nature’s Medicine.

In 2006 Jane contributed illustrations for Bloom, a ‘horti-​cultural’ view, the first trend magazine for flowers and plants and how they relate to fashion, interiors and other industries. 

Jane has run painting courses throughout Somerset, and abroad. She facilitates the The Blackdown Flower Painters, a small group led by Jane who meet once a week in the Blackdowns Hills to paint together. 

Jane frequently exhibits during Somerset Arts Week and with the Blackdown Flower Painters. 

In addition to painting Jane is also a skilled frame restorer working for Caroline J Spiers, where they specialise in frame making and gold leaf restoration. They provide conservation services to many including the Mucha Foundation. 

Jane is happy to paint commissions and run courses, please contact her on 01823 601 405  to discuss.