Discovering Nature Through Art

Last Updated: Sep 25, 2024

Wherever Jeanne Hugo van Merwe goes, you can be sure she has paper by her side. Whether sailing around the world as an art gallery director or exploring local wildlife, Jeanne’s love for paper and art has shaped her unique journey.

As an award-winning visual artist and the owner of an online gallery, Jeanne’s current passion lies in capturing South African birds. Her educational posters, beautifully printed on quality paper with a vintage feel, have garnered a loyal following. With popular collections featuring local garden birds, owls, and seagulls, Jeanne’s work aims to inspire appreciation for nature in both children and adults.

Jeanne’s venture into bird art began during the lockdown when she spent quality time with her young son under the grand old tree in their garden. This newfound connection with nature sparked an exploration of local bird species, leading her to create detailed illustrations inspired by their backyard discoveries. “Drawing is just my go-to activity as a mother,” she shares, as she and her son sketched the birds they observed.

Through her art, Jeanne aims to teach youngsters about the beauty and diversity in their gardens.

“You don’t have to climb a mountain to experience nature,” she emphasizes. Her journey has connected her with fellow bird enthusiasts, from interior decorators to grandparents, all eager to share the wonders of the avian world with the next generation. Jeanne reflects, “I aim to have my viewers somehow gripped by the soothing, seeming innocence of my work and then be transported to a certain familiarity of their own (un)conscious state.” – Jeanne Hugo

Jeanne’s artistic journey also led her to collaborate with author and geologist Nick Norman, illustrating his book, The Woodpecker Mystery. Working closely with Nick, she delved into the fascinating similarities between bird species across continents, enriching her own understanding and artistic expression.

Jeanne’s artistic process is deeply influenced by her travels. While working on luxury ships, she often found herself painting in the small confines of her cabin, inspired by the ever-changing views through her porthole. “I still remember the morning when Greenland came into view,” she recalls. This unique perspective has shaped her work and continues to inspire her.

As Jeanne’s business grows, she envisions expanding her educational offerings. Her dream includes building an app and a community that celebrates nature and art. She invites people to engage with her work by downloading and coloring her sketches, finding joy and meditation in the creative process.

With plans for more posters and even cloth napkins adorned with her bird designs, Jeanne’s journey is just beginning. She dreams of a grand exhibition featuring 1,000 original drawings, creating an immersive experience that allows visitors to “drown in nature and beautiful paper.”

To explore Jeanne’s art, visit www.jeannehugo.co.za for her Fine Art, smartypantsposters.com for her bird posters, and www.hugomodern.art for her online shop. You can also follow her creative journey on Instagram @jeannehugovanmerwe. Join Jeanne on her mission to inspire a love for nature through art!

Original article by SARIE Tydskrif.