Vanessa Jayne

Artist Biography

Vanessa Jayne was born and brought up in the beautiful Kentish countryside of England. She lives there now with her wildlife artist husband Paul Apps and their young son Barnaby. Surrounded by chickens, ducks, rabbits and tortoises, she works in a happy chaotic atmosphere, sparring for space in the studio she shares with Paul. Coming from a family of animal lovers, Vanessa's love of animals evolved from a passion into an obsession into a total way of life. She has drawn and painted animals for as long as she can remember. Vanessa has always tried to find something in her art, prints and posters to set her apart from other wildlife artists. Her sensitive eye and gentle use of muted colors produce a perceptive glimpse of the respect and compassion she has for every creature she paints.

After completing her undergraduate education with high marks, Vanessa took a job creating tile and sheet flooring designs for a large manufacturer. This alliance proved very important in her development as an artist of art, prints and posters. With her colleagues' encouragement and support, she continued her studies at the Kent Institute of Art and Design in Canterbury. Today, Vanessa maintains strong ties with the company as a freelance designer.

Vanessa's art, prints and posters combine her design expertise with her talent as an oil painter. Her wildlife subjects are based upon field research in Africa. She adds a decorative design in the background, resulting in uniquely appealing images that are garnering keen interest. She has exhibited throughout England, in Holland and the United States. Her work has been sold through major auction houses in the United Kingdom. Vanessa has won several awards at wildlife exhibitions, including the Evegate Award (for the most innovative approach) 1993 and 1997, the Alan M. Hunt Award 1997, and the Washington Green Award 1997.

Vanessa Jayne Art, Prints and Posters Collection