Jeanne Barnes

Originally from South Africa, artist Jeanne Barnes showed a strong creative spirit from early childhood. She attended the prestigious Johannesburg Art, Ballet, Drama and Music School (now the National School of the Arts), before going on to study Fine Art at Technikon Pretoria, majoring in Painting. Although her artistic path first led her into the jewellery industry — where she completed an apprenticeship and successfully ran her own jewellery business with her husband Nat for many years . After migrating to Australia in 2008, Jeanne eventually returned fully to her first love, becoming a full-time artist in 2016.

Now based in the breathtaking Kimberley region of Western Australia, Jeanne draws endless inspiration from the rugged landscapes, ancient boab trees, vast skies, wildlife and the people who call the region home. The Kimberley’s raw beauty and spirit continue to shape her creative journey, deeply influencing the themes and emotional connection found within her work.

Working primarily in watercolour, Jeanne has developed a distinctive style that combines delicate washes with richly textured elements including metal leaf, natural ochres and even rough diamonds embedded into selected works. Her paintings often feature boab trees, native flora, cattle, birds and whimsical human figures that bend and move in expressive, symbolic ways — reflecting resilience, adaptation and the complexities of life itself.

Jeanne is also well known for her immersive art workshops and her contribution to the Kimberley arts community. Her work has been exhibited widely and is held in private collections throughout Australia and internationally, including the United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, France, Norway, Switzerland, Germany and China.