Jennifer Johnson, a Devon-based artist and illustrator, has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students and art enthusiasts alike. Her dedication to her craft was evident in every aspect of her work, and her untimely passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the art community. Jennifer Johnson was a talented artist with a long and illustrious career.
| She studied graphic design and illustration at art school in Cumbria and Buckinghamshire |
| She worked for leading publishing houses, including the BBC, Weidenfeld & Nicholson, and Collins & Phaidon |
| She became a freelance artist, continuing to illustrate books, take portrait commissions, and work with architectural studies |
Despite her impressive career, Jennifer remained humble and unassuming, often describing herself as a “jobbing artist”. She was driven by a passion for art and a desire to capture the beauty of the world around her. Her love for the natural world was evident in her work, which often featured landscapes and seascapes of the Devon countryside.
- She spent decades working as an artist and illustrator in Devon
- She tutored in watercolour, landscape painting, drawing, portraiture, life drawing, and flower painting
- She was ‘Artist in Residence’ at the Ways With Words literary festival at Dartington Hall for ten years
- She was “hugely privileged and surprised” to be made President of Salcombe Art Club
Jennifer’s love for en plein air drawing and painting was a defining feature of her artistic practice. She loved to take her students to picturesque places to capture natural light, colour, and movement in their works. This approach not only helped her students develop their skills but also allowed her to tap into the beauty of the natural world. A retrospective exhibition of Jennifer’s work will be held at Salcombe Art Club next month, with all proceeds going to St. Luke’s Hospice, who cared for her during her final days.
“above all I wish that my eyes may be opened that I may learn to see”
This quote, attributed to the artist Dame Laura Knight, encapsulates Jennifer’s dedication to her craft and her desire to see the world in all its beauty. Jennifer was a true Renaissance woman, with a wide range of artistic skills and mediums. She worked in oil, watercolour, pen & ink, charcoal, carbon, pencil, and pastel, and also created collages, etchings, digital art, and pottery. Her versatility and creativity were evident in every aspect of her work. Her legacy will live on through her art, which will continue to inspire and educate future generations of artists and art enthusiasts. As Christopher Derrick, Jennifer’s son, said: “I find myself surrounded by a multitude of drawings and paintings, reference books, brushes, sketch-books, pencils, paints, drawers full to the brim with work. I reflect on her passion, and remember her boundless enthusiasm for the natural world. She saw drawing and painting as a process of the world revealing itself to the artist, a communion with nature.”
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my mother, but I am also filled with gratitude for the countless memories we shared and the impact she had on my life.”
“As I sit here in her studio, I am in awe of the multitude of reminders of a life devoted to art. The studio is a testament to her passion, and it is a reminder of the countless hours she spent honing her craft.”
“I will always cherish the memories of our time together, creating art, exploring the countryside, and sharing laughter and stories.”
The exhibition will be held at The Loft Studio, Salcombe Art Club, from Saturday, May 24 until Saturday, June 7. All proceeds will go towards supporting St. Luke’s Hospice, who provided Jennifer with care and comfort during her final days. Despite the loss of Jennifer Johnson, her legacy will continue to inspire and educate future generations of artists and art enthusiasts. Her art will live on, a testament to her dedication, passion, and creativity. As we celebrate her life and work, we are reminded of the power of art to bring us together, to inspire us, and to make us see the world in all its beauty.