Jan Harbon, Artist and Illustrator

Biography 

Jan Harbon SBA SFP SGM CBM

Jan trained as an illustrator at the London College of Printing, followed by a career as a commercial artist in industry.

In the last 10 years she has exhibited widely as a member of the Society of Floral Painters (award of Excellence 2005), at the Society of Botanical Artists Exhibition (Certificate of Botanical Merit 2006, President's Award 2007, Public Award 2009), at the Royal Horticultural Society (Silver Gilt Medal), and in mixed and solo exhibitions in galleries across the country. Previous commissions include a design for a Limited Edition collector’s plate for the National Sweet Pea Society to celebrate their centenary.
Jan exhibits annually at the Chelsea Flower Show, and at the Barakura Flower Festival Japan. Represented in London by the Judith Blacklock Flower Gallery Knightsbridge.
In 2010 and 2011 she was Artist in Residence at Gilbert White's House, Selborne.

One of her most popular painting techniques includes using handmade papers with gold and metal leaf, which she describes as an ‘organic’ method since the images grow out of the multi-layered base. Large scale paintings of flowers, animals and birds are major pieces in her mixed and solo exhibitions.

The smaller animal and flower paintings are reproduced frequently as Limited Edition prints and greetings cards for a variety of publishers ensuring her work is now recognised internationally.

Jan has a Certificate in Adult Education and teaches at workshops and courses.

Her studio in Hampshire is shared with Muffin the cat, and her home is across the garden with her husband Geoff, son Tom and labrador dog Millie. Daughter Kate lives with partner Laurie and their baby son Harry in nearby Alton.

Individual commissions for original paintings, designs for greetings cards and all other enquiries may be discussed by contacting Jan.