About Joanna Thomas Art

Hello, I'm Joanna Thomas, a contemporary botanical artist based in Brisbane, Queensland. Although my roots are in Brisbane, my botanical art journey began while living in Berry, New South Wales, where my lifelong love of drawing and growing plants came together in a way that felt both natural and inevitable.

My fascination with plants began in my mother's garden and grew when I established my own. Wanting to better understand the plants I was cultivating, I completed a Diploma of Horticulture and developed a deeper appreciation for their diversity, structure and beauty. That knowledge, combined with nearly twenty years teaching Visual Art, Science and Horticulture, continues to shape my artistic practice today.

I work primarily in graphite and coloured pencil, creating detailed botanical studies that encourage viewers to slow down and appreciate the intricate textures, forms and patterns often overlooked in the natural world. By drawing with careful observation and patience, I aim to reveal the quiet beauty that exists beyond colour, celebrating every stage of a plant's life—from emerging buds and delicate flowers to weathered leaves and sculptural seedpods.

My artistic development has been enriched through the support of the botanical art community. After beginning my journey with the Bowral Botanical Artists, I became involved with Brisbane Botanical Artists and am a member of the Botanical Art Society of Australia, the Society of Botanical Artists (UK) and the American Society of Botanical Artists. These connections have provided invaluable opportunities to learn, exhibit and share knowledge with artists both in Australia and internationally.

With a background in education and a passion for encouraging others in their creative journeys, I now teach graphite botanical art classes, sharing the skills, techniques and observational practices that have shaped my own work. I find great joy in supporting emerging artists as they develop their confidence and discover their own connection with botanical art.

My work has been selected for exhibitions throughout Australia and overseas, including London, South Korea and the United States, and my graphite drawings received Highly Commended awards at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in 2022 and 2024.

Through my artwork and teaching, I hope to inspire others to look more closely at the botanical world and discover the extraordinary beauty found in its smallest details.