Artist Bio
Jonanda Kannemeyer is a Botanical Artist and Illustrator based in Cape Town, South Africa. With a background in Graphic Design, Illustration, and Animation, her work is characterised by intricate detail and narrative-inspired compositions. Working primarily in watercolour, pen and ink, and coloured pencil, she is passionate about sharing the beauty and wonder of creation through her art.
Her botanical artworks have been acquired by private art collectors in South Africa, including the prestigious Ellerman House. In 2024, Jonanda earned international recognition for her work when she received an "Exhibiting Excellence in Composition" SBA Award from the Society of Botanical Artists (UK) during the Plantae 2024 Online exhibition.
Her botanical artworks have been acquired by private art collectors in South Africa, including the prestigious Ellerman House. In 2024, Jonanda earned international recognition for her work when she received an "Exhibiting Excellence in Composition" SBA Award from the Society of Botanical Artists (UK) during the Plantae 2024 Online exhibition.
Jonanda is an active contributor to the botanical art community, serving on the Botanical Artists' Association of Southern Africa (BAASA) Cape Committee since March 2025 and previously on the Association of Botanical Artists (ABA) Education Team (January 2022 – March 2025). She shares her creative journey and the stories behind her work on Instagram: @Kingdom.Illustrations and on her website kingdomillustrations.co.za.
Artist Statement
"My art is rooted in my love for nature and my desire to share its beauty in our fast-paced world. I am inspired by the Creator, pursuing realism to magnify the beauty and wonder of His works and all its intricate details. I aim to awaken a childlike wonder, curiosity, and appreciation for the natural world through my art. Botanical art, to me, is a celebration of the beauty and mystery of life's cycles, reflecting on the fleeting and eternal, and connecting the human heart back to the Creator of it all. It also evokes emotions and memories, from recalling the scent of spring flowers in childhood, to honouring life's golden moments with beautiful bouquets and witnessing the mysterious splendour of wildflowers in bloom. One of my favourite art quotes is by Margaret Stevens: 'God has already done the best job. Artists can't improve on that and can only do the best they can.' "
Exhibitions
● 2025 – 2026 | Inspiration Online Exhibition, Association of Botanical Artists (ABA), UK
● 2025 – 2026 | Botanical Art & Photography Exhibition, Stellenbosch University Botanical Gardens (SUBG), RSA
● 2024 | Botanical Art & Photography Exhibition, Stellenbosch University Botanical Gardens (SUBG), RSA
● 2024 | Stones of Remembrance Art Exhibition, Welgemeend, Cape Town, The Voice Collective, RSA
● 2024 | Plantae 2024 Online Exhibition, Society of Botanical Artists (SBA), UK (SBA Award)
● 2021 – 2022 | Reflections Online Exhibition, Digitally displayed at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery, Kew Gardens, Association of British Botanical Artists (ABBA), UK
● 2021 | Wildlife Artist of the Year Virtual Exhibition, David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), UK (Finalist)
● 2021 | Purely Botanical? II Online Exhibition, Association of British Botanical Artists (ABBA), UK
● 2020 – 2021 | Purely Botanical? Online Exhibition, Association of British Botanical Artists (ABBA), UK
Awards
SBA Award:
Exhibiting Excellence in Composition for “Rockets After the Fire”,
Plantae 2024 Online Exhibition,
Society of Botanical Artists, UK
SBA Award:
Exhibiting Excellence in Composition for “Rockets After the Fire”,
Plantae 2024 Online Exhibition,
Society of Botanical Artists, UK
Education
Jonanda graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Applied Graphics (majoring in Graphic Design & Illustration) from the University of Stellenbosch in 2000 and an Animation Diploma from Boston Media House in Sandton in 2004.
In 1996, Jonanda was awarded three South African International Child Art World Award medals for work produced through the Tygerberg Art Centre.
Quotes
"I am inspired by the Creator, pursuing realism to magnify the beauty and wonder of His Works and all its intricate details."
Jonanda Kannemeyer
"God has already done the best job. Artists can't improve on that and can only do the best they can."
Margaret Stevens
(Former President of the Society of Botanical Artists)
"...whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
Jonanda Kannemeyer
"God has already done the best job. Artists can't improve on that and can only do the best they can."
Margaret Stevens
(Former President of the Society of Botanical Artists)
"...whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Philippians 4:8 (ESV)