How Jasmine Veronique’s Floral and Figurative Paintings Capture the Nature
Jasmine Veronique is an incredible artist from the Sunshine Coast, Australia, whose floral and figurative paintings beautifully capture the balance between wildness and grace. In this interview, Jasmine opens up about her creative journey, sharing what inspires her work and how she brings her love for nature into her art. She talks about the challenges of being a mother and an artist, how she found her unique style and the moments that shaped her career. Jasmine also advises aspiring artists honestly, reminding them to accept their individuality and enjoy the creative process.
Jasmine Veronique is a fine artist based on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, and she is celebrated for her intricate floral and figurative paintings that explore the theme of wildness. Drawing inspiration from the raw elegance of her surroundings, Jasmine’s work embodies the delicate balance between wildness and grace. Her distinctive technique often features a rich underpainting, unveiling layers of texture and tone to harmonize refinement with imperfection.
In 2024, Jasmine received notable recognition as a finalist in the Local Contemporary Art Prize, the People’s Choice Award winner at the Butter Factory Arts Centre’s 40 Under 40 exhibition, the Highly Commended Award Winner in the Seeing The Soul Art Prize, and the cover artist for Hello Sunshine magazine’s Autumn issue. She was also featured among the Arts To Hearts Project’s ‘100 Emerging Artists of 2024 – Women’s Edition’ and represented by Stevens Street Gallery at the Affordable Art Fair in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. In addition to her artistic practice, Jasmine is an art teacher and mentor at Art School Co., where she shares her passion for creativity.
1. How would you describe your art style, and what inspired you to become an artist?
My art style blends contemporary realism and expressive abstraction, focusing on the interplay between wildness and grace. I primarily work with oil paints, creating layers that explore the tension between raw, instinctive mark-making and refined detail. My subjects often feature florals and figures, which I use as vessels to tell stories of freedom, impermanence, and beauty. My journey to becoming an artist has been a lifelong evolution. As a child, nature captivated me, and I spent countless hours drawing big cats and exploring the outdoors. However, my path to art was not linear. It wasn’t until I rediscovered painting as an adult – initially through art classes and workshops – that I realized my deep connection to florals and the stories they can tell. Later, after our first child was born and I saw the world through our daughter’s eyes, my appreciation for the natural world was rekindled, and it now serves as the core of my creative practice. Painting allows me to express what words often cannot – a connection to the wildness within and around us.
I love to explore the coexistence of wildness and grace through floral and figurative subjects, primarily using oil paints, and occasionally other mediums such as charcoal, to capture this dance.
Jasmine Veronique
2. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?
One piece that holds a special place in my heart is Dune Warden, an oil painting that began my exploration of the local Wallum ecosystem. It features pig face flowers – a resilient native succulent that thrives in coastal areas. This piece was inspired by my growing connection to the Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty and my curiosity about its unique wildflowers and ecosystem. It also holds memories of our first walk along our local beach once we relocated to our new home with our young family. Dune Warden is meaningful not only for its subject matter but also for its recognition as a finalist in the Local Contemporary Art Prize. This milestone encouraged me to deepen my artistic practice and refine my storytelling through art. The painting represents a pivotal moment in my journey as an artist, where I began to truly connect with the themes of wildness and impermanence that now anchor my work. Creating this piece felt like stepping into a conversation with nature – one of resilience, beauty, and a quiet strength that inspires me.
3. Describe a memorable experience or project that significantly impacted your career.
One of the most memorable experiences that significantly impacted my career was being a finalist in the Local Contemporary Art Prize at the Caloundra Regional Gallery. My painting, Dune Warden, reflected my deepening curiosity about the local Wallum ecosystem and marked a turning point in my journey as an artist. The recognition validated my exploration of storytelling through florals and landscapes and gave me the confidence to develop my artistic voice further. Additionally, participating in the finalist Artist Talk at the gallery was transformative. It was my first time publicly sharing insights about my practice and the meanings behind my work. Engaging with the audience directly and personally made me realize the power of storytelling in connecting with others. It inspired me to pursue opportunities to share more of my process and philosophy. This milestone was pivotal in shaping my identity as a fine artist. It reaffirmed my commitment to exploring the coexistence of wildness and grace in my work. It encouraged me to take bolder steps toward conceptual exhibitions, like my upcoming solo exhibition, The Dance of the Wildflowers.
4. What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I face as an artist is balancing my creative practice with the demands of family life, particularly with our young children (6 and 3 years). After having children, I took a significant break from art, and when I was ready to return, I decided to rebrand and rebuild from the ground up. Starting over felt daunting, but it also reignited my passion for creating. Another challenge has been learning to navigate the business side of being an artist, from self-promotion to organizing exhibitions and managing sales. These aspects don’t always come naturally to creatives, but I’ve found ways to embrace them by setting clear goals and seeking guidance from mentors and industry professionals. This helped me rebrand and focus my practice, allowing me to grow quickly after returning to the art world. These challenges taught me the importance of persistence and staying true to my vision. By carving out time for my work, continually refining my skills, and surrounding myself with supportive networks, I’ve overcome obstacles and moved forward confidently. Each challenge has strengthened my resolve to share my voice through my art and pursue opportunities that align with my values.
Painting is a conversation between instinct and intention, a process that mirrors the unpredictable and fleeting nature of life itself.
Jasmine Veronique
5. What advice would you give to the aspiring artists?
I advise aspiring artists to stay true to their unique voice and creative vision. It’s easy to get caught up in comparison, but your individuality is your greatest strength. Embrace the process of experimentation and allow yourself to make mistakes – through these moments, growth and discovery happen. Be patient with your journey. Building a career in the arts takes time, persistence, and resilience. Create when you don’t feel like it… inspiration will find you. Celebrate the small wins along the way, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance from mentors and peers. Community and collaboration are invaluable for inspiration and support. Finally, remember that art is as much about the process as the finished work. Stay curious, keep learning, and trust your instincts. Your passion and commitment will shine through in everything you create.
Jasmine’s art reflects her love for nature and belief in the beauty of wildness and grace. Her journey shows the importance of staying true to yourself, even when things are tough. She reminds us that art is not just about the finished product but about the process of discovery and growth. Her story is inspiring, encouraging us all to embrace creativity and stay connected to the world around us. To learn more about Jasmine, visit the links below.
