Hi, I’m Jennifer!
A deep love of color, pattern, and nature is at the heart of everything I create. As an artist, illustrator, author, and teacher, I find joy in capturing the world around me, from loose, painterly florals and landscapes to expressive portraits and meditative abstract moments. My gouache paintings are spontaneous and joyful, inviting viewers into a world of color, memory, and quiet observation.
In 2010, I made a bold leap from my career in textile design to pursue illustration, a dream I’d held onto for years. I began a daily sketchbook practice, committing to 30 minutes of painting each day. That ritual became the foundation of my signature style: intuitive, free, and joyful. My growing collection of filled sketchbooks is one of my greatest sources of inspiration, and a truly satisfying reminder of the power of showing up.
My artwork has appeared on products and in collaborations with brands around the world, including Anthropologie, Kate Spade Home, Eeboo, Chronicle Books, Chasing Paper, Abrams Books, Seattle Chocolate Company, Roger La Borde, and more.
I’m also the author of several books, including All Hail the Queen, a celebration of powerful women monarchs throughout history, and three inspirational sketchbook journals published by Abrams, created to spark and support your own daily art practice.
I studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and spent the first part of my career as a textile designer and stylist in New York City. Today, I love sharing my passion for creativity through painting, teaching, and helping others to find their artistic voice.
I named my business AugustWren in 2008. At the time, I wasn’t quite ready to put my real name on my work; I was still growing into my creative voice and didn’t feel confident in what I was creating. But over the years, I’ve grown into both my names, and now I am so happy with what I made up!
The name AugustWren is very personal to me. “August” comes from my son’s middle name, and “Wren” was a nickname my dad gave me when I was little; he used to call me Jenny Wren. The name connects me to the past and the present and to my family.
You will be the first to hear about upcoming art workshops I co-teach around the world, from the gorgeous landscape of Tuscany to the vibrant markets of Morocco. My co-teacher Gayle Kabaker and I guide you through drawing and acryla-gouache painting in a joyful, relaxed, and welcoming way. No pressure, just pure creative exploration.
You’ll also find musings from my travels, plus invitations to our cozy bi-monthly Zoom classes, each built around fun, inspiring themes. It’s a perfect way to spend a creative afternoon, no passport required.
