Jessie Arms Botke (1883-1971)

Untitled landscape (possibly Round Mountain in Bardsdale, CA)

Date unknown (circa 1950)
Oil on panel

10” H x 12” W (image size)
16” H x 17.5” W (frame size)

Signed lower right: J.A. Botke

Estimated value: $1,750 - $2,250

Artist Biography

From her ranch and studio in Santa Paula, California, artist Jessie Arms Botke became (and remains) one of the most treasured decorative painters of the 20th century. Her paintings of birds and flowers are particularly prized for their richness of color and detail, and her frequent use of dazzling gold leaf.

Jessie Arms was born in Chicago in 1883. Following a course of study at the Art Institute of Chicago and several summers with renowned artists and teachers John C. Johansen and Charles Woodbury, Jessie found work as an interior decorator, painting wall friezes in private homes. By 1911, Botke had landed in New York where she was employed by interior design firm Herter Looms as a wall decorator, tapestry "cartoonist," and muralist.

Jessie married artist Cornelis Botke in 1915. In 1919, the Botkes moved to Carmel, California, with its thriving art colony. They settled in Santa Paula in 1927 and remained there, painting and printmaking, for the rest of their lives. The artist couple also worked on a number of mural commissions together throughout their careers. Botke's oil and watercolor paintings and block prints continue to be eagerly collected by private collectors and museums worldwide, including the Irvine Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Santa Paula Art Museum.

Auction Information

The 13th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser
Saturday, August 19, 2023
The silent auction starts at 3:00 PM.
The live auction starts at 4:00 PM.
Auction admission: $15.00 SPAM members, $20.00 Non-members

All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization #2478728.

All major credit cards, check, and cash are accepted.
Sales tax will be applied to all hammer prices. There is no buyer’s premium.

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