There, she worked in interior design and also created tapestries, friezes, and murals. One such mural sent her to the Bronx Zoo to sketch where she was fascinated by the form of a peacock. From then on, birds became her specialty.

With their rich plumage and realistic renderings, Botke's birds are brought to life amongst flowers, gardens, and still-life settings. The artist's work evokes decorative elegance and style and her romance with the winged species is immediately obvious to the viewer.

After years of painting in Paris and Holland, Jessie Arms Botke settled on a farm in southern California where she worked until her death in 1971.