After a couple of years working in the advertising industry, I ended up with my own Design Agency and enjoyed many successful years in advertising. The stress however took it’s toll and after struggling to fall pregnant, was advised to give up my stressful career in order to pursue motherhood. I have 3 gorgeous boys and a incredibly supportive husband, who has encouraged me to now focus on my love for art. Although I’ve painted over the years, there’s never been much time to focus on my art. Working with the local gallery, Eye4Art, has been invigorating and I’m spending all my available time to the the pursuit of being creative and developing my skills.

If you wish to purchase any of the paintings below please contact the artist directly:

The post Tonya Seiler appeared first on The South African Artist Magazine.

If you wish to purchase any of the paintings below please contact the artist directly:

The post Craig Mark Cockcroft appeared first on The South African Artist Magazine.

More loose painting tips

The post Painting Tip #2 appeared first on The South African Artist Magazine.

Quick tip: How to paint in a loose style.

The post Painting Tip #1 appeared first on The South African Artist Magazine.

If you’re running low on supplies, or even just want to experiment, these sticks work perfectly and are quick and easy to make.

STEP 1: Cut olive or grapevine branches & twigs about 6 – 15mm in diameter and 120mm in length. Note that the size of the twigs reduces by about 50% in the baking process.

STEP 2: Trim off the green bark with a sharp knife. DO NOT USE YOUR WIFE’S FAVOURITE KITCHEN KNIFE!

STEP 3: Place the twigs into an old metal coffee tin or similar container (preferably with a lid). I used an old Prince Albert Olive Oil can and fashioned a lid using tin foil. Using a nail, punch a small hole or two into the top of the can – this will allow the twig sap vapours to escape.

STEP 4: Make a fire. Place the can of twigs into the fire and ‘cook’, turning the can every so often to distribute the heat. After about 30 minutes, the sap gases/vapour will start escaping from the can. 

STEP 5: After about 45 minutes of “cooking” remove the can from the fire and allow it to cool for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Carefully remove your charcoal sticks and do a test drawing.

Even my old olive oil can looks like a work of art after the charcoal stick cookout!

The post Make your own drawing charcoal appeared first on The South African Artist Magazine.

If you wish to purchase any of the painting below please contact the artist directly:

The post Diane Long appeared first on The South African Artist Magazine.

If you wish to purchase any of the painting below please contact the artist directly:

The post Alain Nichele appeared first on The South African Artist Magazine.

As a designer, I fell in love with paper and print; and the creative things I could do with both. I’ve been asked on several occasions to design and create various invitations for my friends and family. I figured out that I was good at it, that I rather enjoyed it and that I wanted to explore more of this field. And so, here I am exploring the event stationery field. I also offer traditional graphic design services for those who need it.

I have always had a keen interest in nature and storytelling. I draw inspiration from my love of bees and the way they interact with their surroundings; this is evident in my current artworks. Bees are disappearing at an alarming rate; I hope that my work will tell their story and perhaps help save them. My work is simple in that it tends to focus on the subject; rather than the environment around it. I adorn most of my pieces with gold leaf as a visual representation of the innate value that nature exhibits.  I try to let my chosen medium guide much of the world that is created within my work.

For the end result in any of my works, I’m hoping to create something beautiful, striking and emotionally resonant.

Every single day that I get to call this my job is an absolute blessing. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and every person who has supported my creative journey.

If you wish to purchase any of the painting below please contact the artist directly:

The post Simone Russell appeared first on The South African Artist Magazine.

If you wish to purchase any of the painting below please contact the artist directly:

The post Cornelie Wolff appeared first on The South African Artist Magazine.

If you wish to purchase any of the painting below please contact the artist directly:

The post Nicola Firth appeared first on The South African Artist Magazine.