Mist Through the Trees Lions Head

I would describe my painting style currently, as having an expressionistic feel which is constantly evolving with use of combined mediums and the exploration of colour.

My formative art instruction was under renowned South African artist and teacher, Laura Wenman, who taught me the value of fundamentals:
understanding the importance of drawing, perspective, observation and history of art were just some of my earlier lessons with dynamic mentor, Laura.
Several years of direction and tuition and learning how to paint using the glorious medium of oils before venturing into the beginning of my own oil painting style.
I have attended various art workshops over the years including
the late genius Ryno Swart and the late Jenny Merritt, a mentor and gifted artist who encouraged me to paint large abstract and expressionist work using ‘generous amounts’ of acrylic paint!

My paintings are mostly inspired by my surroundings, landscapes, trees and flowers.
I also have a particular passion for painting donkeys and cattle which are all part of the rural African landscape.

My references are derived from photographs, memory, sketches and notes.

My Zimbabwean inspired art and paintings include references to the magnificent Matobo Hills, an ancient, spectacular concentration of natural rocky outcrops (kopjes) which include monumental, naturally formed columns of perfectly balanced domes and balancing blocks of granite.
For me, these monolithic ancient forms evoke a sense of Feminine, Divine.
They remind me of powerful African Mothers standing custodians of this space.
Matopos has a sense of the ‘Ancients’.
The profound sense of mysticism and spirituality of tribes long passed.
Proof of their existence and rituals thousands of years ago in preserved paintings on many secret cave walls.
I have the privilege of visiting the Matobo Hills and National Park every time I go back to Zimbabwe to visit my family and friends.

Currently I have found myself painting views of Lions Head and the Stony Pine trees that grow on the slopes of this dramatic backdrop to the city of Cape Town.


These tall exposed trees growing on the slopes bending in unison against the elements which include the strong infamous South Easter Wind!

At the foot of these trees, I have a sense of standing inside a cathedral, looking up at the interwoven canopies with the tracery evoking stained glass windows and the geometric angles of the way I paint trees is clearly a nod to Pierneef.

As with my Matopos inspiration, Lions Head and Signal Hill (the lions rump) hold significant reverence for the Islamic Faith (A sacred Kramat where many revered Muslim Holy men have been buried over the centuries) The African Apostolic Faith, wearing pristine white robes are often seen holding ceremonies and praying in the valleys under the trees of this part of The Table Mountain Reserve

I have painted and created art for most of my life.
I was born in Gwanda, Southern Matabeleland in Zimbabwe.

Growing up, home was a ranch in Matabeleland.
My father a bush pilot and rancher.
My siblings and I were homeschooled each for two years by my mother, Joan, before being sent to boarding school which was unavoidable.

My parents made sure we were inspired and encouraged to live a full life of appreciation of our isolated life in the glorious African bush.
Aside from our physical escapades, reading books, playing, creating art, writing, telling stories and observation, all indelible memories of growing up.

My mother Joan instilled my first love of painting in watercolour, the alchemy of pigments and water flowing across beautiful treasured pressed paper which was carefully rationed due to lack of any art shops nearby!
Joan, a respected and sought after Zimbabwean Watercolour artist is 81 years old and still paints prolifically.

Moving to South Africa in my early twenties, I continued to paint and explore other paint mediums and mixed media, selling my work sporadically through commissions and various art galleries.
I now paint full time from my studio in Bloubergrand, Cape Town and count myself blessed to see ‘Picture Perfect Postcard view of Table Mountain’ – every day!

There is endless inspiration for creating in this beautiful part of the world!