Vendor Biography
A painting is a gift that lasts a lifetime!
I am an artist based in the serene coastal town of Wilderness, on South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route. I studied Fine Arts at Stellenbosch University, where I earned my BA in Fine Arts and a teaching diploma in 1975,majoring in Painting and History of Art.
Using colours and shapes, I do not wish to depict a realistic image of my subject, but rather to evoke a mood. I paint to express a feeling; a sense of remembrance, nostalgia or quiet joy.
I ‘m inspired by the vast open South African landscapes, the silence of space, the forgotten charm of abandoned houses, distant fishing villages, and the stories hidden behind weathered boats and old fishing trailers.
My style is modern-abstract. I intentionally elongate and distort perspective, creating slanted shapes and flat angles that defy traditional realism but still keep the subject recognizable. fine lines run through my work, reminiscent of architectural sketches.
Colour is key to my expression. I work in oils, applying bold brushstrokes and palette knife textures to create a mood and express a emotion. Bright colours often dominate, bringing an uplifting and vibrant energy to my work.
At its heart, my art is about connection to place, to memory and to the quiet beauty in both decay and renewal. My paintings are therefore an invitation to pause, to feel and to remember; with warmth, with wonder and with joy.
Thank you for being here. I invite you to wander through these painted memories and share in the journey with me.
Irma De Waal
