Artist Highlight: Marlene Dickerson, La Lucia-KZN

Marlene is one of the most fascinating artists around - with such a varied range of subject matter, one would expect to see a favourite(subject) emerging which would overshadow the rest, not so - these photos are testimony to that - totally different in style and composition - yet equal in application & quality of stroke, colour, light and shadow - inspiring!!

As inspiring is Marlene's humble and tenacious approach to her work - the best of what she can give....is what you get!

The two paintings shown here (Township and Trout Waters) are not on exhibit; although they are available - photos of the work to be exhibited were not available at the time of the post

To be exhibited - Seascape, Drakensburg, Sunflowers and a set (2) of Herero Women

Artist Highlight :Lynda Anderson,Durban North -KZN

Disarming charm and style are displayed in Lyndas' oil paintings.

Particularly in the painting of the Cape Flower Seller, where she has captured the very essence of her subject!!

These paintings will be on exhibit. Another oil, not shown here "Blue Gloves" - a nude - somewhat cheeky in style, will also be shown.

Artist Highlight: Trish Lang, Ballito-KZN

It's so exciting having Trish's on again!
- Inspired drama & romantic flair....
-That's how I view her work - have a look
at the posted photo's - You're sure to
agree!!..her choice of subject matter
is further proof of this - see the painting:
the "Jewess - after J H Sandler"




I asked Trish why she paints - "......because I like it!!....and I like to try different things!!"..........I think that sums up her paintings...different/interesting/..........anything but boring!!

Artist Highlight: June Burgess, Durban North-KZN

June's gentle and quiet nature is evident in the style
and approach she adopts in her paintings...



The photos shown here,are of paintings which will be on exhibit - they
express all that June feels about painting:



"I just love it!!.......I just don't think of anything else when I paint - it takes me into another space!!"

Maureen Swanepoel, Durban North-KZN

Maureen's paintings embue her colourful, feisty personality
- though she mainly paints still life florals and fruit, they're
full of bold, strong strokes of colour ............as are her easels!!
She does however, embrace a gentleness and softness when
called for - as the photos shown here, demonstrate

Maureen had this to say" I started painting after I retired at age 55 and I find it much more fulfilling than any other career!!"

Ann Maree Harrington, Queensburgh -KZN

Ann Maree's paintings are as brimful of smiles as she is!! Depth, warmth and all things wonderful in nature - captured with such careful detail,

rampant colour and a style that draws your full attention!!
She is an art teacher - teaching children (from the young age of 2 who are encouraged to explore and discover various mediums )and adults. Ann Maree's involvement in the realm of art is extensive and I think it well worth mentioning that she is the sister of one of our top South African artists, Anton Benzon




Ann Maree tells us about her life - her world of art " Art and creativity rules my life! It's a joy I want to share - the quirky, the beautiful , light & colour. Not only should I share my joy; but I want everyone, especially the children, to learn to love & express their own creativity...."

Artist Highlight - Colleen Barker, Durban North - KZN

Colleen is one of those 'together' artists!!- So organised within her realm of creativity - it's been a pleasure having Colleen on board for all of the exhibitions!..............what she promises, she delivers!!

She has a keen eye for colour and form and is equally at home with oils & pastels.

Her subjects are diverse - she's not afraid of going out on a limb....as seen in the photos of her 2 paintings "All things bright & beautiful" below................





Colleen gave me a brief history " I started painting with Sheila Walton at P.E.Technicon 30 years ago. When we moved to Durban, I became a student of Lesley Freeman - where I've been for the last 5 years. I love art of ANY KIND!!...and choose to work mainly in oils & pastels"

Artist Highlight : Janet Gray, Durban North - KZN

Janet Gray, exuberant artist with a penchant for colour and drama - displaying the utmost confidence in size and subject!! Clean, bold lines are a distinctive quality of her paintings .

What does Janet get out of painting?.....to quote:
" I've been painting for a number of years and find it very therapeutic....and I've met a lot of interesting people along the way..."

I'm sure that's exactly the opinion they have of Janet's paintings too.....interesting, very interesting!!

Artist Highlight : Anne Phelp, Merrivale - KZN

Anne Phelp is one of the most humble people that I've ever met......as gentle and quiet in manner as are her paintings. Very few people are able to paint the bodies of animals in proportion - Anne's paintings show an exceptional quality of just that as well as an eye for balance and detail.




I had the opportunity to speak to Anne's daughter - Julia - who had this to say
"She is a perfectionist - often to a fault.....but she does so love animals, living a life close to nature. In fact, she surrounds herself with her subjects!! "

They say that the proof of the pudding...................

Diane (Dinky) Jacob, Umhlanga -KZN

Dinky's striking ink & acrylics are as vibrant
as her personality!!
Not given to shyness in her approach to life and her
painting - Dinky is quite open in telling her story.....

To quote:" Ever since I can remember, line and colour have interested me. As a child I was always drawing, colouring-in or painting.
At school I studied Art for Matric (as an eighth subject) with Cecil Skotnes.
As the years progressed, I went to Chicago with my family for my Husbands' studies. There I went on numerous Art courses and met Robert Burdige who has influenced my style and colour. Over the years, I have found more and more time to pursue my passion, art.
My first love is watercolours, although I am now painting more and more in acrylic. I like the fact that it is quick drying and bright.
I plan to spend many more happy hours in this activity and hope to grow and improve, as I feel that an artist is forever learning."

Artist Highlight - Barbyra Smith, Umhlanga - KZN

Barbyra's enthusiasm for life and her painting is contagious.
Her approach /style is fresh and free - there are no limits...............whether by paintbrush, palette knife or fingers - Barbyra's subjects are lavished with bold strokes of colour!

Why paint? -"I find painting relaxing and lose myself in the art of creation"

Artist Highlight - Lesley Freeman, Durban North - KZN

I am so pleased to have Lesley,
well known and much admired artist
and art teacher,on board for this exhibition!!

Leslie somehow manages to balance the act as teacher and artist in a manner that bears testimony to the level of her commitment in attaining and maintaining high standards.


Her creative talent is not limited to a specific medium -
but is beautifully ....and equally, unfolded in media
such as oils, ink acrylics, watercolours and pastels (as shown on this post).









I asked Lesley why she paints - a wide eyed response is what I got and I quote:


" It's my life!! I don't know any other.................can't imagine not painting. I'm waiting to retire so that I can just paint,paint,paint......."

Artist Highlight - Jean Whysall, Durban North -KZN

To see Jean's garden...is to know why she paints as she does - capturing the very essence of nature in all its glory!!

Jean's appreciation for all things 'bright and beautiful..." is evident in every painting - these few photos will bear testament to that!

Jean's as direct in her reason for painting as she is in the selection of her subjects...to quote:


" I started art lessons about 25 years ago when my children were at school and I had my mornings free. I was very soon completely 'hooked' and have loved every minute of this wonderful hobby. Regular themes include scenes of Greece, France, Italy - the cafe scenes, umbrellas, harbours and flower sellers provide exciting subjects! I am currently enjoying more South African landscape and admire the work of Errol Boyley and Anton Benzon. I paint mainly in oils; but enjoy the freedom of acrylics for their more modern and vibrant feel"

Artist Highlight - Bill Lewthwaite, Westville - KZN

Bill's gentle approach to life is embodied in his work -
refined, uncomplicated - yet soft and detailed....The photos of his work
shown here reflect the depth captured by Bill in each piece.

Bill is as succinct in capturing his subjects as he is in explaining why he paints and how he started..to quote

"I started oil painting in my late sixties and have found an enormous amount of stress just dropped away....

I enjoy painting very much and have now branched out ...using Polycramer (oil based) pencil.

This is an exciting medium as it entails drawing in a very fine/detailed and creative way."

Bill's Koi I & II oil paintings and the Austrian oil pencils will be on exhibit.