Tessa's Artistry

Portrait Paintings

Art Showcase

Glass Craft

Abstract Paintings

Landscape Art

Photography

Cake Decorating

About me

A largely self-taught artist, born in August 1968 in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. I consider myself a versatile artist doing both painting and glass work (hot glass and stained glass), which I love equally. I like incorporating both brush work and palette knife techniques in the painting process with subjects ranging from structures to portraits incorporating various styles ranging from total abstraction, contemporary, surrealist and realistic art.

I consider myself to be equally left and right brain dominant (depends on who you ask – my husband or my co-workers). Apart from painting I have also been part of the Art Association Pretoria and Centurion Art Association (CAA) for many years and was the chairman of the CAA from 2020-2023 and started Spektra Art Gallery in 2023.

Because of my interest in a vast array of styles – trying to conquer the unconquerable – I do not have a definite style or preference of one. In my art journey I received training from artists Alain Nortje (who introduced me to all things art), Leon Fourie (realism by copying old masters such as Vermeer – Girl with a Pearl Earring and Jacques Louis David – Napoleon crossing the Alps), contemporary artist Ruth Walter and recently with renowned international artist Johan Conradie from AD-Reflex. I love the paintings of artists Tomaas, Johan Conradie, Johan Kok, Helena Hugo, Tiens Palmer, Alex Kanevsky, Christian Hook, Valery Koslyakov, Salvador Dali, Renoir, Rembrand, Pissaro, Vermeer, Manet and Monet to name a few.

I prefer painting with oils due to its malleability, although the drying time can be both a hinderance and an advantage. I also like acrylics and charcoal. I love the softness and mystique of watercolours, but alas, a medium that is opposed to my efforts (my friends would concur).