WESSEL VAN DER MERWE

My first introduction to the world of art was, when as a child, my artworks were displayed on the wall of the classroom in primary school. One of my uncles was an artist and I watched him painting at times. Later in my life I worked as a draughtsman and an apprentice often drawing all kinds of freehand and measured cartographic drawings. One day I started to apply myself more in the art of oil painting; I researched various techniques, collected books and read magazines and eventually started to sell at various seasonal markets.

As a full time artist I gave private art classes and also conducted art workshops. I began to sell artworks privately as a distinct style and expression in my paintings and drawings emerged.

Since working with famous and established South African and international artists, I have participated in some group exhibitions at galleries and sold work through auctioneers.

Currently I market my art mostly privately through my website www.wesselvandermerwe.co.za and also through some art shops and exhibitions. I also do some commissions.

My favourite medium is oil painting but I also do some drawings and the occasional print. I love to create and am constantly growing as an artist. I am a romantic idealist tinted with a bit of adventure and danger, but I still believe in beauty, values and happy endings.