I'm busy preparing for the Third Sanlam National Portrait Exhibition which is held every two years.  I really look forward to this as it is the major portrait competition in South Africa.  The competition celebrates and showcases the best original portrait artwork in the country.  This coveted Award challenges artists from all walks of life, 21 years and older, to enter works which exemplify their ability in the medium of their choice.

The previous exhibitions were of an exceptionally high standard, with the winning entries reflecting the growing trend towards realism.  At the first competition in 2013 I was pleasantly surprised to be selected as one of the top 40 entries, out of almost 2000 entries, with my image of the well-known William Kentridge.  In 2015 I submitted my self portrait and this came in to top 200. which was also gratifying.  This year I will be submitting two works.
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Below are my previous entries.

Some photos from my demo at the SASA March Members' Meeting.  An excellent evening!

On Thursday evening, 30 March, I joined four fellow ‘Fellows’ of SASA in a demonstration to members at our monthly meeting.  This annual demo has obviously become very popular as there were more than 100 people attending to see what we could each achieve in just 90 minutes.

I was happy to share some of my scraper-board techniques, while Wyn Rossouw showed off her fascinating sketchbooks.  Meanwhile, Lyn Northam was busy whipping up a seascape in oils; Veronica Reid was working in her perfect pastels and Laura Wenman was turning a vase of flowers into a portrait.
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It’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to demonstrate one’s creative process, share tips about techniques and utensils and give like-minded artists the chance to ask questions and to learn more about one’s own particular passion.
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I thoroughly enjoyed the evening which I felt went really well.  I am grateful to the SASA committee for inviting me to share with others.