About the artist

I was born and raised in Zimbabwe and am now in my late 20's. I currently live in Mozambique. I have loved art since I can remember and was always doing something arty or creative while playing as a child. Various pieces of my art were framed and placed in the family home. Kids at boarding school never believed me when I said I had painted the images hanging on my dormitory wall, although upset to not be believed, I, at age 13, was also secretly pleased that they thought the work too good to be painted by a child.

After persuading Dad to let me leave school after GCSE (O' Level) to pursue a career in Beauty Therapy, painting and selling art was the last thing on my mind. On a visit back home to Zimbabwe from London, Mum and Dad convinced me to paint enough paintings for an art exhibition. Mum was sick of her friends nagging her to buy the paintings she had in her home as she had no intention of parting with them.

I invited four well known artists to the district, to join me in my introductory art exhibition, which was held in my parents beautiful home. The house, with all the exhibits, looked amazing and there was a queue outside the gate by the time we opened. It was very successful and most of the artworks were sold over the two day viewing. Reporters for the Tobacco News magazine showed up unexpectedly, which resulted in a couple of photographs of my art being published on the cover, and alongside a full page article. Many commissions were also painted and bought as a result of this exposure.

I have since painted a collection of pieces for the beautiful lodges at Ilala Beach in Mozambique. You can see them hung in the lodges at www.ilalabeach.co.zw. Many a dive or snorkle in the Bazaruto Archipelago, the small group of tropical islands just off the coast of Ilala Beach has resulted in a painting of the creatures I encountered.

I like to paint things that inspire me and amaze me, or things of beauty. If I see an image I like then I will paint it. I find it relatively easy to paint portraits of people, or animals and I tend to paint in curves rather than straight lines or geometric shapes. My style of art has been more realism, fine art, although I am very interested and would like to explore cubism and surrealist, so watch this space. Most of my paintings produced so far are done with watercolours on top quality watercolour paper. The art thats produced is generally vivid with bold use of colour unlike the usual style of watercolour mediums which are usually washed out colours. People often say my art would look great painted in acrylic on canvas, and I must agree that it is a fun and fantastic medium, however I am hesitating as acrylic is plastic and thus obviously not as environmentally sound as watercolours are.

I am fascinated with art and will probably spend forever exploring the different styles of art and the different mediums and tools we can use to create beautiful images.

I am inspired by life, adventure, my love of nature and tropical places, and paint when I am happy. I love to snorkel and dive, explore new places, challenge myself physically, feel the rush of adrenalin and the thrill of life and open spaces. I am aware of the environment and am conscious that my life is in keeping with the laws of nature. I have no religion as I do not believe in God but in nature, science and energy. As I see this story evolving on the page I cannot deny the existence of evolution. I find religions fascinating however and have great respect for all.

Well thats enough about me! Go and take a look at my art gallery to view many of the paintings that I have done or if you go to the shop you can see the art I have to buy.

Feel free to email me with any suggestions and feedback.

I hope you enjoy browsing my site.

Regards
Shell