Anyone can draw flowers

Why are you hosting a workshop dedicated to fynbos illustration? It’s easy to learn to draw flowers, and it’s a handy skill for creating your own birthday cards. I’ve offered this workshop several times and each session has produced really beautiful works of art.

What makes your classes different?

I don’t draw realistically, and the attendees also don’t have to! I teach you how to interpret what you see, and to simplify it to create a modern, one-ofa-kind illustration. It’s nothing at all like art class at school – imagination and freedom are encouraged. My priority is that everyone enjoys themselves and leaves the class feeling inspired.

What does the afternoon entail?

The workshop is held at a coffee shop in the Cape Town CBD. It’s a relaxed atmosphere, and there are huge windows that allow in plenty of natural light. I give step-by-step demonstrations – and the groups are small, so there is plenty of time for individual assistance.

You do most of your illustrations with an Apple pen. What possibilities does this offer you?

I use Procreate on an iPad, which has completely changed my method of working. In the past I combined traditional painting techniques with digital technology, but now I’m a digital convert. I do still work in oils and watercolours, though, for the pure enjoyment.

Digital illustration allows me far more control over colour and composition. I can experiment with wild colours, because they’re easy to change if they don’t work. Some of my illustrations are extremely detailed and can take up to 30 hours to complete. It would be a nightmare to tackle something like this in traditional media. I can draw anywhere – I have completed drawings in airports and even on the beach, although I did worry about getting sand or water on my iPad!