Artists have always been drawn to Knysna. Surrounded by the intricate beauty of nature, there’s no better place to sketch or paint the shadowy velvet mountains, dramatic seas, tranquil lagoons, ancient forests and fynbos landscapes.
Nature inspires creativity and visitors to the Garden Route area often enquire about joining an art class or learning a new creative skill. There are numerous artists who run workshops and teach classes which are open to aspiring artists of all levels. Below is a comprehensive list, supplied by the Knysna Arts Society, of current art teachers in greater Knysna and what they offer to both residents and visitors.
Helena Gerber is an accomplished artist celebrated for her evocative paintings. With a talent for capturing emotion and atmosphere on canvas, her work resonates with viewers. Her paintings are displayed at her gallery, Art on Queen, in Queen Street. She teaches painting, sometimes with a sip of local wine.
Artist Leon Vermeulen runs oil painting classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 12pm at the Old Gaol in Queen Street for R200 per class. Bring your own materials. Call 072 853 7559 for more info or to book a class.
Join Faith du Plessis’s classes, “Discover your own unique style”, to learn oil painting techniques on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9.30am to 12.30pm, and on Wednesday evenings from 5.30pm to 8.30 pm. Cost is R150 per class. Contact Faith on 082 674 6396 or email faithduplessis@gmail.com.
Award-winning, internationally acclaimed ceramicist Lesley-Ann Hoets teaches 3-hour pottery classes on a Thursday morning. Call her on 044 343 1123.
Lesley Etherington teaches pottery from her home studio in Gouna in the Knysna Forest. Scheduled classes are on Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm. Wednesday and Thursday afternoon classes are by appointment only. Beginners and advanced potters are welcome. Classes cost R150 excluding clay and firing or R350 all inclusive. Call Lesley on 072 609 6825 or email lesleyrose2311@yahoo.com.
Linda Hoyle offers acrylic pour art lessons, a unique and fun experience for young and old, with lessons restricted to one to three people at a time. All materials are provided including paints, boards, gloves and aprons and Linda cleans up the mess after class! No experience is required to create very attractive art pieces with this method. The cost is R250 per person for a class of 2,5 to 3 hours in Linda’s studio. Contact her on WhatsApp 066 5832719 or email lindaannhoyle@yahoo.com.
Lucy Wood gives art classes to children aged 5 to 13 years on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2pm to 3.30pm and on Thursdays from 12pm to 1.30pm. Cost is R600 per month for 1 lesson per week or contact Lucy to discuss a fee per class on 076 938 6713, email Lpetawood@gmail.com.
