About me – Vanessa Ypenburg Art

I have been working as a fine art artist for over 30 years. During this time, I have experimented and painted in a wide variety of art mediums and styles.

I was born in South Africa, where my dad owned several art galleries. Growing up in this environment sparked my passion for art and ignited my dream to become an artist. As far back as I can remember, I always had a pencil or paintbrush in my hand.

I studied art at The Johannesburg School of Art. While studying I exhibited my art at exhibitions hosted by the college and working in my dad’s galleries part time. While working in the galleries I met many artists, learning from them and loved the interaction and gained an immense amount of knowledge.

After I finished studying, I decided to try my hand at draughting. I worked for a South African Government department designing and creating the diagrams and drawings for the building industry training manuals. I also worked for one year in the interior design industry, creating the designs for interiors and kitchens.

I returned to my passion for art by managing two art galleries again and painting as much as I could in my free time. During this time, I started exhibiting and selling my artworks in galleries and working as a commission artist. I got an opportunity to paint a wall mural as a commission and loved working large scale. Soon my career went into the directions of painting wall murals fulltime. I spent 16 years as a professional mural artist and commission artist.

Whenever I had the opportunity, I exhibited my artwork at local galleries and art markets like the monthly “Artists in the Park” event. When doing demonstrations at art markets I was encouraged to start teaching art and found that I loved sharing my art experience and skills. Soon by word-of-mouth the number of people interested in learning art grew.

This new opportunity encouraged me to fulfil my dream of helping other artists fulfil theirs. I left the walls behind me and in 2015 I opened an Art Studio/Gallery where I taught many mediums of art to children, teens and adults. Often hosting exhibitions of student works and local artists. The gallery also hosted and arranged art charity/fundraising events. To better my skills and ability to teach, I often took time out to learn from other artists. During this time, I kept on painting, and I still had a steady demand for commissioned art.

My goal was always to help other artists flourish and at this time I only exhibited my work in my own Gallery.

In 2022 I sold the Art Studio/Gallery and started an exciting new chapter. I moved to Ireland with my husband. Seeing my creativity grow in my new surroundings, I aim to bring the beauty of Ireland and our adventurous travels to life through my art.