SongInMyHeartWatercolours. I like working with transparent glazes and sometimes combining it with guache. | Birds of Praise 2Watercolours and guache | InnocenceWatercolours and guache |
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river of goldWatercolours and guache Stepping into God's kingdom with childlike faith. | Birds of praise 1Guache | flightAcrylics and oils on canvas. This has been a recurring theme in my paintings which originally started with a vision I had. |
In Light of Change 3Acrylics and oils on canvas. "Standing in a forest, becoming aware of all one's senses as you experience a time of reflection and stillness." | Forestof PraiseAcrylics and oils on canvas. This was a larger artwork, a comission based on my first forest of praise image. | Three in OneAcrylics and oils on canvas. The Trinity - this is an expression of my connection with Father God, Son and Holy Spirit. |
Break every chainAcrylics and oils on canvas. This symbolises spiritual awakening and breaking free from lies and bondage | TransfigurationAcrylics and oils on canvas. "Being transformed by the renewing of one's mind. choosing between light and darkness" | FreedomAcrylics and oils on canvas. "Accepting healthy and godly discipline and healthy boundaries brings true freedom" |
Birds of PraiseAcrylics on canvas. To God be the glory...this is an expression of praise and worship. | CathedralWatercolors and guache. Being alone in nature, finding peace and rest in solitude. Being honest/naked before my Creator and standing in His presence, totally loved and accepted is the best place to be. | The winds of change2Acrylics and Oils. This is one of a series of paintings. Inviting change into our lives, is a challenge, but allows growth and brings new life and joy. |
I am the LightAcrylics and oils. Looking for the light at the end of the tunnel has become a cliche. God, in me, is the light and eluminates the darkness around me as I keep on walking. | TheWindsOfChange-InMotion2Acrylics and Oils. Moving from land onto the ocean, sailing on the open sea has been a life changing experience for me. Facing one's fears...As Jesus lay sleeping in the little boat on the stormy sea, He was at peace, He knew the greatness of the Father within Him. | Inner seasonAcrylics and oils. Change of season, blossoms new life...beautiful Jacaranda flowers. |
TheWindsOfChange-InnerStrength3 | Winds of Change2-p | TheColoursChange |
Choose LifeOils. "Today I set before you, a blessing or a curse...Turn to God with all your heart, Choose Life. | Tree of Righteousness-1Watercolors and Guache. My 2nd solo exhibition had this theme: "Trees of Righteousness" based on a study I did of the analogies of trees in the Bible. | TreesRighteousness |
In the Light of Change 2 | AngeliqueLeniceAcrylics and oils. There are various symbolic and unique meanings within this character/portraiture of my youngest daughter. | Silver WingsAcrylics and oils. On a cloudy and rainy day, all the colors change and I love watching the seagulls as the light catches there wings. |
Cape Town Flight | WayBeyondTheBlue | UnderHisWings |
FaceOfEagle | Face of an Eagle3 | African Fisheagle |
Dolphin painting | Sail Away | Autumn breeze |
Breeze | CreatingNewPathways | RiverOfGold2 |
Bazaruto | Bazaruto2 |
FINE ART
Discover more Paintings
from my portfolio:
Contemporary artist with timeless appeal
Passion. Diversity. Optimism.
These are but a few of the words that art enthusiasts have used to describe Pretoria-born artist Marleen Visser’s art. Indeed … any person who has had the pleasure of viewing her extensive collection will agree: the underlying theme is one of beauty. Beauty in the Creator, in the created … beauty expressed in a myriad of ways.
Roots
Marleen grew up in Pretoria, matriculating at the Pro Arte High School for Art, Ballet and Music in 1979. She was the recipient of the prestigious Sanlam Child Awards in 1977. After matric she ventured into the graphic art and advertising world. As a freelance artist, Marleen was commissioned to do several artworks for public buildings and corporates, including two paintings which were reproduced for use in Sun International’s Airport Sun Hotel.
Exhibitions, Exposure and Experiences
Marleen’s first solo exhibition was held in 1987. Another four solo exhibitions followed, along with Marleen’s participation in numerous group exhibitions alongside other acclaimed artists. Galleries include the Aleta Mihaeletos Gallery, the gallery of the South African Association of Arts and the East London Art Museum, among others. In addition, Marleen’s work was featured in a book entitled“Contemporary Artists of Pretoria”. Radio and television interviews followed, along with publicity in a
variety of magazines and other printed media.
After lecturing in Art to adults for three years at the Hatfield Christian Training Centre, Marleen’s personal circumstances led her back to the commercial art field in 1995. She established the highly successful Blue Note Art Studio cc, which offers graphic design and illustration facilities.
In 1998, Marleen was featured in the Digital Imaging and Publishing magazine, after having been commissioned to produce two covers for this prestigious publication. She has since been specialising mainly in illustrating children’s books, working for most of the established publishers in South Africa.
Having moved to Houtbay in Cape Town, she and her fine art photographer husband, opened a gallery in 2014 www.visionsgallery.co.za It still remains as an online gallery.
Inspiration
Marleen’s art and her faith are intertwined … her greatest desire is to share her relationship with her Creator, through her art. Inspired by the presence and character of God , she endeavours to express her experiences of His infinite wisdom. “We all need hope and faith, peace, courage , joy, honesty and truth.
The challenge to me as an artist, is to encourage and inspire the beholder to become enlightened by the inherent messages in my paintings. My work is a reflection in flowing lines and colour of the songs in my heart.”
Subject Matter
Various aspects of nature versus the character of man: Solitary figures, the oceans and it’s life, trees and their different characters, soaring birds in flight etc.
Marleen has a great love of scuba diving and sailing - exploring the ocean depths and therefore the sea features strongly in her work. The vastness of it, the power , the awe-inspiring sounds of rushing water, the movement, textures and colours stimulate all our senses .
Solitary figures in her art portray man’s intimate, personal relationship with his Maker. Each person stands alone responsible for their own life.
Other recurrent themes include birds and trees. The former signifies the soaring spirit; unfettered by human limitations in the eyes of God. The latter depicts life on earth … life which is nourished by the spirit, from root to tip. Realism is combined with surrealism. Aspiration is depicted, time and again, by soaring birds, trees reaching to the heavens, and figures stretching towards an unseen goal. Each presentation is subtle, pregnant with interpretation requiring more than mere superficial contemplation.
Mediums
Marleen enjoys exploring different mediums. “Each medium seems to have a voice of its own,” she explains.
There are so many avenues along which to travel. While I don’t wish to confuse my audience, I enjoy the challenge of opening new worlds to people … I wholeheartedly invite them to travel with me!”
Mediums used are watercolours, acrylics, oils, airbrushing, pastels, pencils, pens, a variety of mixed mediums and painting on computer and Ipad (using a digitising pen).