How to be a mad art scientist

Abstract expressionist painting by Leonie.e.Brown hanging in the DALA (KV Art ), reception area

ARTISTIC JOURNEYS

transforming spaces with vibrant wall art

I'm a bit of a mad scientist when it comes to my art. I'm always tinkering, experimenting, and trying to push the boundaries of what's possible.
Art isn't just what you see—it's what you make others feel. (Emotional art). And I've been feeling a lot lately—cold, muddy Cape Town mornings, kitchen renovations that seem never-ending, and the relentless rain that’s turned my horse trails into impassable quagmires

Art and Business

It’s been a crazy few months here in Cape Town. I’ve had little time to breathe between home renovations, website updates, the persistent Cape Town winter, and a new puppy.  Even my trusty steed is feeling the blues. But in between all this chaos, something beautiful has been brewing—new art, fresh ideas, and the ever-exciting dance between creativity and chaos.

From My Studio to Your Home

I recently received a wonderful picture from Kevin, the owner of KV ART. A few years back, Kevin purchased one of my large abstracts, and now it proudly hangs in the reception area of the Dala KV Art Factory shop. Seeing my art bring life to spaces like this is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Thank you, Kevin, for your continued support!

Art isn’t just about creating beautiful pieces; it’s about experimentation and innovation. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with amazing people like Willem from Zellen to create Cold Wax products and Kevin from Dala to develop Fluid Paint, long before these mediums gained popularity in South Africa. The excitement of constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas keeps my creative spirit alive.

From the Studio to Your Space

Speaking of experiments, I’ve made a little deal with myself—only abstracts on canvas with cold wax until July. After that, it’s time for some encaustic abstract landscapes. Encaustics, for those of you who don’t speak “art nerd,” is a technique that’s as unpredictable as it is mesmerising. Working large with hot wax isn’t for the faint-hearted (or those without a good burn cream handy), but the results? Nothing short of spectacular.

Creating art is not just about splashing colours on a canvas; it’s about telling a story, evoking emotions, and yes, sometimes even burning yourself in the process. But hey, no pain, no gain, right? And trust me, the stories behind these pieces are as rich and textured as the art itself.

Cold Wax and Encaustic Art: Creating Emotional Connections

One of the unique forms of art I create is cold wax and oil abstracts. This technique involves layering cold wax and oil paint to produce textured, vibrant pieces that engage viewers both visually and emotionally. The process is intuitive and spontaneous, allowing the art to flow from the head to the heart. Each piece is a journey, inviting viewers to explore their own emotions and connect with the artwork on a deeper level.

Art that Connects

Now, I don’t want to bore you with too much talk about myself—I’ve never been one to enjoy the spotlight. But I get it, this is what we have to do. So here goes: since 2004, I’ve been pouring my heart into oil paintings, cold wax creations, and encaustic masterpieces. My work isn’t just about filling a space; it’s about breathing life into it. Whether it’s a vibrant splash of red to ignite your living room or a textured landscape that transports you to a serene escape, my goal is to make art that resonates with you on a deep, personal level.

And while I’d love nothing more than to retreat to a quiet hilltop with my horses and paint in peace, the truth is, I thrive on the connection I have with people like you. Even if it’s just through a screen, a shared story, or a piece of art that speaks to your soul.

A Peek Behind the Curtain

Here’s a little secret: most artists, including myself, spend more time on admin than on actual painting. My husband jokes that I would have made a great hermit—happy to hide away on a mountain with my animals and my art. But the reality? 80% of my time is spent juggling emails, planning social media content, and, oh yes, renovating kitchens. So when I do get those precious moments to create, I make sure every brushstroke counts.

Life has been a whirlwind lately – between updating my website, writing blogs, and tackling kitchen renovations, things have been busy. Cape Town has been cold and muddy, making it impossible for me to indulge in my passion for horse riding. But that’s life, right? Full of ups and downs, all of which feed into the art I create.

I’m reaching out to galleries across the UK, Germany, and Australia, eager to showcase my work. Selling online is fantastic, but I dream of seeing my art in local galleries too. It’s a delicate balance – galleries need to make money, and so do I. That’s why I’ve decided to offer a fair solution: if a piece sells online while hanging in a gallery, the gallery will still receive a percentage of the sale. It’s only fair since they’re offering me precious wall space.

Thank You:
To all my subscribers, thank you for your unwavering support. Your love for art is what keeps my brushes moving and my heart full.

As a thank you for subscribing, enjoy a special 15% discount on any of my online art courses! Unlock your inner artist with courses like “Amazing Abstracts” and embark on a creative adventure with me. Let’s create something extraordinary together!

Grab Your 15% Discount Now!

Feel free to share your thoughts and let me know if there’s anything more you’d like to see in the newsletter or if you have any particular stories behind your own art collection that you’d love to share.

Let’s continue making the world a more beautiful place—one brushstroke at a time.

Encaustic Hot Wax Abstract Landscapes: Take Me on a Journey


Encaustic hot wax abstract landscapes are another signature style of my work. This ancient technique uses heated beeswax mixed with colored pigments to create rich, textured artworks. The fluidity and versatility of hot wax allow for stunning abstract landscapes that captivate the viewer’s imagination. These pieces take the viewer on a journey through dynamic, layered compositions that evoke the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

Waves of Emotion: A Journey from Mind to Heart

Abstract expressionist painting "From the Head to the Heart" with bold brushstrokes, vibrant colours. The swirling blues and whites, reminiscent of a tempestuous sea, mirror the often chaotic path from logical thought to heartfelt feeling.

ARTISTIC JOURNEYS

From the Head to the Heart

"Art has the power to transport us, to challenge our perceptions, and to heal our souls. Through swirling blues, tempestuous waves, and golden hues of hope, this artwork speaks to the inner storms we all weather."

A Snapshot from 2015

Abstract expressionist painting "From the Head to the Heart" with bold brushstrokes, vibrant colours. The swirling blues and whites, reminiscent of a tempestuous sea, mirror the often chaotic path from logical thought to heartfelt feeling.
Abstract expressionist painting "From the Head to the Heart" with bold brushstrokes, vibrant colours. The swirling blues and whites, reminiscent of a tempestuous sea, mirror the often chaotic path from logical thought to heartfelt feeling.
Created and Sold in 2015, this painting captures more than just the tumultuous beauty of the ocean. It embodies the internal struggles we all face as we navigate the choppy waters of our minds and hearts.

The swirling blues and whites mirror the often chaotic path from logical thought to heartfelt feeling, while golden hues breakthrough like moments of clarity amidst life’s storms.

When I created this piece, I lived just four houses away from the beach in Melkbosstrand, Cape Town. The crash of waves, the taste of salt in the air, and the ever-changing moods of the ocean found their way onto my canvas. Little did I know that this artwork would become a poignant reminder of how quickly our lives can change.

The art world, like many others, experienced seismic shifts during the pandemic. Galleries closed their doors, and artists like myself had to adapt, moving from gallery representation to direct sales. This painting, which sold immediately upon completion, now resides with an unknown collector – a testament to the changing tides of the art market.

Artistic Process: Embracing the Cold Wax Technique

“From the Head to the Heart” marked my first exploration into the cold wax technique. This method, combined with oils, allows for rich textures and depth that perfectly capture the complexity of emotions I aim to convey. The process is as much a journey as the finished piece – layers build upon layers, mirroring the way our experiences shape us over time.

Emotional Resonance: A Universal Language

Art speaks when words fail, and this piece resonates with anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges yet sensed a glimmer of hope on the horizon. It’s a visual representation of resilience, of pushing through turbulent times to find moments of peace and clarity.

As an artist, I believe in the power of bold, vibrant colours and gestural motions to evoke deep emotional responses. My work, influenced by expressionist masters like Karel Appel and Willem de Kooning, embraces spontaneity and the therapeutic nature of creation.

Expanding Horizons: From Cold Wax to Encaustic Mastery

While “From the Head to the Heart” showcases my work with cold wax and oils, my artistic journey has led me to explore other mediums as well. My recent forays into encaustic hot wax techniques have opened up new avenues for expression, particularly in creating abstract landscapes that capture the essence of our natural world.

These encaustic pieces, which you can explore in my virtual showroom (https://lifeart.co.za/virtual-showroom/), continue to embody the core principles of expressiveness, spontaneity, and vibrant colour that define my work. They serve as windows into a world of hope and vitality, inviting viewers to embrace life’s beauty, even in challenging times.

 

Abstract expressionist painting "From the Head to the Heart" with bold brushstrokes, vibrant colours. The swirling blues and whites, reminiscent of a tempestuous sea, mirror the often chaotic path from logical thought to heartfelt feeling.
Abstract expressionist painting "From the Head to the Heart" with bold brushstrokes, vibrant colours. The swirling blues and whites, reminiscent of a tempestuous sea, mirror the often chaotic path from logical thought to heartfelt feeling.

Embrace the Journey.

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, art remains a powerful force for connection, healing, and transformation. It reminds us that even in our most turbulent moments, beauty and hope persist; we need only open our hearts to experience them.

Art that breathes life—this is my mission, my passion, and my gift to you. Join me on this colourful, emotional journey from head to heart and rediscover the transformative power of art in these ever-changing times.

https://youtu.be/bzGjoCjIqQQ?list=PLLwRzKA614fHhEGVNbP7qgxRs-uC_DznR

‘I am a wandering eye poet, an eclectic color fanatic. I want my paintings to leap off the wall and overwhelm you with their tactile, chocolate thick, color and texture.’

Leonie.e.Brown

Life isn’t perfect.

This is my Story: Part 3.

I’m trying to answer the age old question of: Why did you paint this?

Life isn’t perfect.

I remember Robben Island.

I was about three or four years old when we moved there. I still remember traveling there by boat for the first time. It was storming with massive waves coming over the front of the boat. All our furniture was lashed below decks with ropes to the central pillars to keep it from sliding around. My mother was up top busy getting seasick.

My dad worked as a lawyer in the office. He was required to also do warden rounds as part of his duty in his uniform of long socks, shorts and a shirt.

The government was very good at looking after their own. Inexpensive housing and labor were provided. Each compound was like a little border town with its own unique feel, and I started my school career as a five year old on Robben Island.

Blaming others

I’ve seen in my own life that fear leads to control. What we do not understand, we have to control.

The tendency to blame others can be traced to my early childhood. No matter how much people love us, our parents, family, friends and spouses, we are all broken. We hurt each other unintentionally. Even a well-meaning joke can hurt others.

We do need to look at situations and recognized that others might have had an impact. It is not wrong to be realistic about personal relationships. But we cannot live full lives and develop into adult and content humans playing the blame game.
I can choose to play the blame game, or I can take responsibility for managing my behavior. If I had continued to blame others, I would not now be able to paint what I do. My art used to be full of anger and screams, shouting out at the world: ‘I hate you all! I do not trust any of you.’
All that happened is that I ended up isolating myself behind a wall of control and efficiency.

The wrong choices I made are MY choices. I no longer blame others for my wrong choices. 

I cannot control how others treat me. But I can choose how to respond to others. 

Life isn’t perfect.

Life is all about making mistakes. It’s only through getting things wrong that we learn how to do them right.

 

  1. We can explain things more quickly and easily by attributing them to others.
  2. Shifting the blame onto someone else is a subtle way to attack them.
  3. Shifting the blame directly onto someone or something else is the perfect way to avoid having to reflect on my behavior or delve deeply into my own psyche.
  4. it’s easier to tell a lie than it is to deal with the consequences of the truth.
  5. Blaming other people can provide me with an excuse to act in a hurtful manner.
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