Talented painter transforms canvases into works of art

Nelléne Louw (77) is a remarkable entrepreneur, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and a profound artist who grew up in the south of Johannesburg.

During lockdown, Nelléne harnessed her artistic talent by doing acrylic flow art and has ventured into avenues beyond her wildest imagination.

Young and talented

Her passion for art began at the age of six and she recalls her mother hanging up the artwork she would make.

During her young adult years, Nelléne went into nursing where she met her husband. For some time she put her craft on hold to devote her time to raising her children.

When passion struck again, Nelléne began creating art pieces for Thaba Eco Hotel, located in the heart of Johannesburg South. She started off by painting African pots for the restaurant and hotel rooms. The authentic African painting element was inspired by the name of the hotel.

Lockdown, unlocking “the flow”

Nelléne seriously plunged into the world of art when lockdown happened. For many, lockdown was a daunting time but this incredible artist chose to draw positivity from all the negativity. “I always say lockdown unlocked my brain,” highlighted Nelléne.

She passionately started painting on small canvases and as time progressed, she painted on bigger canvases where she then had to move her workspace to the garage of her home.

With paint left from the pots she used to decorate, Nelléne thought of an incredible way to make use of the paint. She wanted to bring colour to the bleak feeling that came with lockdown.

The most inspirational part of Nelléne’s story is her determination and ability to fill this world with beauty despite her age. Nelléne has also survived breast cancer twice. When she is not spreading her creativity on canvases, Nelléne helps people suffering with cancer, where she encourages and gives them hope. She has also worked with celebrities who’ve battled cancer.

“Because I had cancer, I understand how it affects people and I consider myself an extremely positive and religious person,” emphasised Nelléne.

Nelléne works specifically with the art medium called contemporary modern art, also known as acrylic flow art. This method is used worldwide and is created by pouring prepared colours onto a canvas and allowing the paint to do the rest of the work which results in a unique piece each time.

She highlights that with the support of Thaba Eco Hotel she had the opportunity to create paintings for the rooms of the hotel. Her work is also showcased in lifestyle centres, internationally, in countries such as America and England and homes across South Africa.

Finding inspiration

Nelléne describes her life as blessed as she has many projects on the go which allow her to perfect her craft daily. She added that she would like to keep busy for a long time.

What she enjoys mostly about what she does is the end result of each piece. “The results of the colours, you never know what will happen and you can never duplicate. People are worn out of the common paintings of nature, animals or landscapes. They want to visualise the painting for themselves,” said Nelléne.

Her joy is found in playing with the bold and colourful.

The artist is inspired by those around her, highlighting her husband was her biggest fan. Her children, friends and family love what she does and that inspires her.

Her creative process starts with a colour pallet and then transforms into a work of art. She dabbles in three categories of creating; one being creating pieces that match the colour scheme of a space, the other category is making use of the ideas given by clients, and the third is her own unique, creative touch to the canvas, exploring with colours and technique. The process takes hours to execute and sometimes takes days of work.

A glimpse into the future

The contemporary abstract artist will continue to create art. For those wanting to fully experience Nelléne’s work, it will be displayed at The Gallery in Kramerville. She also has tons of exciting projects on the horizon and hopes to continue spreading the beauty of bold colours across the globe for people to see and enjoy.