Local artist Rina Viljoen is making her mark on the South African military art scene. Her first series of five A2 oil canvas paintings titled “South African Armoured Vehicles” was released at the end of April. The first three have already been sold during online auctions with international clients.
“I decided to make a donation from the sale of each painting to the SA Armour Museum in Bloemfontein because their history is worth preserving”.
Rina, her husband and three children moved to Potchefstroom in 2021 from Heidelberg. However, they are no stranger to Potchefstroom with Rina matriculating in 1995 from Potchefstroom Gimnasium.
“We have always wanted to come back to Potchefstroom, with its vibrant people and beautiful Oak trees.”
“After school, I took a few cloth painting and drawing classes but oil canvas painting caught my eye and looked like something I wanted to try. I then took some oil painting art classes.”
Her brother in law, a military author convinced her to try and paint a military vehicle.
“I was looking for something to keep me busy with and a suggestion was made to try my hand at military vehicles. He gave me one of his Rooikat armoured car photos and I took a chance. I enjoyed the fine detail required. Learning more about them is also interesting for example a Ratel isn’t just a Ratel, there are many variants with subtle and major differences”.
She is currently working on a second series of five A2 paintings for exhibition later this year at the South African Armour Museum. Rina will also be exhibiting her work at the Voortrekker Monument Military Fair on 2 May in Pretoria.
“Since I opened my Facebook page in middle March I’ve received numerous commission work enquiries ranging from planes to tractors. I`m really glad people find pleasure in my work”.
She is also looking forward to exhibiting her work in Potchefstroom in the not too distant future. For more information, she invites readers to join her Facebook page “Rina Viljoen-Artworks”, or she can be contacted via email at rinaviljoen.art@gmail.com
