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Opuntia Ficus Indica 2 -
Protea Cynaroides -
Protea Stokoei -
Opuntia Ficus Indica -
Protea Repens White -
Protea Repens Red -
Opuntia Monochantha 2 -
Protea Compacta -
Protea Compacta x Susannae -
Ginko Biloba Leaves -
Water Berry Leaf -
Protea Coronata -
Opuntia Monochantha -
White Protea Repens -
Scadoxus Puniceus -
Orchid Flowers
INTERVIEWED BY Michaela Stehr
Local artist Willie Schlechter is known for his detailed and intricate plant illustrations and watercolours.
Born in Joubertina, a small Eastern Cape city, Willie later moved to Cape Town where he now teaches art and design at Stellenberg. He has received numerous awards including the Kirstenbosch Botanical Biennale, Cape Town (2010 – bronze, 2013 – bronze), World Orchid Conference, Pretoria (2015 – merit) and Botalia, Painted Flora, Lucca (2010 – silver).
We decided to catch up with him to find out more about his beautiful work.
How did you start illustrating?
I started with botanical illustration in 2006 while doing my Masters degree in Illustration at Stellenbosch University. Vicky Thomas facilitated a workshop that was part of the course, and I immediately fell in love with the genre.
What draws you to plants?
Painting plants is like painting portraits; they have unique personalities and stories to tell. I also love the intimate relationship that comes from the study of their anatomies and experience a sense of peace that no other subject matter brings.
How long does it take to finish a piece?
The time it takes to complete a work depends on the intricacy of the plant, as well as its size. On average, I spend about a week on a painting if I have the luxury of a full working day.
Which plants do you enjoy painting the most?
Although different plants speak to me in different ways, I seem to be drawn to robust looking plants with fleshy leaves and thick roots. I particularly enjoy painting the roots of bulbous plants, like those of the Amaryllidaceae family. One of my favourite works is Agapanthus praecox, painted in 2011.
Which mediums do you work in?
I mostly work with watercolour on paper, and occasionally add graphite.
Do you have anything exciting planned for the near future?
I am currently a full-time Art and Design teacher at Stellenberg High School, but from next year I will focus on painting full-time and continue to facilitate weekly art classes for adults and children, as well as more focused workshops. I am also looking forward to take part in a group exhibition at the Woordfees in 2017.
Where can people get hold of your work?
My work is not on permanent display, but can be viewed on my website, willieschlechter.com. I have original paintings available, but also take commissions. Most works are also available as high quality prints and gift cards. Anyone interested can email me at [email protected].
