Being from Africa, I was fortunate to see a lot of wildlife on my trips to the bush. Being a Leo, my favourite sighting was obviously lions (or 'Tau' as they're named in the native African language of Zulu). Strong and graceful, female lionesses in particular are fierce predators. Even when relaxing, their muscular form exudes a sense of formidable energy, giving the sense that they are ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. I've tried to capture this essence using bold, angled brushstrokes and strongly contrasted shading.

Madeleine Simon Art

Mama Tau

What's not to love about this drawing of a gorgeous Vervet Monkey with his black face and white fringe and beard. Vervet's are surprisingly 'human', they love cats, and soft drinks for one, and can suffer from anxiety just like us! They form strong family groups and I think their little grey beards make them look very wise.

The Bearded Sage

Discover Latoya, a proud Aboriginal woman and descendant of the Dhawarral people, who runs cultural tours at the Kamay Bay National Park in La Perouse. Painted in vibrant red and green to symbolise the referendum of 2023, this piece poignantly reflects history and hope.

Latoya

I stumbled across this captivating young girl featured in a photo essay of a vintage edition of the National Geographic magazine exploring the tribes living in the Saharan Desert. I was drawn to the intensity of her bright blue gaze peeking out from under her huge rust coloured turban.

In Sight

I drew this pencil portrait of a young African chief adorned in feathers and beads with striking blue eyes to reflect my views on Africa's contrasts. A chaotic and developing nation on one hand, yet the birthplace of humankind on the other; a country governed by modern politics alongside traditional tribal customs.

The Chief

I am a huge fan of Sting! I resonate with his iconic music and personal philosophies all about daring to dream. I started listening to Sting in my teen years, at a time when South Africa was entering a new era under Nelson Mandela's leadership. It was an amazing time to be South African. To me, this image of Sting's face reflects determination & hope.

See the Light

The 90s and noughties are having a moment! Embrace your inner glam with this this eye-catching portrait featuring a moto leather look, set against a cool blue background. A moment of noughties nostalgia.

Noughties Chic

white

yellow

orange

purple

dark blue

green

light blue

brown

black

Acrylic

Aquatint

Canvas

Chalk

Charcoal

Clay

Concrete

Embroidery

Graphite

Gold

Mixed Media

Metal

Oil Paint

Paper

Pastels

Pencil

Pigment

Resin

Tempera

Textile

Watercolor

Collage

Other

Film

Digital

Ceramic

Wire

Wood

Yarn

Stone

Porcelain

Marble

Glass

Plastic

Design

Drawing

Engraving

Etching

Linocut

Lithography

Painting

Prints

Screen Print

Text

Work on paper

Photography

3D Print

Performance

Sculpture

Landscape

Portrait

Very large

Large

Medium

Small

Very Small

Rainbow Girl

Papa Indlovu

Vervet's Reflection

A place to sit

Madeleine Simon Art

collection: Portraiture

Material

Medium

Type

Sizes

Orientations

Dimensions

Colors

Colors

Mama Tau

The Bearded Sage

Latoya

In Sight

The Chief

See the Light

Latoya

Noughties Chic