Reflecting Along the Stellenbosch Art Mile

A summer walk through art, nature, and calm...

Find more information here: Art Mile

A Different Kind of Gallery

This summer, I took a slow walk through one of Stellenbosch’s most quietly inspiring experiences: The Stellenbosch Art Mile. Launched in 2024, the Art Mile transforms a scenic stretch along the Eerste River into an open-air gallery. One that invites you to move, pause, and reflect rather than rush from wall to wall.

Unlike traditional galleries, this one unfolds under open skies. Art lives alongside trees, water, bridges, and people going about their day. It immediately feels accessible, relaxed, and human.

The Theme: Reflect

The Art Mile’s theme, “Reflect,” feels perfectly chosen. Many of the works play with light, surface, shadow, and perspective, but the deeper reflection happens internally. As you walk, you’re gently encouraged to slow down and notice not just the art, but your surroundings and your own thoughts.

A Walk Worth Taking

The route itself is a pleasure. It’s an easy, scenic walk, ideal for a summer morning or late afternoon. The river keeps things cool, the paths are well maintained, and the atmosphere feels unhurried.

What stood out to me most was how natural the experience felt. People weren’t whispering or tip-toeing around art. They were chatting, laughing, taking photos, sitting on benches, letting the art exist as part of everyday life. It felt less like visiting an exhibition and more like sharing a space.

Some pieces literally mirror the environment, pulling the mountains, river, and passers-by into the artwork itself. Others frame nature in unexpected ways, turning familiar views into something newly meaningful.

Supporting Art in Public Spaces

The Art Mile is also a reminder of how powerful public art can be. By placing contemporary works in an open, shared environment, it invites everyone in. Not just seasoned gallery-goers.

It’s free, open, and inclusive. You don’t need prior knowledge or context. You just need to show up and be curious. Supporting initiatives like this means supporting artists, creativity, and the idea that art belongs to everyone.

Clean, Calm, and Comfortably Safe

There’s something especially reassuring about experiencing art in a space that feels clean, safe, and well cared for. Stellenbosch shines here. The Art Mile reflects the town’s commitment to thoughtful public spaces and places where people feel comfortable walking, lingering, and connecting.

It’s the kind of environment that encourages reflection not just on art, but on what good urban spaces can feel like.

Leaving with More Than Photos

By the time I reached the end of the walk, I felt lighter. Not in a dramatic way. Just calmer, more present. The Art Mile didn’t demand attention; it earned it quietly.

If you’re in Stellenbosch and looking for something grounding, inspiring, and genuinely enjoyable, take the walk. Let the art meet you where you are. Let the river do the rest.

Sometimes reflection doesn’t happen in silence, it happens while walking forward, one thoughtful step at a time.

South Africa’s Top 10 Fashion Designers — A Stylish Exploration

The vibrant world of South African fashion. Here's some of the runway brilliance from top designers—capturing bold prints, cultural motifs, and the dynamic energy of SA’s fashion scene.

Here’s a curated lineup of the most influential South African designers making waves locally and globally. Each brings a unique blend of heritage, innovation, and artistry.

1. David Tlale

A household name celebrated for avant-garde designs and theatrical runways. David has showcased at Cape Town, New York, and Paris Fashion Weeks 

Known for bold colors, textures, and philanthropy—mentoring emerging designers through programs like United Colors of Fashion 

2. Gavin Rajah

An elegant visionary who founded Cape Town Fashion Week and became the first African brand invited to Paris Haute Couture 

His work extends beyond fashion into philanthropy—mentoring survivors of domestic violence through The Whitelight Movement 

3. Thula Sindi

Known for chic, timeless designs that fuse modern aesthetics with African flair. His craftsmanship and sophisticated silhouettes have earned him a devoted following.

4. Laduma Ngxokolo (MaXhosa Africa)

Founder of MaXhosa Africa, renowned for reinterpretations of traditional Xhosa beadwork in knitwear. His brand has garnered international acclaim, expanding to Paris and New York 

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5. Palesa Mokubung (Mantsho)

Celebrated designer behind Mantsho, known for its striking prints and expressive silhouettes. She made history as the first African designer to collaborate with H&M 

6. Marianne Fassler

A trailblazer with decades-long influence, known for her eclectic, bohemian aesthetic and fearless use of color and texture 

7. Rich Mnisi

A rising star known for gender-fluid, avant-garde designs that challenge norms. His powerful aesthetic draws attention both locally and internationally 

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8. Nkhensani Nkosi (NN Vintage / Stoned Cherrie)

Founder of Stoned Cherrie, known for t-shirts featuring apartheid-era heroes like Stephen Biko—melding fashion with political symbolism.

9. Thebe Magugu

Winner of the prestigious 2019 LVMH Young Fashion Designer Prize, now a global presence collaborating with Dior, Adidas, and more. He remains deeply grounded in storytelling and cultural roots 

He recently opened Magugu House, a creative showroom in Johannesburg showcasing fashion and art.

10. Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana

Known for blending Basotho cultural heritage—especially the iconic Basotho blanket—into contemporary fashion. Her label stands out globally for its creativity and cultural representation 

More designers for you to discover:

Jacques van der Watt (Black Coffee) – Known for structural, geometric fashion installations with deep South African design influences 

Abigail Betz – Recognized for delicate, ultra-feminine bridal designs 

Gert-Johan Coetzee – Glamorous, red-carpet ready couture adored by celebrities 

Bongiwe Walaza – Bold prints and bringing shweshwe fabric to the global stage 

Sindiso Khumalo – Sustainable fashion pioneer, weaving her heritage into vibrant prints and empowering communities through ethical collaborations 

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1. David Tlale — Runway look from the David Tlale collections (example from his recent collections pages). A theatrical, sculptural evening look from his collections. DAVID TLALE+1

2. Gavin Rajah — Handcrafted beaded evening gown (Gavin Rajah couture / Cape Town Fashion Week runway photo). Elegant couture gown with hand beading and drape. Getty Images+1

3. Thula Sindi — Abero Chiffon Dress (from Thula Sindi official site). A timeless, chic ready-to-wear dress representative of his refined silhouettes. THULA SINDI

4. Laduma Ngxokolo (MaXhosa Africa) — Runway look from MaXhosa (Maxhosa Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear runway coverage). Xhosa-inspired knitwear piece (signature graphic knit jumper). Vogue+1

5. Palesa Mokubung (Mantsho) — Mantsho x H&M capsule — e.g., the Mantsho “cape collar”/printed dresses from the H&M collaboration. Bold prints and flowing silhouettes from the Mantsho × H&M collection. Glamour+1

6. Marianne Fassler — Signature eclectic / bohemian dress (examples on her official channels / Getty photos). A colorful, textured look that reflects her decades-long aesthetic. Getty Images+1

7. Rich Mnisi — Look from Rich Mnisi runway (examples from his lookbook / H&M × Rich Mnisi / Adidas collaborations listed on his site). Gender-fluid, avant-garde piece from his runway archive. richmnisi.com

8. Nkhensani Nkosi (Stoned Cherrie / NN Vintage) — Stoned Cherrie printed T-shirt (historical / museum piece: Drum t-shirt exhibited at the Museum at FIT). Iconic politically-charged T-shirt design, part of museum collections. Flickr+1

9. Thebe Magugu — Mafeteng Dress / look from Thebe Magugu collections (and images from Magugu House coverage). A narrative dress from his tribe-inspired collections; also shown at Magugu House. thebemagugu.com+1

10. Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana — Basotho-blanket inspired cape / Classic Butterfly Cape (product page on Thabo Makhetha official shop). A contemporary cape/coat made from traditional Basotho blanket motifs (signature item). Thabo Makhetha+1

Mikko Tyllinen: Landscapes of the Inner World

Mikko Tyllinen does not simply paint landscapes as they appear. He transforms them into living experiences of color and movement. A grove of trees becomes a rhythm of lines and hues. A passing cloud becomes a cascade of light and shadow. His landscapes are not documents of the external world, but translations of how it feels to stand within it.

There are painters who capture reality, and then there are painters who reveal the unseen currents that run beneath it. Mikko Tyllinen belongs to the latter. His canvases are not still images; they are movements, collisions, expansions — as if we are watching thought itself crystallize into form.

When you look at his work, you don’t simply see color — you feel it. The brushstrokes have the velocity of galaxies being born, the tenderness of memory, the turbulence of storms we’ve carried in silence. His art reminds us that abstraction is not an escape from reality; it is the deeper language of it.

The Language of Sky and Cloud

Look closely at his skies and you will notice they never sit still. They shift, they breathe, they almost sing. Clouds dissolve into fields of color that roll like waves, carrying both calm and storm in the same moment. In this, his paintings remind us that the sky is never only above us — it is also within us, mirroring our shifting moods and thoughts.

Trees as Symbols of Life

In Tyllinen’s hands, trees are not merely botanical forms but symbols of endurance and connection. Their roots seem to grip more than earth; they hold memory, history, and spirit. Their branches stretch beyond simple depiction, reaching toward light as if in dialogue with the sky. To look at these trees is to feel the persistence of life itself, even in the midst of change.

The Dance of Abstraction

What makes these landscapes so compelling is the way he lets abstraction guide them. Instead of showing every detail, he distills the essence: the energy of wind through leaves, the warmth of light on water, the quiet strength of a horizon line. His art suggests that what matters is not what the eye records, but what the heart remembers.

A Reflection of Ourselves

Ultimately, Mikko Tyllinen’s landscapes are not only about the natural world. They are about us. When we see the shifting skies, we are reminded of our own restless searching. When we see the rooted trees, we feel our own grounding. His paintings carry both motion and stillness, chaos and harmony, reminding us that we, too, are landscapes — shaped by time, weathered by experience, and lit from within by moments of quiet beauty.

Hannah Lavery: Quiet Power in Every Stitch

In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, South African designer Hannah Lavery has quietly built something different - a women’s fashion line that speaks not just to the eye, but to the body and soul.

Her clothes don’t shout. They don’t chase runways. Instead, they listen to your shape, your mood, your need for comfort, confidence, and grace. Rooted in kindness and designed with intent, Lavery’s garments are redefining what it means to feel at home in your own skin.

A Brand Born of Curiosity and Courage

Originally on a path toward law, Lavery found herself drawn to a more expressive pursuit — fashion. Not for its glamour, but for its power. She studied fashion design in Port Elizabeth, eventually moving to Cape Town, where her brand was born in 2012.

What started as a small, self-funded studio has grown into a beloved local label with boutiques in Cape Town and Johannesburg, a strong online presence, and a loyal following of women who have found something rare in her collections: ease.

Women Behind the Seams

Walk into a Hannah Lavery store and you’ll feel it — the quiet confidence, the warmth, the care. That energy comes from the team itself. Her garments are cut, sewn, and finished in Cape Town by a small team of artisans, many of whom have been with the brand for years.

People like Patricia Jacobs, affectionately known as Aunty Pat, who brings decades of sewing experience and a deep sense of pride to the work. These aren’t faceless factories. This is fashion with fingerprints.

The Power of Comfort

What sets Lavery apart isn’t just aesthetic. It’s emotional. Her designs make women feel seen. They’re powerful not because they push boundaries, but because they give women space to be — whether that means commanding a boardroom or curling up with a book.

In a culture that often equates beauty with discomfort, Lavery is shifting the narrative. Her clothes whisper: you’re allowed to feel good.

Despite her minimalist palette and simple lines, there’s nothing basic about Lavery’s work. There’s nuance in the drape, poetry in the proportions, strength in the softness. Each piece is designed to outlive trends and outlast seasons.

This isn’t fashion for the spotlight. It’s fashion for life.

A Local Legacy in the Making

As her brand continues to grow, Lavery remains rooted in her values like sustainability, inclusivity, and kindness. She designs for all women, all ages, all body types. And she does it without compromise.

In South Africa’s fashion landscape, she’s become a quiet force, not through spectacle, but through substance. Her legacy is being woven, one stitch at a time, by the women who wear her clothes and the women who make them.

In a world where fashion often feels fast, loud, and disposable, Hannah Lavery reminds us of something vital: the most powerful clothes don’t transform you into someone else, they bring you back to yourself.

How Vaveili Is Inspiring a New Generation of 3D Artists

From Twitter Clips to Industry Cred – Here’s Why You Should Follow Their Journey

If you're a 3D artist or animator just getting started, there’s something super motivating about watching someone build their craft in public. Someone who’s not just flexing technical skills but telling stories, experimenting, and sharing the behind-the-scenes. One such artist lighting up the 3D space online is Vaveili—and if you’re not already following them, it’s time to fix that.

Who Is Vaveili?

Based in Atlanta, Vaveili is a self-taught 3D artist and fashion designer blending dreamy visuals, surreal storytelling, and futuristic vibes into every project. You’ll find them on X (formerly Twitter) posting dazzling renders, sharing works-in-progress, and occasionally dropping gems about their journey.

What sets them apart? They didn’t take the “traditional” art school route. Instead, they taught themselves the tools, posted consistently, and slowly built up their own creative empire—complete with a two-bedroom studio they funded through their art. Yup, dreams can pay rent.

Winning the OTOY Artist Grant

One of their big milestones came when they were awarded the OTOY Artist Grant—a recognition from the folks behind OctaneRender, one of the most powerful rendering engines in the industry. This isn’t just a flex—it’s validation for anyone grinding at their desk with just Blender, passion, and YouTube tutorials.

From Animation to Gamer Collabs

You may have seen their eye-popping visuals for GamerSupps or the Twitch streamer Shylily. Their short 3D animation for Shylily went viral, pulling in nearly 400K views. It wasn’t just beautiful—it had soul. That’s a recurring theme in Vaveili’s work. Every render feels like it’s whispering a strange, wonderful story just beneath the surface.

And yeah, if you’re wondering—these weren’t just for fun. They’re getting paid for their creative work. Commissioned gigs, brand collabs, and fan-fueled buzz all started from sharing art online.

A Style That’s Hard to Miss

What makes their work so compelling?

• Soft, fluid lighting that feels like dusk in a dream
• Futuristic outfits and digital fashion concepts
• Cinematic compositions with emotion baked in
• Experimentation—whether it’s shading, animation, or layout
• You can tell they’re not afraid to break rules or explore odd angles. And honestly, that’s half the magic.

Lessons for Aspiring Artists

• If you’re just getting into the world of CG or motion design, here are a few things Vaveili’s journey shows us:
• Start now, not later. They didn’t wait to be “perfect.” They posted, improved, and built community over time.
• Self-learning works. Whether you’re using Blender, Octane, Unreal Engine, or whatever—resources are out there.
• Consistency builds visibility. Even short clips or shader tests can attract attention if they’re posted with intent.
• Build in public. Sharing your process is part of the art. People connect with the journey, not just the final product.

Vaveili just announced they’re launching a Patreon, where they’ll share tutorials, project files, workflows, and all the good stuff you’d normally only get in expensive courses. So, if you’ve been looking for a fresh, unfiltered, artist-led learning hub—you might want to keep tabs.

Following artists like Vaveili isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about staying inspired. Watching someone build their own lane with skill, emotion, and a dash of weirdness? That’s the kind of fuel upcoming 3D artists need.

Whether you’re rendering your first scene or already a few years deep, the takeaway is this:

Keep experimenting. Share your work. Don’t wait for permission.

Go follow @Vaveili on X, and remember—your journey’s just as valid, just as valuable, and it’s only getting started.

C.A Reyna: Abstract Horizons in the Heart of New Mexico

In the desert hush of New Mexico, where the sky stretches wide and colors blaze at dusk, abstract artist Charles Anthony Reyna has found his canvas and calling. A self-taught painter whose journey began in 2010, Reyna’s art emerges not from formal schools but from instinct, emotion, and a profound connection to place. For collectors drawn to sincerity over spectacle, Reyna’s work offers a rare, grounding presence—rooted in the land and elevated by the abstract.

A Self-Made Eye for Abstraction

Unlike many contemporaries, Reyna entered the art world quietly. With no formal training, he began exploring abstraction on his own terms—trusting mood, memory, and motion to guide his brush. His work reflects an intuitive mastery of color and composition, reminiscent of the great modernists he cites as influence: Mark Rothko, Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Andy Warhol.

But rather than imitate, Reyna distills. From Rothko, he draws a love of space and emotion. From Kahlo and O’Keeffe, a reverence for place. And from Warhol, perhaps a subtle understanding of the personal made public—though Reyna’s voice is quieter, more meditative.

The Technique: Emotion as Medium

Reyna’s expressive technique lies in layered acrylics, built in washes and blocks of color that shift between fields and forms. His process is slow, observational, and responsive—guided less by outcome than by balance. A painting may begin with the feeling of heat on adobe or the memory of a Chama river breeze, but it ends with a visual poem: equal parts landscape and emotion.

He often paints on smaller square canvases—12″x12″ or 20″x24″—which lends an intimacy to the viewing experience. Each canvas is a window into a place felt rather than seen, crafted with deliberate simplicity and rich tonal depth.

The Colors of New Mexico

Collectors particularly prize Reyna’s Colors of New Mexico series, a body of work that pays tribute to the region’s majestic geography:

• Chama: Serene blues and sandy earth tones evoke the flow of the Rio Chama.
• Santa Fe: Warm reds and burnt oranges recall the city’s storied sunsets and adobe silhouettes.
• Taos Pueblo: Subtle, historic hues layered like memory and tradition.

Chama - CA Reyna - Colors of New Mexico

Santa Fe - Colors of New Mexico - Charles Reyna Abstract Art

These are not literal landscapes—they’re emotional landscapes. Abstract meditations on space, stillness, and story. The longer you sit with them, the more they reveal.

Where to Find His Work

Reyna’s pieces are available directly through his official website and via platforms like Etsy and Saatchi Art. His originals are refreshingly accessible, ranging from $85–$275, with open-edition giclée prints starting around $40.

For seasoned collectors or first-time buyers, Reyna offers a compelling entry point: work that is deeply personal, regionally evocative, and aesthetically enduring.

Why Collect Reyna?

Authenticity: Each piece is a sincere expression of time and place—unfiltered by art world trends.

Accessibility: Modest price points make Reyna’s originals and prints highly collectible without compromising quality.

Emotional Depth: His technique invites the viewer to feel, not decode. These are pieces meant to live with, not just look at.

Whether you’re curating a wall or beginning a collection, Charles Anthony Reyna’s work is a beautiful reminder of what abstract art can offer: an echo of the world, filtered through feeling.

Crafting Beauty with Authenticity | Michelle Moolman

In the vibrant world of fashion and media, Michelle Moolman stands out as a hair and makeup artist who brings a unique blend of technical skill and heartfelt artistry to every project. Based in Cape Town and represented by Supernova Creative Management, Michelle has become a sought-after name in the industry.

A Journey Rooted in Passion and Learning:

Michelle's foundation in beauty artistry was shaped by learning from industry icons like Joy Terri and Val Garland, coupled with invaluable experience working directly with the public. This combination honed her ability to understand diverse features and conditions, enabling her to execute techniques tailored to each individual's needs. Her adeptness at working with all skin tones and hair types reflects South Africa's rich diversity. 

Signature Style:

Michelle's work is characterized by a fresh, timeless, and adaptable aesthetic. Whether crafting a bold editorial look or a subtle enhancement, she ensures that her creations feel like a natural extension of the individual, exuding effortless elegance.

Notable Collaborations:

Throughout her career, Michelle has contributed to various high-profile campaigns and projects, including:

• Orlebar Brown's 'Summer Collection'
• Spur's 'Masidlale'
• FILA's 'Play It Your Way'
• Macy’s 'Elevate the Day'
• Adidas's 'Mapule Ndhlovu'
• NY Pizza
• Cash Crusaders' 'Naughty Boy'
• Steri Stumpi
• K-Way

Michelle Moolman's dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with clients make her a standout artist in Cape Town's beauty scene. Her work not only enhances appearances but also celebrates individuality, making her an invaluable asset to any creative endeavor.

For more information or to view her portfolio, visit Supernova Creative Management.

Follow Michelle on Instagram

Exploring Soulful Landscapes with Sarah Evans

Nestled in the heart of Wales, Sarah Evans emerges as a captivating artist whose works breathe life into the serene landscapes of her homeland. Born in Aberdare in 1974, Sarah's journey from a dedicated nurse to a full-time artist, is as inspiring, as the vistas she paints.

From Healing Hands to Artistic Horizons:

Before embracing the canvas full-time, Sarah devoted 25 years to nursing, specializing in oncology, community care, palliative care, and counseling. Her transition to art wasn't abrupt; even during her nursing years, she found solace in painting, often after long shifts. This duality of care and creativity enriched her perspective, allowing her to infuse empathy and depth into her artworks. 

Artistic Style and Medium:

Sarah's artistry predominantly captures Welsh landscapes and seascapes. Utilizing acrylics and inks on plywood, paper, and canvas, she crafts pieces that resonate with emotion and authenticity. Her works, while rooted in real locations, often transcend mere representation, aiming to evoke personal experiences and feelings associated with the landscapes. 

Notable Works and Exhibitions:

Over the years, Sarah's talent has been recognized in various esteemed platforms:

2002: Selected for the National Portrait Gallery Exhibition "Portrait UK" with her self-portrait.

2015: Served as the Resident Artist at the Martin Tinney Gallery in Cardiff.

2016: Exhibited alongside Peter Moore at the Tegfryn Gallery, showcasing hauntingly beautiful depictions of Snowdonia and the North Wales coast.

2020: Her work was featured in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

Beyond landscapes, Sarah's life is enriched by her three cats: Walter, Barry, and Flash. These feline companions often feature in her artworks and social media, adding a personal and relatable touch to her artistic narrative. 

Sarah Evans stands as a testament to the transformative power of art. Her journey from nursing to painting illustrates a seamless blend of care, emotion, and creativity. Through her evocative landscapes, she invites viewers to experience the profound beauty and spirit of Wales.

For a deeper dive into her works or to acquire a piece, visit her official website: sarahevanswelshartist.com

Mark Witton: Whisperer of the Paleoarts

 Imagine, if you will, a world where dragons once soared across the sky, giant beasts with wingspans that could rival small airplanes. Now imagine someone not only bringing them back to life with pen and paintbrush but doing so with the precision of a surgeon and the flair of a concept artist for Dune. Welcome to the world of Dr. Mark Witton - paleontologist, artist, author, and the internet’s favorite "Pterosaur Guy".

From Fossils to Fine Art (and a Few Scientific Fisticuffs)

Witton isn’t just sketching dinosaurs for fun (though he is having fun). He’s got the credentials: a PhD in vertebrate paleontology from the University of Portsmouth, where he’s spent the better part of two decades reconstructing the lifestyles, anatomy, and ecological roles of extinct creatures -particularly his true loves: pterosaurs.

Support Mark Witton on Patreon: patreon.com/markwitton

"Quetzalcoatlus lawsoni" - if anyone's wondering - Mark Witton

Witton’s big scientific claim to fame? He helped upend the old “skinny flying lizard” model of pterosaurs. Thanks to his work, the scientific community now sees these creatures as robust, muscular, and likely covered in something akin to fuzz. Yes, fuzzy pterosaurs. Deal with it.

'Large Mesozoic mammal "Didelphodon" a hard-biting, 4-6 kg carnivore that might have been semi-aquatic'

In one of his landmark papers, Witton—alongside colleagues like Darren Naish—provided evidence supporting a “quad launch” takeoff strategy in pterosaurs. That’s right: they vaulted into the air using all four limbs like some sort of biomechanical catapult. (Take that, Jurassic Park.)

Read more in Witton & Habib (2010): “The Extinction of the Pterosaurs: Investigating Their Biomechanics and Ecology.”

Paleoart with Principles (and Puns)

What sets Witton apart in the paleoart arena isn’t just his gorgeous, cinematic reconstructions of prehistoric life. It’s that he’s brutally committed to accuracy. He won’t just slap some scales and spikes on a beast and call it a day—he’ll dive into muscle attachment sites, behavioral ecology, and taphonomy.

In his own words, paleoart should:

Be based on peer-reviewed science,

Use biologically informed extrapolation where fossils go fuzzy,

And depict actual extinct organisms (so… no dragon/unicorn hybrids, sorry).

This philosophy is brilliantly laid out in his guidebook-slash-art-manifesto, The Palaeoartist’s Handbook: Recreating Prehistoric Animals in Art (buy it here)—which is half technical manual, half artistic pep talk, and all heart.

Want to see the results? Browse Witton’s full gallery here: markwitton.co.uk/palaeoart

"Gigantopithecus keeps being mentioned. It needs to be more widely appreciated" - Mark Witton

Dinosaurs, Deep Time, and Diplodocus Drama

Beyond the pterosaur crowd, Witton’s art and research have tackled sauropods, marine reptiles, early synapsids, and even the broader field of paleoenvironments. His reconstructions are striking for what they don’t do: no oversized claws just for drama, no gaping mouths on every creature like they’re all auditioning for a horror flick, and—blessedly—no featherless raptors unless the data demands it.

Witton is part of a movement known as All Yesterdays—an effort to breathe life into extinct animals not just as skeletons with skin, but as real creatures that lived, slept, played, and sometimes just sat around looking weird. This includes speculative but plausible behaviors like camouflaging, social posturing, and yes, maybe even some prehistoric laziness.

"Rhomaelosaurus takes the starring role" Mark Witton

Online, Outspoken, and Occasionally Hilarious

When he’s not in the field, Mark Witton is online—blogging, tweeting, and defending the dignity of prehistoric creatures everywhere. His blog (markwitton-com.blogspot.com) is a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes insights: from critiques of bad paleoart to deep dives into fossil evidence.

His commentary is sharp, often witty, and always backed by data. Think of him as the David Attenborough of dead things, with a bit more sarcasm.

You can follow him on:

🐦 Twitter: @MarkWitton

Why It Matters

Witton’s work does more than make dinosaurs and pterosaurs look good. It challenges how we think about the deep past. In a field where artistic license can too easily drift into fantasy, Witton brings it back to Earth—literally—reminding us that these creatures were real, complex, and worth getting right.

He’s changing the way museums educate, the way documentaries visualize, and even how kids (and kidults) imagine the prehistoric world.

www.markwitton.co.uk

Alone Together: The Vivid Emotional World of Alan Concas

Alan Concas, a contemporary painter from Udine, Italy, is renowned for his evocative use of color and texture, crafting artworks that resonate with emotional depth and introspection. His pieces often explore the human condition, delving into themes of solitude and connection.

Alone Together and Other Reflections on the Human Condition

A closer look at the Alone-Together series and other standout works that delve into solitude, intimacy, and psychological space.

One of his notable works, Alone-Together (2019), exemplifies his ability to capture complex emotional states through oil on canvas. This piece, like many others, invites viewers to reflect on the nuances of human relationships and the spaces between isolation and togetherness

A Vision in Colour and Texture

Explore how Alan Concas uses rich palettes and layered textures to evoke emotion and tell visual stories that transcend language.

Concas's portfolio includes a diverse range of paintings, such as Alchimia (2019), Inside Closed (2023), and Feeling Blue, each showcasing his signature style that blends vibrant hues with tactile surfaces. His works often feature abstract forms and layered textures, creating a dynamic visual experience that engages the senses.

From Udine to Venice: Exhibitions and Artistic Journey

A snapshot of Concas’s career, including key exhibitions and how his Italian roots and surroundings shape his creative output.

Throughout his career, Concas has exhibited his art in various venues, including the Galleria Arttime in Udine, Il Cantiere Art Gallery, and the Park Hotel Ai Pini in Venice Mestre. These exhibitions have allowed audiences to experience his art firsthand, offering insights into his creative process and thematic explorations.

Beyond his paintings, Concas shares his artistic journey through his YouTube channel, providing viewers with a glimpse into his studio practices and the inspirations behind his work. His online presence extends to platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where he engages with a broader audience, discussing art and sharing updates on his latest projects.

Alan Concas's art continues to captivate and inspire, inviting contemplation and dialogue through his masterful interplay of color, texture, and form.