Monique van Wyk

My first art lessons began when I was in junior school  and lasted for 3 years.  I was 10 years old at the time.

I practiced on my own after that and in my High School days I sold my first painting. After I left school I signed on at Dennis’ Studio in Boksburg during 2003  to further my studies in art.

While a student of the Paint Basket Studio I had 2 solo exhibitions – one at the Bunny Park in Benoni and the at the Rosebank Rooftop Market in Johannesburg. I also took part in the Paint Basket Student’s  Exhibition in Boksburg (2004).

I also have my works in several galleries in Gauteng Area.

I paint in oils, pastels, ink, acrylic and pencil drawing. I love working with texture paste as this gives me ample expression in my works.

Near the end of 2008 Dennis approached me to know if I was in the market for buying out his Boksburg Studio as he was in the process of emigrating to New Zealand. I did not hesitate at all as I knew that this was the best teaching studio in the whole area and very well-known for its quality of student’s paintings. I took over the  studio in March this year (2009) and as such became  a Franchisee of the Paint Basket. My other colleague, Anne-Marie, is the Franchisee of the Germiston studio. These 2 studios in South Africa are part of the Franchise which now has its  Head Quarters in New Zealand. Dennis is the Franchisor.