Low Tide in Zanzibar

"Kelp Gathering" by Artists of Africa Artist Marie Theron
508mm x 508mm oil on cotton wrapped canvas
$US 489

Continuing my African paintings: Do you know the West Coast where I stay? Low tide, even while being called "low" is still a dangerous phenomenon and the water will throw you onto the rocks, should you dare to enter the sea. I love my noisy home, where nights are never quiet and the large waves can be heard day and night. Of course, travelling can be so refreshing, and we were thrilled with the low, low tide at Zanzibar. You can wade in for miles to sit in the water, find a dhow, chat to locals and scrunch up your eyes because the light is so blindingly bright.

Here we observed the activity of seaweed harvesting by the Masaai women. By driving sticks into the low areas of the sea, traps are formed where the seaweed can easily be collected. Bucketfuls of the green stuff are then taken to the beach to be hung out to dry. Dry seaweed is exported to China where it is boiled into soap and shampoo.

In my painting "Kelp Harvesting", I have tried to show the endless stretch of low tide, and the blinding light that etches out the figures of workers. I did not take enough photos while I was there, but I treasure these few photos and hope you like them too. They really portray the exact mood on that tranquil island.

To view the buying guide to this painting, click HERE

Patience and Dignity

ARTISTS of AFRICA Artist Marie Theron  

"The Old Fruit Seller" 914mm x 914mm  OIL ON WRAPPED COTTON CANVAS

There is something of which all travelers to Africa become aware: Africa has its own time. Everything is done rhythmically, peacefully and slow. And look at the old people, there is an inborn dignity! This man was seen from a vehicle in Zanzibar. I just never like to ask people for a "pose", as much will be lost in the posed photograph. In the moments I have seen him, time stood still for me. Everything was just perfect! No hard selling, like that seen in the resorts, took place. God provided the fruit (which grows in abundance in Zanzibar) and by-and-by the regular customers would come along.

I used a limited palette in keeping with the subject. You should see the new skies in my work! I am tired of pretty perfect skies....these markings must say something else. The painting can be purchased HERE .

Can You Hear the Drums? Artist Marie Theron on Africa

Today I am scared of a vast white canvas, not the canvas that I am painting on, but this new page on a new blog where Art from Africa is introduced.

Welcome everyone, to the continent of Myth and Magic and Mystery! Of Colour and Sound and Joy! I will introduce my post by using a collage and video that was made in the Beginning of August at an exhibition I took part in with two friends, Mart Leeuwner and Tatyana Binovskaya. The name of the exhibition was "Can You Hear the Drums?" I am right there in the middle of the collage and am surrounded by paintings by the three of us. Tatyana created images of great joy, music and dance. Mart showed with still life containing masks the deep mystery of Africa, and also made ceramic plates with African faces, and I showed paintings portraying the inner dignity and the daily lives of Africa.

Now, enter for a moment into the atmosphere at Longstreet Art Lovers in Pretoria to view : "Can you Hear the Drums?"