Iolanthea

Iolanthea Original Oil Painter
Creating bespoke commissions and original artworks inspired by nature and storytelling.
📍Cape Town, South Africa
✨ Commissions Open

10/09/2026

Yes, I used a makeup brush to paint this face! 🎨👇

Here is the step-by-step breakdown of how this monochrome oil piece came together:

1️⃣ Began with a clean line drawing on board.

2️⃣ Blocked out the absolute darkest values and the solid background in acrylic.

3️⃣ Laid down a rough, unblended oil layer for the skin mid-tones.

4️⃣ Grabbed a dry, fluffy makeup brush to lightly stipple and soften the oil paint into an airbrushed, smoky gradient.

5️⃣ Sharpened up the fingernails and lips with crisp, high-gloss highlights.

This piece is headed straight to its new home in a luxury nail salon to welcome their clients.

Looking for a custom statement painting for your home or business?
Tap the link in my profile to view my portfolio and secure a commission slot!

The bird series is officially complete 🐦 Or is it?I’ve finally finished the five birds I originally planned for this ser...
10/08/2026

The bird series is officially complete 🐦 Or is it?

I’ve finally finished the five birds I originally planned for this series, and I’m pretty damn happy seeing them all together.

But I might not be finished just yet.

I’ve already had requests for a Sociable Weaver and an owl, and those two are officially in the works. Which means I only need three more birds to turn this into a collection of ten.

So, I’m handing the next three spots over to you.

What birds do you want to see me paint? Give me your best suggestions. If I see three that I absolutely have to paint, I’ll make it ten.

The original five will be available for sale from 1 September, with pre-orders opening soon.

Third painting in the series. 🐦Five ridiculously fluffy young Marico Flycatchers huddling together to stay warm.I dare y...
22/07/2026

Third painting in the series. 🐦

Five ridiculously fluffy young Marico Flycatchers huddling together to stay warm.

I dare you to look at them and not smile.

The moment I saw the reference photo, I knew I had to paint it. Every one of them has its own little personality, but together they tell such a beautiful story.

Which one are you?

Yesterday I shared the first painting in this new bird series.Today I finished the second.This is a crimson-breasted shr...
21/07/2026

Yesterday I shared the first painting in this new bird series.

Today I finished the second.

This is a crimson-breasted shrike oil painting, inspired by my dad's favourite bird, and the bird he used as his logo. I've wanted to paint it for a long time, but it turned out to be far more challenging than I expected. Those deep reds and dark tones needed a lot more balancing than I thought they would.

Seeing these first two bird paintings together is making the series finally feel real, and I'm excited to keep building it.

Now I'd love your help deciding what comes next. What bird would you like to see me paint next?

It's been a little quiet over here, but I've been back in the studio working on a new series of bird paintings.This litt...
20/07/2026

It's been a little quiet over here, but I've been back in the studio working on a new series of bird paintings.

This little pygmy falcon is the first one finished. I love how much personality these tiny birds have, and it was such a fun one to paint.

There are a few more birds still on the easel, so I'll be sharing the rest of the series over the next few days, along with some behind-the-scenes painting videos.

I'd love to know what you think of this little guy.

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