Journal

How to Commission a Portrait Painting in South Africa

What it's like to commission an original oil portrait from a South African artist - the brief, reference photos, deposit, timeline and what you get at the end.

About JAN | The Story Behind the Artist and His Expressionist Journey

Meet JAN, a contemporary South African expressionist artist creating original oil paintings that explore identity, emotion, resilience, and the beauty of the human experience.

Navigating South African Abstract Expressionism: From the Ebedes Fine Art Blog to the Studio of JAN

How platforms like the Ebedes Fine Art Blog have documented the rise of South African abstract expressionism - and where JAN's studio fits into that story.

Why Penny Siopis Remains One of South Africa's Most Influential Artists

Penny Siopis's visual language, expressionist influence, and contribution to modern South African art.

Why William Kentridge Became One of South Africa's Most Internationally Recognised Artists

William Kentridge's expressive charcoal drawings, emotional storytelling, and global impact on contemporary art.

Maggie Laubser and the Roots of Expressionism in South Africa

Maggie Laubser was one of the earliest South African artists to embrace Expressionism - and how her legacy connects to contemporary work.

What is Expressionism in Art?

Expressionism is an art movement focused on emotion over realism - its origins, characteristics, and how it shows up in contemporary work.

Irma Stern and the Rise of Expressionism in South Africa

Irma Stern, one of South Africa's highest-selling artists, and her role in establishing Expressionism in the country.

How Long Does an Oil Painting Last and Why It Can Become a Family Heirloom

Oil paintings are remarkably durable - how they age, how to care for one, and why they often become part of a family's story.

How to Choose the Right Painting for Your Home

Learn how to choose the perfect painting for your home. Discover tips on scale, colour and atmosphere when selecting original artwork.

How to Start Collecting Original Art

Learn how to start collecting original art. Discover simple tips for choosing paintings that bring character, emotion and lasting beauty to your home.

Why Buying Original Art Is Different from Buying Prints

Discover why collectors value original art. Learn how texture, brushwork and the artist's process give paintings a unique presence that prints cannot match.

The Complete Guide to Buying Original Art in South Africa

How to discover artists and confidently buy your first original painting in South Africa.

The Influence of Impressionism on Modern Artists

Discover how impressionism shaped modern painting and why expressive colour and brushwork remain central to contemporary art.

The Moment a Painting Begins

Step inside the studio of JAN, a Pretoria based impressionist artist. Discover how inspiration, music and emotion shape each expressive oil painting from first sketch to final brushstroke.

Why Owning Original Art Is Special

How collectors bring a unique story into their home when they choose an original piece over decorative prints.

Why Oil Paintings Have Such Depth and Character

Explore why oil paintings are prized by collectors for their depth, texture and richness. Discover how layers of oil paint bring artwork to life.