Artist Database

Following in the footsteps of his father, Wessel Marais became a postmaster after finishing his schooling. However, as this was not his passion, during this time he also enrolled in after-work commercial art lessons; a field for which he eventually left the Post Office. Marais continued his art education during his free time and was able to study under wildlife artist Zakkie Eloff. In addition to Eloff, Marais was inspired by landscape artist Erich Mayer along with the French Impressionists. After some success, Marais was able to become a full-time artist and participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions throughout South Africa. He was predominantly an oil painter and his varied subject matter included landscapes, boats in the harbour, rural and urban scenes, vases full of flowers, and children playing.