Kraaifontein artist Cheslyn Brandt does paintings of celebrities whose careers convey inspirational messages.
Brandt, 42, says he wants to tell the world: “If they could do it, so can I.”
He recently painted portraits of singer Craig Lucas, comedian Marc Lottering, actress Kim Engelbrecht and over the weekend, he created a memorial portrait of The Grillfather restaurant owner Shane Swiegelaar.
Brandt says he owes his passion for painting to his late partner.
“My partner always motivated me to follow my passion for art. He died in 2017 and this gave me the desire to achieve greatness through my paintings,” he says.
The self-taught artist, originally from Ocean View, has a twin brother who also loves art and does photography.
“It all started when my mum was a domestic worker. The lady she worked for had many books, especially these Reader’s Digest books.
“My brother and I would end up drawing in these magazines and my mom's boss would always ask, ‘Pam, why are your kids writing in my magazines?’
“My mum would just laugh and say, ‘I'm so sorry’. Then she’d look at our pictures and say, ‘wow, your kids are so creative’.
“Years later I worked overseas on cruise ships. I'd go to my cabin and create some paintings.”
Brandt started creating celebrity portraits this year, focusing on those who’ve “made it” despite the odds of poverty, racism, abuse and other social ills stacked against them.
“I just thought these are the people that are actually inspiring me and saying, ’you can do this’.
“When Craig Lucas shared my post, I was so overwhelmed. I was surprised, but that gave me a boost.”
Meanwhile, Lucas says: “I can’t believe someone would go through all the time and effort to paint a picture of me. I’m very humbled.
“Please go ahead and support his work if you have the means to do so.
“My mom just bought one of his paintings as a gift for someone.