Lighthouse Art Gallery

About Sonja Nel

Sonja Nel is a distinguished South African artist known for her mastery of oil painting and her vivid, expressive approach to color. Specializing in floral still lifes, depictions of women intertwined with flowers, and abstract interpretations of various subjects, Sonja’s work is a celebration of both natural beauty and human emotion. Her paintings are a journey into a world where color dominates, evoking a sense of vitality and life that transcends the canvas.

Based in Somerset West, Sonja has built a reputation for her ability to capture the delicate balance between realism and abstraction. Her floral still lifes, often bursting with rich, radiant hues, invite viewers to pause and appreciate the intricate beauty of nature. Similarly, her depictions of women, often featuring vibrant flowers, offer a deep, almost spiritual connection between the feminine form and the natural world.

Sonja’s abstract work, meanwhile, is an exploration of color, shape, and texture, where traditional subjects are deconstructed and reimagined through her unique lens. Her dynamic use of color creates a sense of movement and energy, transforming everyday scenes into captivating visual experiences.

Sonja explains that for her, the act of painting is more than a creative process. “When I paint, my life becomes full of color,” she says, highlighting the therapeutic and transformative power of her craft. This personal connection to her work resonates in every piece, adding a layer of intimacy and authenticity to her art.

Her work has been showcased in several prominent galleries and exhibitions across South Africa, including locations such as Somerset West, Onrus, Robertson, Struisbaai, and Pretoria. Through these exhibitions, Sonja has introduced her bold and colorful vision to a wider audience, allowing her paintings to speak to both the heart and the eye.

With every brushstroke, Sonja Nel continues to explore and expand the boundaries of color and emotion, offering a fresh, immersive perspective on the world around her.