Wildlife Painter from Africa
Ilse de Villiers Exhibits at Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
SEWE: Southeastern Wildlife Expo 2023
The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is more than just an event for artists, craftsmen, collectors, and sporting enthusiasts to come together and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to showcase the nation’s finest wildlife art, create awareness for the conservation of wildlife and the environment, positively influence wildlife and nature education, and impact the local and statewide economies through increased tourism.
The event takes place every February in Charleston, South Carolina, and is the largest of its kind in the U.S. It promises attendees unforgettable experiences as we gather to share our collective love for wildlife and nature and recognize our role in protecting them for future generations.
SEWEs Impact
As one of the largest events of its kind, SEWE brings together artists, experts, and enthusiasts from all over the world to celebrate their love for the natural world. Since its founding in 1983, SEWE has been making positive contributions to the genre of wildlife art, conservation, and education, and its impact on the community and the state continues to grow each year. With an estimated $50 million in economic impact, SEWE provides the public with easy and affordable access to wildlife and nature conservation programs, raising awareness about the importance of protecting our environment.
Support SEWE
As a SEWE partner, you can support the organization’s mission to preserve the wild and continue its time-honored tradition of promoting wildlife art, education, and conservation. The Host an Artist program is another way to show your support, as it helps artists with their lodging costs during their stay in Charleston. If you are enthusiastic about wildlife and nature conservation, you can also become a SEWE volunteer and explore the behind-the-scenes action of the event.
SEWE is as important today as it has ever been, and its multifaceted mission remains imperative on many fronts. As you attend this year’s SEWE, you will be part of an incredible community of people who share a love for wildlife and nature, and who are dedicated to making positive contributions to the world.
Personal Touch to my Artworks
As an artist, I am proud to showcase my paintings at SEWE, and I am honored to be a part of an event that promotes conservation and education. Each piece of my artwork is a reflection of my personal connection to nature, and I strive to create a sense of connection between the viewer and the subject. My paintings are not just a representation of the animals and landscapes but also an expression of my emotions and feelings towards them.
My paintings are a tribute to South African Wildlife, and I hope that my artwork will inspire visitors to appreciate the beauty of nature and to take action to protect it for future generations.
I invite you to visit my exhibition at SEWE and to take a closer look at my paintings
Where: The Grand Ballroom @ the Charleston Place Hotel
When: Thursday 16 February 2023: 1pm-5pm VIP peak preview afternoon
Friday (17 Feb) & Saturday (18 Feb) : 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday (19 Feb) : 10am- 5 pm.
Eye Contact – Lion Painting by Ilse de Viliers
Exhibiting Paintings at SEWE 2023
In addition to the paintings mentioned in my previous blog post, I will also be exhibiting the following paintings at SEWE:
- “Cub Hug” – A playful and heartwarming depiction of lion cubs, measuring 106 x 78.5cm / 42” x 31”.
- “A Cautious Drink” – A leopard drinking water with his reflection in the water, oil on canvas and measuring 142.5 x 72.5cm / 56” x 28.5”.
- “Giraffe Trio” – A collection of three realistic giraffes in oil on canvas, measuring 68 x 69 cm / 27” x 27.5”.
- “Eye Contact” – A lion male walking towards the viewer, measuring 123 x 82 cm / 48.5x 32”.
- “An Unpredictable Force” – A realistic male buffalo staring at the viewer, acrylic on canvas and measuring 100 x 66cm / 40” x 26”.
- “A Tusker’s dust bath” -A large elephant bull enjoying a dust bath, measuring 94 x 113cm / 37” x 44”
- “Where Zebras & Reflected Sky Meet” – A herd of zebras in realistic oil on canvas, measuring 165 x 93cm / 66 x 33”.
- “Majestic in Profile” – A lion male oil on canvas, measuring 83 x 100cm/ 33”x 39”.
- “The Majestic Kudu” – A black and white kudu male with huge horns, oil on canvas and measuring 38 x 54cm / 15” x 21”.
- “A Little Kiss” – A heartwarming depiction of a mother and her baby giraffe, oil on canvas and measuring 52 x 39 cm / 20.5” x 15”.
Each of these paintings is a reflection of my personal connection to nature and my passion for wildlife conservation. I hope that they will inspire visitors to appreciate the beauty of nature and to take action to protect it for future generations.
Cub hug by Ilse de Villiars (SOLD)
A cautious drink – Leopard (Sold)
142.5 x 72.5cm / 56” x 28.5”
Giraffe Trio
68 x 69 cm / 27” x 27.5”
An unpredictable force
Where zebras & reflected sky meet (SOLD)
Majestic in profile
Framed 83 x 100cm/ 33”x 39”
The majestic kudu (Sold)
38 x 54cm / 15” x 21”
Things to do Charleston, South Carolina
The Rainbow Row
Charleston is a city brimming with art and culture. From historic architecture to vibrant street art, the city offers a rich tapestry of creative expression.
One unique attraction is Rainbow Row in Charleston, South Carolina.
It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in vibrant and colorful architecture. The pastel-colored Georgian row houses, painted in shades ranging from candy pink to sunny yellow, are not only a picturesque sight, but they also hold a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
Visitors can walk along East Bay Street and admire the 13 historic homes, each with its own unique charm and color. Whether you’re an artist, photographer, or simply appreciate beautiful design, Rainbow Row is a breathtaking display of art in every aspect.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina is a city steeped in history, with a rich culture and charming Southern hospitality. Founded in 1670, Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina and one of the oldest in the United States. The city has a rich history, having played a key role in the American Revolution and the Civil War.
Today, Charleston is a thriving city with a vibrant tourism industry, attracting visitors from all over the world with its charming streetscapes, historic architecture, and beautiful beaches. Visitors can stroll through the city’s historic districts, take a horse-drawn carriage tour, or enjoy a leisurely boat ride through the harbor. With a thriving arts scene, delicious cuisine, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, Charleston is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and charm of the South.
Charleston City Market
A visit to the Charleston City Market, an iconic destination for those interested in architecture, history, and art. The market, a United States National Register Landmark, is a showcase of the city’s prosperity and architectural prowess, having received numerous awards such as the 2012 Phoenix Award from the Society of American Travel Writers and the Carolopolis Award from the Preservation Society of Charleston. The Market Hall, built in 1841 and inspired by the Temple of the Wingless Victory in Athens, Greece, with its Greek Revival-style and construction using materials sourced from across the country and Italy. The Great Hall of the market is now a hub of micro boutiques, with visitors enjoying the natural light that floods the hall through its skylight.
I will be present during the event and would be happy to discuss my artworks with you, answer any questions you may have, and to hear your thoughts about my paintings.
I look forward to meeting you at SEWE 2023 and to share my passion for wildlife and nature with you. Together, let’s celebrate the great outdoors and the beauty of nature while preserving it for future generations.