Originally from Benoni (a small town in South Africa), Charlene has called England her home for the last 20 or so years. She went on to study art at Rhodes university where she recieved her dgree in Fine Art.

Being raised in South Africa has without a doubt been an influence on the Charlene’s work. Apart from  spiders, Charlene loves animals, especially African animals. So it comes as no surprise that they feature regularly in her paintings.  

Elephants are one of Charlene’s favourite animals. Some might even say they are her spirit animal.

When asked what attracts her to elephants Charlene fondly recounts many a time while on a safari in South Africa, being lucky enough to come face to face with a lone elephant. The feeling of overwhelming fear and  awe is something she will never forget. She describes elephants as being magical, and like old wise souls protecting the earth.

 Charlene currently sponsors an elephant, a tiger and a jaguar through the WWF.

Charlene’s creative journey started at  a young age. She regularly used to paint with her late Gran- Granny Whoops. Granny Whoops was a master of oil painting and loved teaching her how to paint.

Charlene has never been attached to just one medium, she has enjoyed exploring a variety of styles and mediums over the years including watercolours, acrylics, inks and painting with tea. Yes the kind you drink :)

Over the years Charlene has always had her fingers in some sort of creative pot or other, be it painting, drawing, web design, logo creation, graphic design or photography.

Unsurprisingly, her art took a back seat when she became a mum, but now that her children are bit older, they enjoy painting with her.