Marilize Combrinck picked up a paintbrush for the first time 11 years ago after her father suddenly died from a heart attack.
“I remember that I was just looking for something to do, something to keep me busy and I went to an art class and from there I fell in love with painting,” she said.
Her first painting was on a 30m x 20m canvas and it depicted a landscape of a river, mountains and trees.
Painting helped her
Everyone griefs in their own way and painting helped Marilize to work through her father’s death. “He played a big role in my life,” she said.
She told the RECORD that her dad loved to draw.
“Especially when I was still in school and we had to draw something for biology. I would do my part and just leave my book on the kitchen table with notes and when I wake up the next morning he finished a drawing for me.”
What she loves the most about painting is that it gives her a feeling of change. “I can change anything and put things which I see through my mind’s eye on a canvas. I love to play with colours,” she said.
A challenge for her is when she has to sell a painting. “It literally feels like I am giving a piece of myself away because I put so much of my time and effort into a painting.”
Stepping out of her comfort zone
Marilize said that the biggest lesson she learned in life is that you only grow when you step out of your comfort zone.
“When I look back at my life, I can see that I’ve grown so much. This also applies to my first painting compared to one of my recent paintings.”
She said that you do not need to have any prior art experience about how to paint to be able to paint something.
“I will show you and teach you everything. The one thing I have learned from my art teacher and that I always tell my students is that anything is fixable, so even if you painted something and you are not sure about what to do next or how to make it look better, I am there and I will help you,” she said.
Marilize still goes to art classes on Wednesdays. “This is my three or four hours I take for myself in a week,” she said.
Art classes
Marilize works as an estimator at Marthinusen and Coutts in Cleveland and is currently giving art classes on the sideline.
For years it has been a dream of Marilize to offer art classes and each year something else happens and the dream gets put back on the burner.
“So my husband told me earlier this year that 2021 is going to be the year and we managed to open a studio for art classes,” she said.
People can come and paint at Art by Marilize weekly on Saturdays.
There are two classes one from 9am to 12pm and one from 1pm to 4pm.
Costs for a pallet sign is R350 per person per class including materials or R400 per month excluding materials.
The painting can be done on wood, a canvas or materials.
For more information, contact Marilize on 072 443 3123 or send an email to brightsparksaftercare@gmail.com
Forming a sisterhood
According to Marilize, it is all about the company of artists. “Yes we all come to paint and to create something arty, but we are also building new relationships, sharing tips and just listening to others. Our sessions are very therapeutic. Painting can help one to heal,” said Marilize.
“Each session is different and fun in another way. It’s more than just art, it is a support system,” she said.
Marilize loves to paint landscapes, but she is always up for a challenge.
Her biggest inspiration and critic in life is her son. “He is honest about my paintings and will tell me when something does not look good or is malformed. He gives me constructive criticism but in a good way. I love the fact that he takes the time to look at my paintings and give his input,” she said.
“Our every day people inspires me. The way they get through life regardless and also the ordinary things they do,” Marilize explained.
