Each individual holds a gift - their Uniqueness. When their inner world surfaces it traces a journey, finding expression in a glance, gesture, attitude and character. I enjoy searching for these subtleties of the individual.
A portrait reflects infinite intricacies - memories, dreams, fears, hardships, courage, and so much more ... I aim to capture some of this.
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.Oscar Wilde
Photo courtesy of Herman AgenbagWorking in oils since 2003, Sonja’s successfully completed numerous commissions, including posthumous portraits from black and white photographs.
She received recognition as a Top 40 Finalist in the 2019 Sanlam Portrait Award, and Top 100 Finalist in 2017.
Sonja began learning traditional oil painting techniques with Christopher Ruthven in 2001, followed by classes with Marcelle Lyons (oils and watercolours). Her passion for portrait painting grew and while working on private commissions she participated in a Life Group with fellow artists (2004 – 2008). During the next two years she broadened her skills through Ceramic Sculpture classes with Delise Reich at Michaelis School of Fine Art (2008 – 2010), modelling heads in clay.
Sonja’s been a member of the South African Society of Artists (SASA) since 2002 and participated in 11 of their Annual Exhibitions (after a judging process) and 8 Merit Exhibitions.
She’s also a member of the Constantiaberg Art Society (CAS) and enjoys weekly life painting sessions as a member of The Artists’ Co-operative in Observatory.
Her artworks are in South Africa, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, the USA, Canada and Kazakhstan.
In 2012 Sonja married Marc (aka Boris) Rivett-Carnac. She lives and works in Cape Town.
| Studio: | Observatory, Cape Town |
| Tel: | +27 (0)21 447 2073 |
| Cell: | +27 (0)82 870 1020 |
| Email: | sonja@portraits.co.za |
| Website: | www.portraits.co.za |
| FaceBook: | Sonja Rivett-Carnac Portrait Painter |
| Instagram: | @sonjarivettcarnac_art |
23 August - 23 October 2019: