Paintings by Susan Orpen
Paintings by Susan Orpen
Paintings by Susan Orpen
Paintings by Susan Orpen
Paintings by Susan Orpen


I have been painting, teaching and marketing art in Johannesburg, South Africa, since 1985. I enjoy opening a new world of creativity to students, teaching them how to see, and helping them express themselves using the many media and techniques available today.

On this website you will find:

  • Details of ongoing weekly classes
  • Examples of my painting
  • Monthly newsletter giving details of exhibitions and art-related happenings at my studio
  • Video Clips of painting and drawing classes
  • Original Paintings for sale

I run painting classes throughout the year. My classes are held at my studio in Muldersdrift (see Map) and I am able to accommodate beginners and more advanced participants.

In addition, for those who are unable to attend the studio classes, my Watercolour Painting Masterclass is available online. Presented using text instruction, imagery and over 3.5 hours of video lessons (some short excerpts shown above and below), the course takes partipants through all facets of painting in watercolours.

The first course available is "Watercolour Painting Masterclass WCP 001" in 10 lesson modules and featuring approximately 3.5 hours of video tuition, in addition to text instruction, illustrative imagery etc.

Subscribers to the course retain access rights, with technical and teaching support, for 6 months from date of commencement.

Click HERE for more.


Drawing with a stick

Examples of Susan Orpen Masterclass content

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Colour Wheel

Examples of Susan Orpen Masterclass content

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Still Life Bowls

Example of Susan Orpen Masterclass content

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Improving your Drawing

Example of Susan Orpen Masterclass content

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About Me
Paintings by Susan Orpen

Susan Orpen

I paint and teach in various genres. Although principally known for my wildlife work, I enjoy painting landscapes. In my wildlife studies, and paintings of the peoples of Africa, I strive to capture a fugitive moment, seeking always to suggest rather than describe. I often use a vignetting technique as I enjoy reminding the viewer that the painting is an artefact. The challenge is to move further and further away from a photographic representation to a more creative interpretation of the subject. My watercolours are in private collections in South Africa, USA, Australia, Europe and the UK.

Student Work
Susan Orpen Fine Art

Turpsy Oil paint is smeared randomly onto paper with a cloth. Subject matter is then superimposed with charcoal and more oil. Robynne Bailey achieved a lovely result





Susan Orpen Fine Art

The theme here was “Butchers Apron”. Pamela Codevilla used collage and acrylic for this successful composition






Susan Orpen Fine Art

Denise Forbes works by layering with papers and oil glazes. Here she achieved a beautifully faceted ground for the old man.






Paintings by Susan Orpen

Susan's Studio