ArtStudio53Questions and answers
Questions.
Straight answers about buying an original encaustic or watercolour painting from Arie Swanepoel at ArtStudio53 in Hermanus, looking after it, and joining his monthly watercolour classes. Originals start at R5 200 and a two-hour class costs R450.
Buying a painting.
Can I see a painting before I buy it?
Yes. Arie Swanepoel sends detailed photos and a short video taken in daylight, so you see the real colour and texture. If you are near Hermanus, you can see the painting in person at the ArtStudio53 studio in Vermont.
What does an original painting by Arie Swanepoel cost?
Originals from ArtStudio53 start at R5 200. The price depends on the size and the medium. Ask about the piece you like and Arie will give you a straight answer.
How do I know it is an original?
Every original from ArtStudio53 is signed by Arie Swanepoel and comes with a signed certificate of authenticity.
Do you ship paintings overseas?
Yes. ArtStudio53 sends paintings anywhere in South Africa and worldwide, packed by hand. Arie first gets a delivery quote for your address and adds it to the price, so you pay one amount for the painting and delivery. You can also collect your painting from the studio in Vermont, Hermanus.
How do I pay for a painting?
Through PayFast, the secure South African online payment service. For delivery, Arie sends you a PayFast payment link for the painting plus the delivery quote. If you collect from the studio in Vermont, Hermanus, you can pay the painting price straight away on its page.
Does the price include delivery?
No. Painting prices exclude delivery. Arie quotes delivery to your address in South Africa or overseas before you pay.
Encaustic.
What is an encaustic painting?
An encaustic painting is made with hot beeswax mixed with pigment. Arie Swanepoel brushes on each layer of wax and fuses it with a blow torch, which pulls the colour into the cells and lace you see in his work.
Will an encaustic painting melt?
No. Beeswax only softens at about 65°C, far hotter than any home. Hang an encaustic painting out of direct sun and do not leave it in a hot car.
How do I look after an encaustic painting?
Wax does not yellow with age. If the surface looks dull, buff it gently with a soft, lint-free cloth to bring back the shine.
Is there an encaustic artist in Hermanus?
Yes. Arie Swanepoel paints original encaustic paintings at ArtStudio53 in Vermont, Hermanus, and sells them from R5 200, signed and with a certificate of authenticity.
Watercolour.
Does a watercolour on canvas need glass?
It depends on the piece. Arie Swanepoel tells you exactly how each painting is finished and the best way to hang it.
How big are Arie Swanepoel's watercolours?
Arie paints large: the watercolours on this page are 95 × 95 cm to 120 × 90 cm, on canvas he prepares himself.
Where can I buy a large original watercolour in the Western Cape?
Directly from Arie Swanepoel at ArtStudio53 in Vermont, Hermanus. Originals start at R5 200, and paintings are shipped across South Africa and worldwide.
Lessons.
Who teaches watercolour in Hermanus?
Arie Swanepoel teaches monthly watercolour classes at ArtStudio53 in Vermont, Hermanus, and online. He has painted for 26 years and is a member of the International Watercolour Society South Africa.
How much is a watercolour class?
A two-hour watercolour class with Arie Swanepoel costs R450.
When is the next watercolour class?
The next ArtStudio53 watercolour class is on Tuesday 10 November 2026, from 10:00 to 12:00, at the studio in Vermont, Hermanus. It costs R450. Book on WhatsApp on 082 468 1934.
How often are the classes?
Classes run once a month, and each class is two hours long. Ask Arie for the next date.
Can I join online?
Yes. Arie Swanepoel teaches watercolour at his studio in Vermont, Hermanus, and online.
Do you teach encaustic?
Not at the moment. ArtStudio53 classes are in watercolour.
How do I book?
Send Arie a WhatsApp on 082 468 1934 or email arie@artstudio53.com.
The artist.
Who is Arie Swanepoel?
Arie Swanepoel is a South African artist who has painted for 26 years in encaustic and transparent watercolour. He works and teaches from ArtStudio53, his studio in Vermont, Hermanus, in the Western Cape.
Where is ArtStudio53?
ArtStudio53 is at 15 Little Swift Close, Vermont, Hermanus, 7200, in the Western Cape, South Africa.
Next step
Still have a question?
Ask Arie directly. He answers every message himself.