Ilse de Villiers was born in Durban and grew up in the picturesque, treelined city of Pietermaritzburg in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. She currently lives in the district of Tzaneen (Limpopo Province) surrounded by the most beautiful green hills and valleys.

This is also not far from the Kruger National Park, where wildlife thrives in their natural habitat. Her paintwork began as an inspiration of her inherent passion to draw the beauty of God’s creation closer to man. Also to portray animals, so true to life, that the onlooker is left spellbound.

Through the use of acrylic on canvas, she creates a new world by skillfully harmonizing wild animals into a natural colourful reality.

The meticulous detail of her paintwork and “zoomed in” appearance is unique to her style. She specializes particularly in painting the “Big Five” as well as zebra and some of the antelope. Paintings can also be commisioned.

ILSE has recently been welcomed as a Signature Member of the “Artists For Concervation”AFC- a worldwide organisation promoting wildlife art & the conservation of all wildlife & natural habitat.