Step into the heart of the wild through the eyes of acclaimed wildlife acrylic artist Ilse de Villiers. In this deeply personal and introspective conversation, Ilse opens up about her artistic journey—from her early connection with nature in South Africa to the emotional storytelling that defines her vibrant animal portraits. Discover how she captures the spirit, emotion, and soul of wildlife on canvas, and why her art resonates with collectors and conservationists around the world. Join host Chris Stafford as they explore the intersection of creativity, conservation, and the unspoken bond between humans and the natural world. This episode is a soulful exploration of how art can inspire empathy for the creatures we share our planet with.

 🎧 Perfect for art lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone moved by stories of passion, purpose, and creative connection with nature.

🔑 Tags / Keywords (for Google, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube):
Ilse de Villiers interview, wildlife artist podcast, acrylic painting, wildlife art, South African artist, animal art, conservation art, art and nature, wildlife conservation, creative inspiration, artist stories, fine art podcast, painter interview, art and environment, women artists, contemporary wildlife art, artist conversations, painting wildlife, acrylic techniques, emotional art, AART podcast, Chris Stafford

South African wildlife acrylic artist Ilse de Villiers. Ilse works in detailed realism of her subjects, which portray the dramatic wildlife of Africa in its natural habitat drawing mainly from photographic reference. Ilse says although she was  always considered relatively talented she was not encouraged to pursue art so making it her career was never in her wildest dreams. Ilse was born in Durban in 1965, one of two daughter to father Frik Kleynhans (d) an education inspector, and mother Julie Kleynhans, a secretary, talented batik artist, horticulturist and watercolorist. An outdoor child, Ilse was always an animal lover with a wandering mind. She describes herself as a neat and organized person who preferred pencils to paint as a child. Ilse graduated with a B.A degree and Diploma in Higher Education at Bloemfontein University before teaching at a High School.  In 1987 she married her college boyfriend Abraham de Villiers and the couple eventually moved to his family’s farm in Middelburg, Bethal where they raised a family while Ilse became a farm girl, cooking, sewing, baking and gardening. The tragic loss of their eldest son Abraham Jnr. in 1996 in a farm accident would prove a pivotal point in Ilse’ life when some months later a friend encouraged her to start painting which turned out to be the therapy she needed. She says she found a creative expression and that became the beginning of her life story as an artist.  Ilse and her husband live in Tzaneen in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Her husband’s photographs are often used by Ilse as reference.  They have a son Herman and daughter Julése.  Ilse annually shows her artwork at two shows and in galleries across the US.

Ilse’ website https://ilsewildlife.com/
Ilse on Instagram: @ilse_wildlife 
https://www.instagram.com/ilse_wildlife/
 
Women who inspire Ilse:
Danielle Fisher
Carla Grace
Thalia Stanton
Annie Drew
Dina Brodsky
Louise Hancock
Samantha Greenhill
Sandra Bartels 

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
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Email: [email protected]

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