My paintings are inspired by the things I love most - the quiet, everyday moments that often go unnoticed, but hold unexpected beauty. From familiar streets and shared meals to the landscapes and colours that reflect my love for South Africa and my Greek heritage, each piece tells a personal story. They're created slowly, layer by layer, and carry the emotion of the moment they capture. Creating them brings me joy, and I hope they stir a sense of nostalgia in you too.

About the work

I work primarily in oil and acrylic on canvas, drawn to rich colour, texture, and the kind of light that makes ordinary things feel extraordinary. My current body of work - the Tablescapes series - celebrates food, drink, and the rituals of gathering. Sardines and lemons on a sunlit table. A glass of red wine beside a bowl of cherries. Martinis and olives at golden hour. These are the moments that feel most alive to me, and most worth painting. Each original is one of a kind, painted by hand in my studio in Cape Town. No two pieces are identical, and every brushstroke is deliberate. I paint slowly, building up layers of colour until the image feels complete - not just visually, but emotionally.

Prints & gifts

For those who love the work but are looking for something more accessible, I offer a collection of fine art giclée prints, professionally scanned and printed on archival paper at ORMS in Cape Town. The prints are available framed or unframed, and ship across South Africa and internationally. I also create a small range of homeware and gifts featuring the Tablescape designs - including mugs, calendars, and coasters.

A little about me

I'm a South African artist based in Cape Town. I grew up surrounded by the colours of South Africa and was shaped equally by my Greek heritage - both of which find their way into my paintings, whether through the warmth of the palette, the subject matter, or the feeling of sitting around a table with people you love.
If something here resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you.

Gabby Van den Berg