From Pencils to Portraits Art Painting Drawing portrait art
Sahhara Heather has been drawing and painting people and animals since she was very young. "Ever since I could hold a pencil or a crayon, I drew everything." It occupied her for hours at school and at home. She carried on learning and taking courses all through school. She would draw and paint her friends, herself and celebrities.
A Journey Through Learning
After high school, she took summer courses in art and did a one-week immersion course in portrait art. Sahhara Heather learned immensely from these courses." The teachers imparted their knowledge and experience, and I was a sponge." She went to work with the government and travelled. With a desire to go to the University for fine art, she got as far as an interview and student funding, but didn’t follow through.
Later she would learn that she had a milder version of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and struggled with major depressive disorder due to a highly sensitive nervous system for much of her life. "I had a very difficult time with attention and distraction in school. Other times, I could focus with a laser-like concentration. It is what enabled me to create all the art that I did."
My Artistic Leap
The thought of going to school was never far from her mind. She continued to paint and draw and started taking art courses through University Extension in the evenings. In the mid-90s, she decided to take a leap and started drawing peoples’ portraits from life in charcoal and pastel. She attended local markets,art walks and set up in a mall drawing portraits daily. She expanded over the years to commissions and attending summer festivals, special events and participated in group shows.
Adapting to Changing Trends
In recent years, there has been a shift in how individuals engage with art. There has been noticeable decline in public sittings for portraits, influenced by the pandemic and the increasing trend of accessing art online. Despite these changes, her firm conviction remains that the authenticity of having a live portrait drawn is irreplaceable. The contemporary pace of life often hinders individuals from dedicating 20–30 minutes for a sitting, opting for conveniently accessible ready-made digital alternatives. With a successful career spanning 25 years, she's recognized the evolving landscape and chosen to enhance her online presence, investing in a modern platform for showcasing her portraits and art.