The magazine was started because the team saw the need for a publication in which South African artists could share their stories and techniques. In the past six issues, The SA Artist has featured over thirty artists whose careers in art serve as inspiration to others. The support from readers has been overwhelming, with our subscription and distribution lists growing daily.

In this, the birthday issue, the team will mark this celebration with an exciting competition in which one of the readers is featured on the cover of the magazine and rewarded with a generous prize provided by sponsors. The competition was fierce with over 1200 entries being received.

Wim Rautenbach demonstrates his unusual approach to landscape painting and Willie Jacobs ends his portrait series with detailed instructions on how to paint hair. For the youngsters there is a demonstration on manga drawing by Rob Hooper.

Other featured artists are Shelagh Price, Floris van Zyl, Wakaba Mutheki and Greg Schultz.

“How to read an oil paint tube” explains the technical jargon found on tubes; and there are ten tips for looking after your finances. John Smith provides a critical look at the role of art groups and we have our second instalment on the burning issue of copyright in South Africa.

Take a break from painting, put ones feet up and test oneself with the Quick Art Quiz.

To find out more about the magazine or to subscribe, visit www.thesaartist.co.za.