STUDIOS SINCE 1957
ABOUT US
PAINTING CLASSES WITH THE
MODERN RANGE OF TECHNIQUES AND MEDIUMS
These outstanding painting classes were conducted by Ernst de Jong, Design director of our South African banknotes with the big five animals, in his luxurious studios in Arcadia, 366 Hill street opposite The Courtyard Hotel and Pretoria Girls High School until his passing in February 2017.
Some of South Africa’s leading artists like Alexis Preller, Robert Hodgins, Irmin Henkel, Zakkie Eloff, Marie Vermeulen- Breedt, Greta Gruno, Carol Aslin and even Eduardo Villa’s careers were all influenced or mentored over the past 50 years by Ernst de Jong.
LEGENDARY ARTIST ERNST DE JONG
“While Creative Visual Art may achieve and express many ideas and concepts, ideologies, symbols, rituals and religions. Propaganda, advertising, sensationalism, information, messages, decoration and a variety of other human expressions and stories, it must achieve one goal- BEAUTY. Once the propaganda has been forgotten, such as with the Russian Poster, the only thing that remains is the Beauty – the Fine Art. Artists’ may say what they like and tell amazing stories but without an aesthetic logic the message is short lived and no Art remains. Great art is always beautiful. There are no ugly paintings in the great Art Museums of the world. Style and fashion will only reflect the mood of the era briefly but in fact there is no progress in Art. Art is eternal.”
ERNST DE JONG 2013
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
"ART IS ANYTHING
DONE ESSENTIALLY
TO ACHIEVE BEAUTY!"
ERNST DE JONG 1960
Ernst concentrated on contemporary painting only, and used all the newest mediums and techniques. The works that were produced under his skilled direction are of international standard. Many of the Professional Painters, some of whom have been with him for many years, are already well-known in South Africa and their paintings are sold regularly to collectors worldwide and in South Africa. Literally hundreds of graphic designers have been trained by Ernst in all fields of advertising.
ARTISTS OF THE ACADEMY
