TRACY ALGAR

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TRACY ALGAR

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Frequently Asked Questions

About The Artist

Who is Tracy Algar, the artist behind these Karoo landscapes?

I'm a contemporary South African artist painting mostly en plein air in the Great Karoo. I work from my studio in Aberdeen (Xamdeboo), using oil on panel and gouache on paper to capture the region's big skies and open landscapes in bold brushstrokes and true colour. My work is collected internationally, including in Namibia, the USA, Australia, the UK, Europe and the Middle East, and I sell original paintings through my online shop and select galleries. I also teach painting workshops from time to time.

What inspires your Karoo landscape paintings?

My work grows out of my love of nature and the outdoors. Growing up in Namibia gave me a deep appreciation for big landscapes and big skies, and that feeling still drives my painting today. I work mostly en plein air in the Great Karoo, painting on location so I can capture my response to a place as I experience it. Painting has become a way for me to express a sense of place and belonging, putting into paint what a landscape makes me feel.

What medium do you paint in?

I paint in oil on panel and gouache on paper. I work mostly outdoors, painting en plein air in the Great Karoo, so my materials are chosen to suit working on location as well as in the studio. My paintings are known for bold brushstrokes and true colour, reflecting the light and space of the landscape I'm responding to.

Where is your studio based, and can I visit?

My studio is in Aberdeen, also known as Xamdeboo, in the Great Karoo. I share the space with my partner Curt Marthezé, also a landscape painter. Studio appointments and viewings can be arranged on request, so if you'd like to visit, just get in touch to set up a time.

How long have you been painting professionally?

I picked up a paintbrush for the first time in 2012, at 41, after studying illustration part time and realising commercial illustration wasn't the path for me. I haven't stopped since. Over the years my work has grown from expressing my inner world into painterly realism, where I aim to represent the landscape as it truly is while also capturing a sense of place and belonging.

Buying Original Paintings

How do I buy an original oil painting from your online shop?

Browsing my shop, you can view available originals along with their size, price and a description of the piece. Once you find one you'd like, you can check out securely through Yoco, or pay by EFT if you prefer. If the price feels like a stretch, I also offer a three month payment plan. I package and ship every painting myself, taking real care to make sure it arrives safely.

Are your paintings originals or prints?

Every painting in my shop is an original, one of a kind piece. I paint directly in oil on panel or gouache on paper, so no two works are ever exactly the same.

Do you sell limited edition prints of your work?

No, I only sell original paintings. Each piece is one of a kind, painted directly in oil on panel or gouache on paper, so there are no prints or reproductions available.

What sizes and formats do your paintings come in?

I tend to work on the smaller side, with a larger piece coming along occasionally. Each listing in my shop includes the exact dimensions so you know what you're getting. I paint in oil on panel or canvas, and in gouache on paper, so the format varies depending on the piece and where it was painted.

Are your paintings framed or unframed?

Most of my paintings are sold unframed, so you can choose a frame that suits your own space and style. Some pieces do come framed, and this will always be noted in the description on the shop page. If you'd like guidance on framing an unframed piece, feel free to get in touch.

How do I know a painting will suit my space?

Every painting in my shop includes clear photos and exact dimensions to help you picture it in your own home. If you're still not sure, feel free to get in touch and I'm happy to help, whether that's sharing extra photos, talking through colours and scale, or just chatting about what would work best in your space.

Will the colours in the online photo match the real painting?

I do my best to photograph each painting accurately, but please keep in mind that screens can vary, and colours may look slightly different depending on your device and lighting. If you're ever unsure about a piece, feel free to get in touch and I'm happy to help however I can.

Do you offer custom or commissioned landscape paintings?

Yes, I do take on commissions. I can work from reference photos, or visit the site myself if that's practical, and I'm happy to travel further afield if needed, with a quote provided for that. To start work, I ask for a 50% deposit. Commissions generally take between 4 and 8 weeks to complete, plus drying time, and shipping is priced according to the size of the finished piece.

What is the price range of your original paintings?

My paintings are priced to suit a range of budgets, from smaller studies to larger statement pieces. You'll find exact prices listed alongside each painting in my shop.

Shipping & Delivery

Do you ship paintings internationally?

Yes, I ship worldwide. Shipping is free within South Africa, and for international orders I provide a custom shipping quote so you know exactly what to expect before you buy.

How are paintings packaged for shipping?

Every painting is carefully wrapped in recycled bubble wrap and protected with cardboard before it leaves my studio. Within South Africa, I ship via The Courier Guy, and for international orders I use an international courier to make sure your painting arrives safely wherever you are.

How long does delivery take within South Africa / internationally?

Within South Africa, paintings usually take 3 to 5 business days to ship, with delivery taking a further 2 to 3 days via The Courier Guy. International orders can take up to 14 days, though delivery is often quicker than that.

What happens if my painting arrives damaged?

If your painting arrives damaged during shipping, please take photos straight away and let me know within 48 hours so I can sort it out for you. I do not generally offer refunds for a simple change of mind, since each piece is one of a kind, but if there's ever a genuine issue, please get in touch and we'll work it out together.

Do you offer local pickup or delivery in the Karoo/Eastern Cape?

Yes, if you're in the Aberdeen or Graaff-Reinet area, local pickup or delivery can be arranged. Just get in touch and we can sort out what works best for you.

Galleries & Stockists

Which galleries currently stock your work?

My work is currently available at Imibala Gallery at The Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet and Intethe Gallery in Hermanus. You can also view and purchase paintings directly from my studio and gallery, Kraairivier Gallery, in Aberdeen, by appointment.

Can I view your paintings in person before buying?

Yes, you're welcome to view my paintings in person. You can visit Kraairivier Gallery in Aberdeen by appointment, or see my work at Imibala Gallery in Graaff-Reinet or Intethe Gallery in Hermanus.

Caring For Your Painting

How do I care for and clean an original oil painting?

Always handle your painting by the frame or the edges of the panel rather than the painted surface, since natural oils from your hands can mark it over time. Avoid leaning anything against the front or back of the piece, and if you ever need to store or stack paintings, place a sheet of acid free tissue paper over the surface first. For everyday care, dust gently every few months using a soft, clean, dry brush, like an unused makeup brush or a dedicated soft bristle brush.

Workshops

Do you offer painting workshops in the Karoo?

Yes, I run painting workshops from time to time in the Karoo. You can find details of upcoming workshops on my Workshops page, or join my mailing list to be the first to know when new dates are announced.

Who are your workshops suitable for, beginners or experienced painters?

My workshops are suitable for all levels, whether you're just starting out or have been painting for years. They're particularly well suited to anyone who wants to experience painting en plein air for the first time.

How do I book a place on your next workshop?

You can book a place by contacting me. Check on my Workshops page, where upcoming dates and details are listed. If nothing is currently open, join my mailing list and I'll let you know as soon as new dates are announced.

Do you offer private or group painting lessons?

Yes, I do offer private and group painting lessons. Get in touch with me to discuss what you're looking for and we can arrange something that suits you.

Do you run workshops elsewhere in South Africa, or only in the Karoo?

Most of my workshops take place here in the Karoo (usually Graaff-Reinet), but I do occasionally teach in Stanford and Cape Town too. I'm also happy to travel to teach if you have a venue and would like to organise a workshop in your area, so feel free to get in touch to discuss.

Commissions & Custom Work

How does the commission process work, from enquiry to delivery?

Get in touch to discuss your commission, and let me know whether you'd like me to work from reference photos or visit the site in person, if that's practical. I'm happy to travel further afield too, with a quote provided for that. Once we've agreed on the details, I'll ask for a 50% deposit to begin work. Most commissions take between 4 and 8 weeks to complete, plus drying time before shipping. Once your painting is ready, I'll arrange careful packaging and shipping, with the cost based on the size of the piece.

Can I request a specific scene, farm or landscape?

Yes, I'd love to paint a place that means something to you, whether it's your own farm, a favourite view, or somewhere with special memories attached, wherever it may be. Get in touch and we can talk through what you have in mind.

Payments & Policies

What payment methods do you accept?

I accept secure payments through Yoco, as well as EFT if you prefer. If the price feels like a stretch, I also offer a three month payment plan, so just get in touch to arrange it.

Do you offer returns or refunds?

Because each painting is one of a kind, I generally don't offer refunds if you simply change your mind. If your painting arrives damaged by the courier, please take photos straight away and let me know within 48 hours so I can sort it out. If you ever have an issue beyond that, I do want you to be delighted with your purchase, so please get in touch and we'll work it out together.

How can I stay updated on new paintings and upcoming workshops?

The best way to stay in the loop is to join my mailing list, where I share new paintings, studio updates, and news on upcoming workshops. You can also follow me on Instagram for a more regular look at what I'm working on.