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.

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.