Vanessa enjoys working in oil and pencil. Her subject matter varies - she paints portraits, figures in the landscape, landscapes, still life, and historic street scenes.

She was born and raised in South Africa. She earned a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Stellenbosch and studied drawing part-time at the Paarl College of Art.

Later when moving to the United States, she pursued art full-time. Vanessa's hope is that through her art she can temporarily lift the viewers mind and soul to a place of peace and harmony.