Welcome
I’m Karyn Wiggill, an award-winning South African fine artist with a passion for detail, realism, and storytelling through art. I’ve been drawing since the age of six and have followed this creative path ever since—completing commissions, exhibiting internationally, and earning recognition for my miniature artworks. I’m a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers (RMS), and my work has been featured in exhibitions across South Africa, the UK, USA, and Russia. Whether working in pencil, oil, or watercolour, I aim to create pieces that inspire, connect, and celebrate beauty in every detail.
About
The Early Days
I took an early interest in art and remember drawing from as young as 6 years of age on any paper I could find. In so doing, I’ve developed a lifelong passion for art. In my early years, my drawings helped me to achieve success in school, by achieving a Third Place in a provincial Biology Project competition in Grade 8 and winning my first art competition, taking the overall prize for my landscape painting. I grew up in Virginia, a small Free State town in South Africa, where I completed my schooling. I have no formal qualifications in art, as the subject was not part of the curriculum. Although I studied a Bachelor of Social Science degree and have an Advanced Diploma in Labour Law, my passion for art was kept alive by drawing regularly and completing several commissions.
The Definitive Turn toward Her Passion for Art
I moved to Johannesburg and worked in the Human Resources field for seven years and it was during this period that I received informal oil painting lessons from Nuccia de Paoli (Nuccia was commissioned to paint the portrait of Gen. Jan Smuts, which hangs in a gallery in London.)
I joined the Paint and Palette Society, based in Edenvale, Johannesburg and exhibited at several of the society’s exhibitions. After the birth of my twins, I left the Human Resources field and decided to take my art more seriously. I received several commissions, two of which were oil paintings of leopards, measuring 1.5 x 2.5 metres. One of the highlights of my career was receiving a commission by a corporation to paint the portrait of the late President Nelson Mandela.
A Love for Detail and Traditional Miniature Fine Art
Due to my love of rendering detail and realistic work, I was encouraged to try traditional miniature fine art¹. I joined the Miniature Art Society of South Africa (MASSA) and working almost exclusively in pencil, exhibited at their annual exhibition at Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg. When exhibiting for the first time, I obtained one of the Highly Commended Awards and this subsequently ignited my passion for miniatures. I have exhibited at all their subsequent exhibitions and obtained further awards.
In 2013, one of my works was voted “Best on Show” by the public, which is most satisfying of all. I currently assist the judging panel for their annual exhibition selection process and I regularly enter works internationally.
¹“Miniature art has been in existence for centuries tracing its heritage back to the illustrated manuscripts of scribes in the Far East and Europe prior to the 15th century. Subjects should be rendered one-sixth their life-size or smaller. Foremost in importance in contemporary miniature art is the highly skilled and painstaking techniques should be evident upon viewing the artwork. This is often described as the work should hold up well under magnification”. (Association of Miniature Artists).
National and International Acclaim and Recognition
Miniature Art Society of South Africa (MASSA)
2009 —Highly Commended
2010—Highly Commended
2012—Highly Commended
2013—Highly Commended & Best on Show
2014—Highly Commended for Best Pencil Drawing
2016—Highly Commended for two works
2017—Highly Commended
2018—Second for Drawing
2019—Highly Commended for Drawing
2020—First for Drawing
2022—First for Drawing & Second for Watercolour
World Federation of Miniature Exhibition (WFM)
2012—Best Drawing (Russia)
2016 —Award of Excellence (South Africa)
Miniature Art Society of Florida (MASF), USA
2011—“Best Work by a Young Artist”.
2012—“First for Human Figure”,
2013—“Third for Drawing and Pastel”
2014—“First for Drawing and Pastel”
2018— “First for Drawing and Pastel”
2019 — “Second place for Marine”
The Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society (MPSGS), Washington D.C
2012—Honourable Mention International
Elizabeth Specht Memorial Exhibition, USA
2012—First for Seascape
2015—Second for Marine
Artistic Designs Gallery, Brownsburg, USA
2016—Best Drawing
Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Engravers, UK
2015—Group Award for Best Set of 5 or more paintings &Elizabeth Meek Award
2016 —Gold Bowl Honourable Mention
2019—Gold Bowl Honourable Mention
2021—Best on Show at the Degrees of Realism Exhibition by the Drawing Guild
Associateship & Membership
I obtained my Associate Membership (ARMS) of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers in 2013 and my full membership in 2016 (RMS). I am a member of the Botanical Art Society of South Africa and my work was selected for the 2013 Kirstenbosch Biennale. Three of my miniature paintings were sold at the exhibition entitled “A Million Brushstrokes” in the Llewellyn Alexander (Fine Paintings) Ltd. gallery in London.
Publications
A larger work (Pied Kingfisher) was published in the US publication "Strokes of Genius 5: Composition and North Lights Books’ Art Journey Animals: A Collection of Inspiring Contemporary Masterworks."
I am also included in the 36th edition of the UK publication: "Who’s Who in Art".
A Personal Note on Philosophies, Aims and Ambitions
My aim and ambition is to produce beautiful works of art that inspire, fascinate and excite a response and to capture unique moments and beauty and share them in expressive detail.
I try to live and gain courage from Phillipians 4:13: “I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me”.
Get in Touch
I'd love to hear from you! Use the form below to request a commission, purchase an original or a print piece, share feedback, ask questions, or simply connect. Whether you're interested in a custom artwork or want to learn more about my process, I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Client Testimonials
Barbara-Ann Horsfield
"I have always admired Karyn's wonderful skill as an artist. She is truly talented. I am absolutely thrilled with the drawing she did of my daughter and her little girl, together with their faithful Basset Hound. I would recommend her work to everyone."
November 2020
Cara Iuliano
"Karyn Wiggill's work is exceptional! She is not only talented but patient and kind. Her gift of artistry is beautifully displayed in her work!"
November 2020
Paul Rangecroft
"I first came across Karyn's work at a miniature art exhibition. I liked her pieces most of all that were on display. I got hold of her to ask if she could do some work for me. I'm thrilled with what she has produced, and have found her to be such a pleasure to deal with. "
June 2025