Behind the Brush – Liezl Viljoen | Fine Art Prophetic Artist
Years later, I took my first formal art classes and learned the basic principles of art. While I started with acrylics, I found myself constantly drawn to the depth and richness of oils. I was fascinated by the way artists could make their work come alive. As my skills developed and my relationship with the Lord deepened, a stirring began in my spirit, where I cried out: “Who am I, LORD?” and “Show me Your face/presence LORD.” Then, one day, I bought the biggest canvas I could find, determined to paint a sky filled with the Names of God.
Excitedly I asked God: “Which Name do You want me to paint first?” I clearly heard the Holy Spirit say, “I Am that I Am. Why do you want to put Me in a box? I Am more than those Names; I Am … everything you need every day in every situation.” (Exo 33:18, Ps 27:8)
Since that day, I always had the desire to capture on canvas the words and visions I received from the Holy Spirit. I always understood that art should tell a story, and I wanted every brushstroke to carry out His message. But I still wondered how to express His Word through paint. That answer came the day my dear friend and fellow artist, Sonia van Niekerk, invited me to a prophetic art exhibition. I was captivated and something clicked deep in my spirit, and I knew: this was what I was created to do. That same day, I met Joy Heyneke, a prophetic artist and teacher whose mentorship shaped me into the artist I am today.
My heart’s desire is to help people, to give them hope for the future through my art, to find God’s presence, and to apply His plan and purpose for their life through the Word of God; and to motivate them to use it to God’s Glory.
How I Create Prophetic Art or Commissioned Work
I work mainly in mixed media using high-quality artist-grade acrylics and oils on stretched canvas. First, I prepare my backgrounds with either acrylic pouring or acrylic painting techniques. This is the stage where I would do some mixed media, by collaging either old Bible pages or gold leaf. Images are then drawn using either pencil or charcoal. After that, I paint the images using Burnt Umber oil paint to bring out the different values, and finish it off with colour by using glazing or dry brushing techniques to enhance or fade the images. Depending on the size and detail, each piece takes between 1 to 6 months to complete.
I specialise in prophetic paintings and bespoke commissioned art that tells a spiritual story, carries a message, and brings encouragement. Whether it’s a personal vision, a beloved Scripture, or a meaningful tribute, I create one-of-a-kind pieces for homes, offices, and ministries.
If you feel led to commission a custom prophetic artwork, I’d be honoured to walk that creative journey with you.
Commissions welcome.
Let’s connect and bring your vision to life.