About me
I'm a freelance Artist & Illustrator currently in Malaysia and will be moving back to Berkshire, England in August 2026.
Process:
I specialize in painting and drawing. With my portraits I sketch out from life, photograph or memory and then work with oils, acrylic, watercolour and mixed media. I like to focus on flowy brush strokes and capturing a facial expression or mood. The eyes are the window to the soul, as they say.
When I work on animal portraits, I try to capture their personalities. I find that birds and cats are particularly quirky and really fun to portray.
Candle Painting & Sacred Art:
I have been commissioned to paint the Paschal candle at our local Chapel for the last 5 years as well as some smaller painted candles. I also paint sacred imagery/iconography.
Greetings cards, stationery and books:
I am experienced designing and creating illustrated greetings cards both one off original as well as by scanning in my artwork and editing them digitally for print. I also turn my designs into badges, bookmarks
Digital media illustration:
I use Adobe creative suite to enhance my traditional artwork and creating imagery from scratch. I designed and published my own colouring book called Cats, Birds and a Rabbit with lulupress..
I previously volunteered at The Space Theatre, Westferry Road London E14 3RS , which is a performing arts centre on the Isle of Dogs, East London. We regularly programmed arts events and workshops both here and at the Roof Garden in Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf.
At the Space, I have created publicity posters and graphics.
Hobbies:
I sing Mezzo Soprano in our Chapel polyphony choir, am learning to play the piano, I read lots of books and I also have crafty hobbies like sewing and crochet.
I am originally from South Africa and now permanently based in the UK back to my roots.
Artists that inspire me includes:
Marlene Dumas (South African born artist living in the Netherlands)
Sharon Griffin (incredible Shropshire based artist)
Alex Jenkins (super talented fellow past student at UAL)
Some fave designers:
Alexander McQueen
Giorgio Armani
Melissa
EDUCATION:
Camberwell College of Arts (part of University of the arts London
BA(Hons) Illustration (2012 - 2015)
Morley College
Adobe Photoshop Accredited (2017)
Digital Graphic Design: Essential Skills (2017)
Digital Illustration for Publication (2017)
Portrait Painting Mixed Media Course (2014)
Adobe Illustrator for beginners (July 2013)
The Royal Drawing School -
Life painting 1 week course (2015)
The Art Academy
Portrait Painting Masterclass with Anastasia Pollard (2015)
Belfrey Arts Centre, Wellington, Telford
Portrait painting workshop with Sharon Griffin (2014)
The Workmens College
Introduction to InDesign (2013)
Telford College of Art and Technology
Edexcel BTEC 'Foundation Diploma in Art, Design & Media Level 3/4' (2011-12)
Edexcel BTEC in Art &Design level 2 with Distinction* + QCF in Art & Design (Ascentis Level 2 Certificate in Art) (2010-11)
Functional Skills in English Level 2 City & Guilds accredited (2011-12)
New College, Telford
ECDL Certificate (2007-2008)
PUBLISHED MATERIALS:
Cats, Birds and a Rabbit - Colouring Book by Yolande C Spagnolo
2016 (Lulu.com)
Portraits by Yolande C Spagnolo - Photobook
2015 (self-published)
Illustrated Landscapes: Canary Wharf Buildings - Photobook
2015 (SnapFish self-published)
Canary Wharf buildings - mini photobook
2015 (SnapFish self-published)
Experience/Exhibitions:
Veneficus Art Exhibition' 23 - 30 October 2015 London
The New Artist Fair 'Summer Exhibition' : 4 - 6 September 2015 at The Old Truman Brewery, London
Camberwell Undergraduate Degree Summer Show - BA Illustration - 20 June '15 - 27 June '15 at Camberwell College of Arts, London
Deltio Anonomous Postcard Sale - 14 May '15 at Belsize Park, London
3rd Year BA Illustration Interim Show - 12 February till March 2015 at Camberwell College of Arts, Camberwell Progression Centre, Camberwell
Parallel Cities Exhibition - 28 May 2014 at 139 Copeland Road, London
Editions Fair 2014 - 22 March 2014 at The Peckham Pelican, London
Expanded Designer - 27 January 2014 at Camberwell Progression Centre (CCW), Wilson Road,London
Camberwell Arts Festival Arts Shed on Camberwell Green + Art market - June 2013 at Camberwell Green, London
1st Year BA Illustration Exhibition - 16 May 2013 at Camberwell College of Arts, Camberwell, London
Dr Syn Illustrated Exhibition - 4 December '12 at Camberwell Progression Centre (CCW), Wilson Road, London
Fusion Art Exhibition - Foundation in Art & Design students - 14 June '12 at Telford College of Art & Technology, Telford, Shropshire
Art Exhibition - Level 2 Art & Design students - 17 June '11 at Telford College of Art & Technology, Telford, Shropshire
Art/Craft Fairs:
Limehouse basin Christmas market December 2016
DIY Art Market - 12 July '15 in Hackney, London
Peckham Pelican Arts Fair Vol.2 - 26 July '14 in London
Mycenae House 'The Big Summer Extravaganza' - 22 July '14
Camberwell Arts Festival 'Made in Camberwell' art market - 14 June '14 at
Camberwell Green, London
Chequers Art Fair - 7 June 2014 in London
Peckham Pelican Arts Fair - June '14 in London