Woman holding a dog while painting a seagull on a canvas in a bright room.

The Art of Noticing.

Welcome to Atelier Marié Art, where meaningful moments become lasting, one-of-a-kind works of art.

A woman with blond hair and blue eyes, wearing a white strapless dress, sitting outdoors in a park during sunset with sunlight streaming through trees in the background.

Hello,

I'm Aniel Marié Putter,

the artist behind Atelier Marié.

I’m based in Johannesburg, married to the most amazing man and happily surrounded by our adorable dogs. After working in anti-money laundering, I’ve recently shifted my focus back to my true passion: art.

My work is rooted in meaningful reflection and a love of detail, with a focus on watercolour artworks, pen and ink sketches, oil and acrylic paintings, and pencil drawings. Over the past six years, I’ve been privileged to create custom artworks that capture places, portraits, pets and memories.

Influenced by my faith, the Impressionists, nature, classical music and the companionship of animals, I aim to create pieces that evoke feeling and connection. Each piece I create is an invitation to pause, feel and find hope in unexpected places.

Read more about me

Whether you're looking to celebrate a beloved pet, honour a meaningful moment, or create a truly personal gift, I offer bespoke/custom artworks made with care and intention.

All custom artworks are one of a kind and can be made available as high-quality prints. This is perfect for gifts, cards or for sharing a special piece with a wider circle of people.

Pet Portraits

Each portrait is a heartfelt tribute to the unique bond we share with our animal companions.

From soulful pencil sketches to soft watercolours, these works capture more than a likeness. They reflect the love, loyalty and comfort our pets bring into our lives.

Family Portraits

These portraits go beyond posed perfection to capture connection, memory and personality.

Whether it's a candid moment or a formal arrangement, each piece becomes a keepsake rooted in warmth and reflection.

Sentimental Artworks

Some stories do not come with a photograph, and that is where imagination begins.

These bespoke works are created through consultation and collaboration, bringing to life the images that hold personal meaning.

It could be a visual interpretation of a Bible verse, a cherished first home, a favourite bottle of wine, or the café in Rome where a group shared the best Prosecco of their lives. The possibilities are open-ended and deeply personal.

Watercolour artwork of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy.

Interested in a custom piece made just for you?

Use the commission form to tell me more about your idea.

Commission an artwork
Download my portfolio
  • A watercolour artwork of the Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy.

    Surround yourself with stories, not just stuff.

  • An artist painting a realistic picture of a heron standing in shallow water on a canvas. The artist is holding a paintbrush and is sitting at a table with the painting on an easel.

    Let your life be the inspiration.

  • Person with red nail polish drawing a cafê on paper with a brown marker.

    Celebrate your story.

  • A detailed line drawing of a cozy Italian restaurant interior with a sign that says 'Salumeria,' small round tables with chairs, a menu board, and shelves with bottles and food items.

    Let your walls hold memory.

Why art matters

The art in your life should mean something.

It should reflect your story, your relationships, your humour, your memories, and your experience with being alive.

Whether it makes you pause, smile, feel, or remember, art is more than decoration. It is a quiet companion, a spark for connection, and a record of what matters to you.

In my journal, I share reflections on art, memory, beauty, and the everyday. You’ll find the stories behind the work and the thoughts that shape it. It is a space to slow down, connect, and explore how art can become part of how we live.

Journal
Art and Love Are the Same Thing
Art and Love Are the Same Thing

Art is more than decoration. It is an experience, a reflection of yourself in something that is not you. In this post, I explore the ways we connect with art, from commissioned pieces full of personal meaning to unexpected finds that haunt us, and why collecting art can be an act of love, rebellion, and self-expression.

The Art of Longing: Capturing the Privilege of Nostalgia
The Art of Longing: Capturing the Privilege of Nostalgia

Sometimes the most meaningful art is not a perfect portrait or a picture-perfect photograph. It is the painting that captures the warmth of a fleeting moment, the memory of a last laugh, or the colours of a place that lives in your heart. In this post, I explore the Welsh word hiraeth, the deep longing for a place, a person, or a moment you cannot return to, and how art can hold that feeling forever. I also share some of the most touching commissions I have created, from a mother and daughter’s final day at a flower farm to the vibrant echoes of a perfect evening with friends.

A Beginner’s Guide to Art Movements (and Why Art History Actually Matters) - Pt. 3
A Beginner’s Guide to Art Movements (and Why Art History Actually Matters) - Pt. 3

I finally get around to answering the question I started asking two posts ago: why is art history relevant? In this post, I walk through the major Western art movements, from Classical sculpture to Contemporary installations, to show how even a little background can help make sense of what you’re seeing. Understanding art history isn’t about showing off, it’s about uncovering the stories behind the work, seeing how art reflects world events, and making your museum visits more meaningful (and way more enjoyable).

Behind the canvas

For studio updates, sketches in progress, and some inspiration, join me on Instagram.
@ateliermarieart

Get in touch

Art is a conversation and I’d love to hear your part.

Whether you're dreaming up a custom piece, have a question, or just want to connect, I would love to hear from you.