Born in 1946 in Johannesburg. At the age of 6 years she already decided that she wants to be an artist.

Upon matriculation she was rewarded with a book prize for the best achievement in art. She obtained her teachers degree specializing in art at Heidelberg Teachers Training College.

She passed art appreciation with distinction and taught art as a subject for the following three years.

She obtained various gold certificates for her artworks before deciding to make art her fulltime occupation.

Started painting fulltime.

Experimented with various mediums e.g. polyester resin which lay a good foundation for her watercolor medium.

Decided to concentrate on one medium – namely watercolor.

Gave birth to her oldest daughter, Vasti.

Under the guidance of Carl Jeppy she studied portraits and executed various portraits on commission.

Gave birth to her youngest daughter, Saskia.

She became a member of the Watercolor Society of Southern Africa.

She also took part in The New Signature Exhibition arranged by the South African Art Society.

An exhibition was held in the Pall Mall Gallery, London, UK where both her entries were accepted.

In conjunction with The Department of Foreign Affairs, National Education and the Watercolor Society of Southern Africa an exhibition was arranged in Bonn, Germany where both Elsa’s entries were accepted for exhibition.

Exhibited in Nylstroom with Bettie Cilliers – Barnard and Alice Elai.

During this period Elsa also followed a correspondence course in design and achieved a first class diploma.

The first multi – racial exhibition – arranged by the South African Art Society, took place in Sebokeng, near Vereeniging. All of the seven works of art, submitted by Elsa, were accepted.

She obtained her certificate as an Associate Member of the Watercolor of Southern Africa.

During the same year she exhibited at The Gallery in the Volkskas building in Pretoria.

Various exhibitions held in Namibia in conjunction with the South African Defense Force.

Various portrait studies commissioned in oil by the South African Defense Force.

Completes four paintings of four Mine Groups commissioned by Anglo American.

Elsa was invited to exhibit for Volkskas Bank in the interest of Nature Conservation at Heidelberg.

Commissioned work for Anglo American. Commissioned work for Paradym.

Exhibition held to portrait the Afrikaans Language in Vision.

Group exhibition at Gabarone, Botswana where 145 works were exhibited. She received the Saunders Buckingford Award for the best work at the exhibition.

She was also invited to participate in the “Space to Breath” exhibition at the Art Museum in Pretoria.

Commissioned for the companies H.H.Robertson & Dorbyl. A calendar was compiled with Insects as the theme – a first of its kind in South Africa.

Commissioned for KaySands Hotel in Port Elizabeth.

Entered designs of wine labels for the Zonnebloem Wineries.

Exhibition in charcoal – Woman & Child Abuse – in Springs, Gauteng.

Invited by the AWSSA to take part in the exhibition “Untamed Art” being held in May 2003.

Work published in Artist’s Diary 2004 and 2005.

“ Something Different ” Watercolour Soceity of South Africa Exhibition. Three artworks accepted.

“ From Trash to Treasure ” Watercolour Soceity of South Africa Exhibition. Three artworks accepted.

” Windows from Heaven “ exhibition held at the Centurion Art Gallery.

Art work chosen for Sotheby’s Auction.

Starting to explore the left hand‘s capabilities.

Art work chosen for Sotheby’s Auction.

The WSSA established a branch for oil paintings and all 3 of works submitted has been selected for the first and the second exhibition.

All 3 of my oil paintings which I have done with my left hand (I am right handed) has been selected for the exhibition.

Commissioned to design and erect sculptures for the newly built Heidelberg Mall. Together with her two daughters they completed this project.

Donated a painting for the World Womens’ Organisation to be used in aid for fundraising.

Launch of the website and online store.