Hi there,
I’m so glad you’re here! My name is Candice Christie, and I’m the artist, teacher, and creative heart behind Hey Sweet Art.
Hey Sweet Art was born from a lifelong love of creativity — and a playful name I dreamed up to make people smile (because let’s be honest, we can all use a little sweetness and fun in life!).
Though I’ve had a pencil or paintbrush in hand since childhood, my creative journey has taken many forms over the years. After spending more than a decade working in creative roles in retail — doing everything from marketing to graphic design and photography — I would always return to traditional art forms in my downtime.
What I do
Today, I am proud to offer:
🎨 Watercolour workshops — from beginner-friendly 4-week courses to themed one-day classes like painting a protea, an orchid, or a fynbos landscape.
🌿 Creative mentorships — regular gatherings where artists (at any level) can create together, find motivation, and build community.
🖼️ Art for sale — including original works, prints, gifts, stationery, and project packs (ready-to-paint kits that take the stress out of drawing).
💻 Private sessions and one-on-one coaching in watercolours and oils for those wanting more personalised guidance.
My teaching style
If there’s one thing I’m known for in my classes, it’s creating a kind, patient, and welcoming space. Whether you’re a total beginner or returning to creativity after a long break, you’ll find a calm and encouraging environment where perfectionism is left at the door. My workshops are about the joy of creating, not the pressure to be perfect.
In fact, my favorite compliment to hear is that attending a class feels like a gift participants give themselves — a little treat, a little escape.
Why watercolour?
I’ll be honest — watercolour can be a challenging medium, and I often say she’s a bit of a flirt, always surprising you when you least expect it! But that’s also what makes her so beautiful and rewarding.
I love how portable and versatile watercolour is, and how it can be paired with ink, line work, and other media. And while oils remain a personal passion of mine (nothing beats their richness and forgiving nature), watercolour has my heart when it comes to teaching and sharing creativity with others.
My values
At the core of Hey Sweet Art is the belief that:
✨ Everyone deserves the time and space to be creative.
✨ Creativity should never be stifled by fear or perfectionism.
✨ Community matters. I love meeting people from all walks of life who share a love for making.
✨ Mistakes are part of the magic. Every "oops" is an opportunity.
✨ Giving back is essential. I support causes like SANCCOB’s Adopt-a-Penguin initiative and regularly donate art supplies to those who might not otherwise have access to creative tools.
A little more about me
When I’m not painting or teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping and swimming long distance (yes, I’m a water baby in more ways than one!), or soaking up inspiration from nature — florals, water, and portraiture are some of my favourite subjects. I’m deeply moved by art with sentimental value, and I love creating pieces that hold meaning for their owners.
I’m also self-taught, in that I never studied fine art formally — although I do have professional training in graphic design and photography. Art has been a lifelong pursuit, something I’ve grown with, experimented with, and taught myself along the way.