Meet Erna Van Dyk | Visual Artist & Art Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erna Van Dyk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My passion for art making and for teaching art made this a perfect fit for me. Creating art is healing and also forms such a great community. I needed that so much and I feel so lucky I can give this opportunity to other people.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art journey began with a deep passion for creativity from a young age. I was always fascinated by how art could communicate emotions and tell stories in a way words often couldn’t. As I grew older, I dedicated myself to learning different forms of art—whether it was painting, sketching, or digital design—and this eventually became the foundation for my career as an artist and teacher.

I moved from South Africa to Orange County in 2010 and realized how hard it was to make friends. Art was like therapy for me and I spend my time exploring all the art stores and art activities in and around Orange County. Amazing museums and was just loving how much art was accessible. Volunteering in my son’s school with art made me realize that I love teaching. Love sharing my art making ways and love the feeling of value it brought to my life.

The path to where I am today was not easy. Like many artists, I faced self-doubt, financial instability, and moments where I wasn’t sure if my passion could become a sustainable career. There were also challenges in balancing the creative side with the business side. Me, myself and I can only do so much. However I learned to embrace the setbacks as part of the learning process and remained open to evolving my style and teaching methods as I grew. Persistence and a willingness to learn from failure is key. I also have the mindset of collaboration versus competition.

I am most proud of my solo exhibition that I did when I turned 40. Forty40 where I painted 4o women. I had a big opening night and sold quite a few that night. It was amazing and I was so proud for pulling that off. You can read more here: https://www.ernavandyk.com/artexhibition

My brand is about empowering creativity. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or someone looking to explore your creative potential, I believe that everyone has an inner artist waiting to be discovered. I want my work and teaching to inspire people to tap into that creative space and find joy and meaning through art.

At its core, my story is about perseverance, passion, and a desire to build a community where creativity flourishes. I want the world to know that art has the power to connect, heal, and transform, and my mission is to help others experience that transformation for themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I currently live in Orange County, Southern California with the best beaches and eateries around. I do love museums and the Bowers Museum, LACMA and Gettys Museum immediately comes to mind. I have a big love for coffee and my neighborhood coffeeshop, Seven Seas Roasting sees me and my dog weekly. I always like to explore different coffee shops. So many food places from poke bowls to shabu shabu and BBQ places. I also love to stroll through botanical gardens and easy hikes and will often bring my art journal with me. San Juan Capistrano with the cutesy Los Rios street to Lo Jolla and the sea lions everywhere.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Not a specific person but definitely just the people I meet weekly who helped me grow as a better artist and a better art teacher.

Website: https://www.ernavandyk.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ernavandyk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ernavandykartist

Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/ernavandykartist

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszMo72wjca1y36MYfPxfaQ