Beneath the branches of a mango tree, Tich paints. Although the shade brings a pleasant reprieve from the heat and the bustle of life in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Tich would be happy painting anywhere. Creativity runs through his veins, manifesting in magic at the end of each brushstroke.

Tichaona Ncube was born an artist, as much as he was born an African in rural Tsholotsho, outside of Bulawayo. His landscape consisted of cattle and dust, goats and small shrubs; so this is what he drew. Self-taught, he would follow the herds and observe shapes of muscle and texture of coats, the subtle shades of browns between animal and earth. Occasionally, a kudu would wander into sight, offering different scales of size, colour and character; wildlife making its mark on his materials, as well as on Tich himself.

A move to Victoria Falls changed the artscape for Tich. Home to like-minded artists, aspiring creatives could learn and grow through shared interests. Coming to understand that ‘iron sharpens iron”, Tich now belonged to a supportive and passionate community. The Landela Centre in the middle of town opened a space for artists to paint as well as display their works; a channel for income through locals and tourists alike.

It was here he was discovered by Art of Africa, a then new creative venture with the vision of teaching people how to paint in outdoor settings. His artwork and friendly demeanour caught the eye of owner Kim Sparrow, soon to be colleague and friend. One brushstroke at a time, Art of Africa took shape, offering a platform where participants could be in the moment while learning a new skill.

The vision behind Art of Africa

The company encourages guests to awaken their inner artist, as well as their sense of play while observing the surrounding beauty of Victoria Falls. Whether painting in the rainforest, on the Zambezi River, at the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary or in a local village, each workshop celebrates the people and places of Zimbabwe. Their latest plein-air session celebrates the works of Thomas Baines; one of the first European explorers to illustrate Victoria Falls in 1862; a dive into history through brush and paint. Tich leads each class with step-by-step instructions of how to create your own masterpiece, in your own shade of expression.

From art to impact with Tich

His lessons extend to a local rural school on the outskirts of town, teaching children the importance of preserving the environment. Empowering kids with creative skill, he captures young curiosity; sharing his passion for both conservation and creativity. This initiative is funded by an organisation called “Arts for Animals” coined by an American Artist called Anne London; educating school children about respect and appreciation for nature.

Over the years, Tich has mastered his own style; unique and deserving of recognition. He randomly splashes paint onto canvas, then fills the shape with an endangered animal, painting within the limits of the lines before him. The visual result represents ‘wildlife fighting their way back to freedom from extinction’, the splashes a shadow of their former selves.

Tich has submitted three of his splash technique pieces into the annual international ‘Wildlife Artist of the Year Competition’ held by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation in London. As a finalist for two out of his three submissions, he rightfully takes his place as a world-class artist alongside some of the greatest talent across the globe.

The DSWF is a conservation organisation dedicated to the protection of endangered wildlife and their habitats. The foundation uses creativity as a tool to inspire, educate and fundraise through art competitions, exhibitions, and auctions. ‘Conservation through creativity’ aligns with Tich’s core beliefs as an artist – using his skills to build awareness and inspire action. This is his passion and purpose when behind the easel, adding to the legacy of artists who focus on protecting endangered species, each piece giving wildlife a voice.

Beneath the branches of a Baobab tree, Tich paints. The space doubles as his outdoor gallery – works of wildlife art set between Sabi Stars and Aloes, with the backdrop of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. If his art doesn’t lure you in, his smile will; a permanent welcome to browse his works and share a conversation. His kindness is as endless as his artistic talent, a quality that has earned him many-a-commission, as well as repeat clients.

His children climbing onto his lap marks the end of the day at his home studio. Relinquishing his paintbrush, he walks home to where he will share a traditional meal of ‘sadza’ with his family. Sleep will permeate dreams of new art techniques, international exhibitions and the subtleties between animal and earth.

Tich’s work can be found at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, The Wild Horizons Elephant Wallow and the Victoria Falls Art Gallery in the Landela Centre. You can also find him online on instagramTich TheWatchman’s Art Gallery

www.artofafrica.co.zw@art_of_africa