Hanneke Benade has her own distinctive technique with pastel evoking subtle tonal graduations and an astute observation of people and objects. Benade likes the use of patterns on textiles in her work. Hand-stitched and decorated clothing is a very old tradition in many cultures around the world. She is fascinated by the need to lengthen the life of clothing and how the process used to tailor, patch, mend and reinforce cloth fostered through decoration creates new techniques. Decorative possibilities of sewing led to the art of embroidery and the different kinds of surface pattern techniques that are used for embellishing fabric. Together with Atelier le Grand Village Benade has successfully translated her skill and interest into multi-layered lithographs that evoke her emotion and colour.

Benade studied Fine Art at the University of Pretoria. She subsequently taught there before moving to the Cape Province. Her works are in various important collections in South Africa and in France.