"I just look at what is happening in South Africa and an idea comes to me. I paint what happens around me," says local Johannesburg artist Karabo Maseku.

As if to make a point Maseku turns his head to what will soon become one of the most recognised stadiums in the world - Soccer City. In awe of the sheer size of Soccer City he exclaimed, "it is such a beautiful stadium and the people have been working so hard on it. I want people to know about the workers that are making this stadium."

And the 29-year-old artist is doing just that, having recently completed a painting of Soccer City stadium with his friend (and Soccer City stadium construction worker) Doctor Legodi to tell the story of the workers of Soccer City. He hopes it will be a source of inspiration for South Africans as well as a reminder of the work being put into making 2010 a global success.

"I want them (construction workers) to be remembered and recognised," said Maseku who has already begun painting the Green Point and Nelson Mandela Bay stadiums with Legodi.

It is not just the current 2010 progress that interest Maseku as an artist but it is his vision of the future that he also depicts in his paintings.

"I have also painted a picture of what I see in the future, what I see during 2010. It is a picture of (US President) Obama, (Former South African President) Nelson Mandela and (OC CEO) Jordaan standing in a stadium with thousands of happy people around them. It is about the world celebrating. This is what I see for 2010 next year."

For Maseku,2010 is a great opportunity for many South Africans. "2010 is big time important. It will benefit many people like me as an artist. Firstly there will be tourists to sell my work too; we will have lots of business. Secondly, I will have great inspiration to paint during the World Cup."

As an artist Maseku is looking forward to the vibrant and colourful subject matter during the World Cup but he is also confident that the many visitors expected for the World Cup will get to meet the true South Africa.

"We are going to give them smiles and love when they arrive for 2010. They will definitely see our true colours."