“I don’t use a slide projector, light box or camera obscura to begin the structure of my art. I draw and paint with my ‘mind’s eye’.”
Eye to Hand Art
I don’t use a slide projector, light box or camera obscura to begin the structure of my art. I draw and paint with my ‘mind’s eye’.
To involve such means in the artistic process is accepted, provided the artist owns his process and is truthful regarding the process.
I believe the ‘alchemy’ of art is lost during these methods, so, I am an eye to hand artist.
Inspiration
My inspiration comes from the beautiful local fynbos, sea and mountain scenery. As well as their creatures and people, and their myths, legends and stories.
Some art inspirations include the classics, pre-Raphaelites and early 20th century illustrators such as Maxfield Parrish and Arthur Rackham. As well as more modern illustrators such as Mobius, Mark Ryden, James Jean, Patrick Woodroffe and many more.
Mediums
I work with a wide range of materials, such as classic oil on canvas, pastels on paper, acrylics on panels, digital art and much, much more.
Tiny detail, rich colour, high contrasts and a mystical feel are some elements of my painting style.
Ethos and Message of my Art
Each artwork has its own message, or story, or ethos, but mystical nature, the planets, the stars and these amazing gifts of our senses with which to experience it all.
Using details, high colour and contrasts to capture your attention and share this visual content I create to honour our gifts of the universe.
Brief History
2023 – 2024
- A permanent trader at Sedgefield Art and Craft market as well as the Wilderness, Fairie Knowe Market on weekends.
- Exhibiting along the Garden Route. Working from my home studio on a horse farm at the foot of George mountain range.
2022
- Resident artist at Outeniqua Moon, Ruiterbos, Mossel Bay.
- Exhibiting along the Garden Route at locations such as KKNK, Oudtshoorn and Plettenberg Bay Art Festival.
2019 – 2021
- Exhibiting at markets in and around Cape Town, such as Kommetjie, Scarborough, Imhoff Farm, Lieberman Potteries, Kirstenbosch and Cape Town’s First Thursdays.
2015 – 2018
- Illustration for the published book “Journey with Giants”.
- Props and décor for Matex Party Design.
- Logo designs for various companies, such as African Earth Rights, Kings Pride and Ka-Talk.
- Main focus on my own original art.
2010 – 2014
- Illustration for KEAG, until the passing of Wally Peterson from the Kommetjie Environmental Group.
- Two cement horse sculptures commissioned by Outeniqua Moon Percheron Stud Farm.
- Various horse paintings commissioned by Outeniqua Moon Percheron Stud Farm, including a focus piece of the Stallion Greystoke.
- Various educational book covers for Oxford Publishing.
- Work with the Mossel Bay artist co-op gallery and pottery.
2000 – 2010
- Many illustrations for educational books, most of which were covers, predominantly for, but not limited to, Oxford Publishing.
- Collection of fynbos fauna and flora, commissioned by Wally Peterson of KEAG, for use in many environmental pieces, including multiple environmental manuals, posters and street signs, as well as in the published book “Creatures of the South”.
- Backdrops for stage performances at the Grand West, Cape Town.
- Many other works ranging from private commissions and restaurant murals to corporate event décor.
Pre 2000
- Sun City extravaganza backdrops and props.
- Many commissioned murals including UV pieces in art clubs in Cape Town.
- Markets with fabric painting, such as on cushions and wall hangings, as well as on leather.
Pre 1990
- Studied Fine Arts, majoring in Ceramics, at Wits Technicon.