Painting Information

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Penguins AFRICAN PENGUINS: Spheniscus demersus Distribution: Along the entire western and Southern coast of Southern Africa. My interest in Penguins: Penguins have become a symbol for all endangered species. Their being unafraid of humans, with all their strengths and vulnerabilities, have made them more accessible, more than most wild creatures, evoking interest and concern for their survival. The African Penguin at Boulders Beach, near Simonstown, has become quite cosmopolitan, simply accepting being viewed, a result of the ever growing echo-tourism. It is here that I have come to respect and admire their physical strength, tenacity, insatiable curiosity and their comical antics. They are monogamous and gregarious, returning to the same nesting grounds and the same partners each year. They are loyal to all this. As a lover of nature, I hope to give the viewer a glimpse of my observations, conveying the indefinable spiritual connection between man and nature. Looking at their unusual, unusual for birds that is, behaviour, adaptations and symbiotic relationship that is of value. What inspires me as a painter are the contrasts found at Boulders Beach. The sculptural angularity of the solid granite rocks surrounded by the movements of the Atlantic Ocean that wash the shores, creating ever changing patterns, a challenge to capture on canvas. I use transparent colours, painting in layers to enhance the delicate glows of the early mornings when the birds are most active. On returning from their early morning fishing they can be seen gliding gracefully through the waves, mastering the force of the currents, becoming agile birds in flight. Ashore, however, their forms are transformed echoing the solidity and strength of the rocks. This harmony with the surroundings, far from disguises them, especially when they interact with each other, preening, calling in their well known donkey like bray, before nestling down in groups to soak up the sunlight. All this lends itself to interesting compositional studies. Having observed the interactions between the penguins. I have come to realize that there is so much more about the penguins that I have yet to learn. The material for this exhibition is a record of my early observations and have since kept a record of more in-depth study of group activities, which will give a new insight and scope for further subject matter.
Other Birds AFRICAN JACANA: Actophilornis africanus Gewone langtoon Habitat: Lagoons, stagnant pools, weed-fringed dams and quiet rivers. Distribution: Southern and eastern coastal belt, and north-eastern half of Southern Africa. Painting: African Jacana Oil, 45.7cm X 30.9cm, canvas on board. On exhibition at the Albertyn's Stables Fine Art Gallery, Simon's Town, South Africa Price: USD 410 WHITE PELICAN: Pelecanus onocrotalus Witpelikaan Distribution: Found along the entire coast of Southern Africa, and occasionally on inland waters. Painting: White Pelican oil, 45.7cm X 60.9cm, canvas on board. Housed at Elizabeth's studio in Muizenberg, Cape, South Africa. Price: USD 1110
Galapagos Three years ago my brother, Tom, left South Africa, after completing his degree in Life Science at UCT, to do research work on Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos Islands. Amongst the many topics of conversation, the Galapagos tortoise was one much talked about. I became so intrigued by this 'gift of nature' that is still in existence. The giant tortoise with its' placid, gracious countenance evokes feelings of mystique, like something of the past is still with us. I then began to question what one would miss about them if they were to disappear, these creatures trapped in time? Would they become just another myth or legend? Luckily, they are still there along with a dedicated group of scientist working together to preserve them. I feel that I have to paint them, to convey through my painting what my brother and all those other dedicated scientists are striving to preserve. I have a limited series of reprints of the Galapagos Tortoise paintings, that I have done, for sale in Galapagos, for USD220, to help raise funds for conservation of the Archipelago.