URN REFLECTIONS is a special commission for a client who loves my roses but wanted it in a silver urn. I really enjoyed doing this piece as I think the vertical lines on the urn anchor the soft, flowy roses so well.
CRÉME CHAISE speaks of comfort, rest and peacefulness and the cool blue hues emphasize all this. I liked this scene as it reminds me of what I am working for...comfort, rest and peace!
DIE SLAAPKAMER is a beautiful rendering of a sunlit bedroom. I tried to capture the serenity of the room by focusing on the light which is reflected in the chandelier above the bed. This is such a calm setting of a place the home that should embody all that is peaceful.
DELFT STUDY gives a peak into a beautiful study with quite a few delft pieces scattered across the room. There is a lovely balance between the warm browns and blues and the hues of sun rays that make for a very tranquil painting!
WRITING DESK is a serene setting of a pleasant desk scene, complete with strong sunlight streaming through heavy curtains. The bold yellows are set off against cooler purples which make for a very relaxing atmosphere!
PICHET BLEU is a lovely study of oranges in my blue Delft platter amongst the other Delft and blue objects in my kitchen window. I love how the sun reflects through the oranges in the morning and always feel inspired to paint what awaits for me on the window sill!
CHANDELIER VIEW is a beautiful painting of a French interior with emphasis on the light that steams through the side window even though one is looking through the back window. A beautiful chandelier is set off against the stark light, coming through the tall French windows, which speaks of luxury and would compliment any interior!
MARTIN'S MEMORIES is a painting of a dear friends special possessions that he collected over the course of his life, Delft from Holland where his family hails from, Indonesia where his dad was born and Brazil, where he himself was born! I captured a few pieces that he displays in his accountant's office and created this painting for the reception area where all his clients can enjoy what is special to him!
ORANGE STUDY focuses on the strong contrast between light and dark, warm and cold, vorm and loose brush stroke. I call is a study as I try to push myself to another level of awareness in terms of the fine balance between a good painting and an exceptional one!
THE FIRST PORTRAIT OF THE DUCHES OF CAMBRIDGE UNVEILED!
Here is a clip of the artist and the protrait
The first official painted portrait of The Duchess of Cambridge has been commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery, where it is unveiled today Friday 11 January 2013.
The National Portrait Gallery's painting of its Patron was commissioned with the support of Sir Hugh Leggatt, in memory of Sir Denis Mahon, through the Art Fund.
The Duchess was involved in the selection process, from which artist Paul Emsley, the 2007 winner of the Gallery's BP Portrait Award competition, was chosen by Director Sandy Nairne to paint her official portrait.
The Duchess took part in an initial meeting to talk through the process of the painting. This was followed by two sittings, in May and June 2012, at the artist's studio in the West Country, England, and Kensington Palace. Emsley later made use of a series of photographs produced during the sittings. His subjects are frequently located against a dark background and emphasise 'the singularity and silence of the form'; while utilising a meticulous technique of thin layers of oil paint and glazes.
Paul Emsley says: 'The Duchess explained that she would like to be portrayed naturally - her natural self - as opposed to her official self. She struck me as enormously open and generous and a very warm person. After initially feeling it was going to be an unsmiling portrait I think it was the right choice in the end to have her smiling - that is really who she is.'
Following three-and-a-half months of painting, the completed portrait was presented to the Gallery's Trustees at their November 2012 meeting.
Welcome to my blog! I am an artist, wife and a mother of 3 beautiful children! My Father is the King of kings and therefor I am greatly blessed! I am South African born of French, Dutch and Flemish decent a.k.a Afrikaans. Most of my life has been surrounded by the beautiful Cape vineyards, Cape Dutch architecture and colonial gardens of the beautiful country of mine where I draw inspiration from all things French and fabulous!