Sunday, 15 November 2020

Ladybug

 Acrylics on Masonite, ACEO (= 2.5 x 3.5 inches):





Power station, Mpumalanga

 Acrylics on Masonite, 15 x 20 cm:

SOLD

A typical landscape in South Africa: a flat, grassy plain with a power station, and pylons running off into the distance. As always, I am a bit ambivalent about it: purely in visual terms, I love this sort of grimy, industrial scenery (it's a bit like a giant, outdoor still life setup!), but of course, it also mars the natural landscape, and as at present, most power generation here is via coal, it is not exactly very environmentally friendly. 

Thursday, 12 November 2020

Grain field with silos

 Acrylics on Masonite, 10 x 15 cm:

SOLD

Painted landscapes often don't quite reflect the reality, namely that much of the world is flat as a table. You'd never guess, judging from all those mountains you often see in the background in landscape paintings.

When I started painting, I soon learned why: huge, flat, expansive landscapes are quite spectacular when you stand in them, but they can easily look a bit featureless in a painting, particularly a small painting such as this one. And thus, artists usually put something in there for the eye to focus on, as I did here with the silos.

As I noted elsewhere, I am as fond as anyone of romanticized paintings of rural life, but I also like the more industrial-looking reality of modern farming. 


Sunday, 25 October 2020

Why Cheetah's Cheeks are Stained

 My latest children's book is now available:


It is another edition in my series of African folktales; this one has a rather delightful explanation for just why cheetahs have those dark streak marks down their cheeks. Ages 5 - 8.

Here is the free web version:














If you enjoyed this story, please consider buying a copy.

Buy on Amazon: 

Paperback

E-book

Or make a donation of your choice by clicking the PayPal donate button in the panel on the right.


Sunday, 18 October 2020

Sunday, 11 October 2020

Wine and popcorn

 Oil on Masonite, 15 x 10 cm:


This item will be available on my Bid-or-Buy store as soon as it is dry enough to travel, or contact me directly at brianvds@gmail.com.


Saturday, 10 October 2020

Parsley and tomato

 Oil on Masonite, 20 x 15 cm:


This item will be for sale on my Bid-or-Buy store as soon as it is dry enough to travel, or contact me directly at brianvds@gmail.com.