Evacuation

 Oil on Masonite, 20 x 15 cm:

I seldom drag politics or world events into my work, but in this case I made an exception, largely simply because I thought the images of U.S. diplomatic personnel being evacuated from their embassy to be visually striking, rather than because I have any particularly strong opinions about the whole issue. 

This work is for sale. Contact me at brianvds@gmail.com.

Also check out the rest of my dubious online presence, if you dare.

Three cypresses

 Oil on Masonite, ACEO:

SOLD

Been a while since I painted anything. I have been busy sketching a bit, but nothing spectacular enough to be worth posting here, though some of it made an appearance elsewhere.

A bit of random philosophy. There are two things that an artist might look for. One is subject matter, pretty things that he or other people might like, such as, say, birds, vehicles, people, flowers, etc. The other is more subtle: simply interesting shapes and colors, irrespective of the subject matter. These two things are not incompatible, and often elements of both are present. The best subject paintings usually also have a solid underlying abstract design. 

But I have become more aware of late that these are really two different elements, and that one needs to be aware of it. Am I primarily interested in the subject matter (often the case when I paint animals), or was I mostly struck by the abstract pattern? In the latter case, the subject matter is almost incidental. The above mini-painting falls in this latter category.

Elephant in shallow water

 Acrylics on Masonite, 15 x 20 cm:

I rather enjoy painting very big subject matter in small format. This work is for sale. Contact me at brianvds@gmail.com

Also check out my Redbubble store for all manner of printable graphics, or my books page, if reading is your thing. 

Aloes on a rocky hill

 Acrylics on Masonite, 15 x 20 cm:

SOLD

Winters here in the inland parts of South Africa tend to be dry and dusty. But the aloes and coral trees provide an unexpected splash of color.

Also check out my Redbubble store for all manner of printable graphics, or my books page, if reading is your thing.

Two guineafowl

 Acrylics on Masonite, 15 x 20 cm:

SOLD

I also run a little shop at Redbubble.

Or check out my books, if reading is your thing. 

Gloomy day

 Acrylics on Masonite, 20 x 15 cm:

SOLD

Introducing Redbubble

 I have set up a little store at Redbubble, which you can visit here. There's a growing collection of designs, which the company will print on a whole variety of things, from t-shirts to coffee mugs to pillows. Go have a look; here's a sampling of some of the designs:

I am having such fun with these things that I'm taking a bit of a break from painting, but probably not for long. Watch this space!