Life is a canvas for promising local portrait artist
The local artist was also commissioned to do an art work for well-known Rivonia triallist Denis Goldberg.
Peter Fortuin (58) has delved into the world of art with great success.
Fortuin has for years been quietly harnessing his painting talent and skills, but of late he has revealed a treasure trove of artistic talent.
He recently made his name as a portrait painter by creating artworks depicting politicians and several public figures, from the comfort of his home in Reiger Park.
Fortuin also created a number of artworks depicting women and flowers and now wants to showcase his talents to the world and hopefully gain worldwide recognition.
In what Fortuin’s Facebook followers describe as a step in the right direction, his drawing skill recently drew the attention of one of the well-known Rivonia triallist Denis Goldberg.
He, through a friend, recently met the anti-apartheid icon who requested him to create a portrait of him.
“I delivered the work to him at his home in Hout Bay, Cape Town, late last month. He was impressed with the end result.
“I decided to create the work free of charge as a token of thanks for the legend’s sacrifice, fighting against apartheid and for the freedom that we all enjoy today,” said Fortuin, who spends between 13 to 16 hours on a painting.
Fortuin, who hails Sidney Beck and Vladimir Tretchikoff as his artist mentors, said it was also a privilege for him to spend some time with the anti-apartheid icon, who he said shared the story of his life in prison during apartheid.
“I was touched and inspired by his story,” said Fortuin.
Born in Actonville and bred in Reiger Park, Fortuin said he started painting portraits at an early age.
“I started while still in primary school, coached by my former Reiger Park Primary School art teacher Sidney Beck.
“When I started at Oos Rand Secondary School there wasn’t an art class and I was very disappointed. I had to abandon my passion for art and focus on other subjects. However, a few years later, I decided to return to my special calling,” said Fortuin.
The artist has recently received a request from Pastor Thamo Naidoo of Gate Ministries to demonstrate his talent by creating a portrait of him.
He is also working on a new portrait of anti-apartheid icon Madiba and has more portraits in the pipeline.
Fortuin is still looking for an art gallery to display and sell his works of art at.
“I am also pursuing a career in music. I have passed a Grade Eight level music exam and now I’m studying to become a music teacher.”
The artist proudly said he draws much inspiration from his art teacher Cathy Verheul.
Fortuin envisions starting an art centre in a community centre to help the youth of Boksburg, Reiger Park, in particular, discover themselves at an early age.
Fortuin admitted that his beloved township has been plagued by drugs and crime for years. He hopes by starting an art centre he can help keep youngsters away from crime and substance abuse.
“I will use the platform to also advise the youth to focus on their studies and future and to not get involved in crime,” he said.
Fortuin finished a boilermaker course and has, since the 1980s, been working as a boilermaker for various companies.
He is the husband of Ingan and father of four, Mark, Didiur, Tracey-Lee and Kelly. He is the son of Peter Simon Fortuin, who was a machine operator at Nampak, and his mother, Margarethe, worked at TMSA Telephone Manufacturing South Africa.
For more information Fortuin can be reached on 079 620 3749 or petersfortuin1@gmail.com -@MthuphaFanie
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