NORTH Coast Artists presents an art demonstration in oils by Shirley Howells, internationally renowned artist, on Saturday morning, 9 July from 9am to 12pm.
A Capetonian by birth Shirley loves painting places and people from ‘way back then’ or as she remembers things and places. So some of her favourite paintings are of vineyards, flower sellers, fisher folk, the West Coast and of course the people of Hout Bay and the seaside resorts where she spent so much of her youth.
“A Durbanite by adoption, now living in Pinetown, has also meant a strong pull towards our African culture, faces and villages, whereas my journeys further afield have yielded landscapes of the Free State with all the magnificent colours that accompany autumn,” she said.
Shirley started out in watercolours and have painted in all media, she currently works almost exclusively in oils. Her art has been described as ‘traditional modern impressionism’ and subject matter varies from street scenes, still life and landscapes to, what for her is the most fascinating subject of all, people. These portraits include musicians, working folk or those enjoying a quiet meal or leisurely stroll.
Shirley said, “I am currently represented by galleries locally and internationally. I have received commissions for both corporate work and portrait studies and the State President of Tanzania has two of my works in his collection.”
Since 1995 she has won numerous awards for both drawing and painting and have had work judged best on show by both selectors and the public. One of her works was included in an international book on still life/flowers, the publication of which was launched in January 2004. She was a featured artist in Jan/Feb 2012 issue of The South African Artist magazine and her work was also featured on the cover.
“Two of my paintings are included in the Unity Canvas, commemorating 9/11, which has been on display throughout the United States. In 2012, one of my paintings was selected by the movie producer Anant Singh to be used in the movie A Long Walk to Freedom,” she said.
The art demonstration promises to be an inspiring and fun morning. The public will be able to watch Shirley up close and engage in an informal conversation with her. It’s also a wonderful place to meet fellow art enthusiasts over a cuppa and snacks. It will take place at 2 Newport Avenue, Virginia, in the Church Hall. (Entrance just after Danville High School). Entrance will be charged at R40 with refreshments included.
Contact Gloria Howard on 083 657 1901.
