Komatipoort artist’s passion for wildlife displayed on canvases
'I have loved wildlife and big cats from a very young age and people have always told me that my work is good, but I try to improve with every painting.'
The love of conservation and art has simmered perfectly in the life of Komatipoort artist, Duane Venter, who started exploring painting 15 years ago by only using a pencil.
“I started drawing from a very young age, but never really paid much attention to it. It was only about 15 years ago that I started again and got hooked on drawing with pencils. I started drawing more and more and began sketching portraits of friends and people close to me. I love the idea of photorealism and try to draw as close to my reference photos as I can,” said Venter.
He added that his love of wildlife, especially the ‘big cats’, has become his greatest inspiration. “My focus started shifting from portraits of people to wildlife, especially leopards, which are my favourite. I have loved wildlife and big cats from a very young age and people have always told me that my work is good, but I try to improve with every painting.”
ALSO READ: Lowvelder Alicia Bullen continues her pursuit of brilliance
Venter has advanced in his paintings by adding a little flair to get the perfect results.
“I’m trying to reach a level of perfection through trial and error, so I started doing my work in charcoal not too long ago and I just love the texture that the medium offers. I then advanced to mixed graphite and charcoal for a new experience. I’m currently using graphite, charcoal, soft pastels and some oil paint to do various work,” he added.
In his effort to contribute to wildlife conservation, Venter donates some of the profits made from selling his paintings towards such initiatives.
ALSO READ: Hazyview Pets in Distress raises more than R18k for furry friends
“The joy and fulfilment I get from painting has made me realise that this is my dream and I’m going to pursue it full time. I’m currently getting more involved in conservation and would like to give back to nature. The links to these conservation organisations will be on my webpage soon as am still working on them. My work is available at various galleries in Hoedspruit and Cape Town, but I am also available on social media platforms,” he said.
