A 60-year career on canvas
RUIMSIG – Renowned artist shares stories and artwork that span his 60-year career.
Bird species, landscapes and historic buildings filled the bar of The Knife and Fork family restaurant, where renowned South African watercolour artist, Bill Mcgill, displayed his artwork.
The 82-year-old artist mingled with guests and relayed the stories behind each artwork on 27 July. A large part of his exhibition was his series of works in the Groot Marico. Besides paintings, Mcgill shared stories from his book of 14 short stories of the people of Groot Marico, which he also compiled during his year stay in the town.
“It is a wonderful way to live. I have been lucky to be able to paint when and what I like,” Mcgill said about his 60-year career as an artist.
Mcgill shared that he has around 4 000 slides of photographs that he would work from. He does not take photographs anymore as he can now paint his subject matter from memory.
Mcgill chooses to work mainly in water-colour because it is a challenging medium. “You need a challenge in life. Without a challenge you have nothing,” Mcgill added.
Owner of The Knife and Fork, Johan van Wyk, announced that with enough interest, Mcgill would provide watercolour painting lessons at the restaurant in the future. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the restaurant.
Mcgill thanked those who came out to the exhibition and expressed that he would leave most of his artwork on display at the restaurant for the time being.It was Mcgill’s first exhibition in the area and the first exhibition ever held in a bar.
Details: The Knife&Fork, 011 958 1106 or 060 966 0242.
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