Tuesday, June 9, 2009

A South African Master

Well, I think I've finally made a deadline. It's been a bit of a sweat as I haven't painted for 9 days whilst on duty at our annual SA Society of Artists Members Exhibition. But here it is. This is my entry to the Masters Challenge blog run by Michelle Burnett and she certainly challenged me with this one.

Although I find landscapes quite daunting, I had no trouble at all in selecting one of my favourite South African artists to copy.

Pierneef (full name is Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef) has always been immensely appealing in his rather 'different', geometric way of portraying the landscape of our country. His love of the land shows through in all his work, a love, I guess, that is shared by most of us Africans.

This one is entitled Bushveld Autumn Landscape and was painted in 1943. I did check that I was within the copyright limits of 50 years; Pierneef died in 1957.




26 comments:

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

It's beautiful Liz, job well done!

Art with Liz said...

Wow Carol, that was quick. Thank you.

Greener Bangalore said...

WOW!! thats a pic which take me back to childhood days......great!!

Charlene Brown said...

I hadn't heard of Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef before, so I googled Bushveld Autumn Landscape -- and find his stylized landscapes quite striking and beautiful. Your interpretation is just wonderful -- and somehow pleasanter -- makes one want to be there!

Anonymous said...

Great job Liz. By coincidence my husband was reading a book recently and the picture on the dust jacket was a painting by Pierneef. I also have a book on his work and have always admired his unique style. It's so identifiable. You did him proud.
Jean

Anonymous said...

I have never heard of this artist so will learn about it via the web. I really like his style.

Mineke Reinders said...

I had not heard of Pierneef, but will look him up now. Your landscape is wonderful, and brings out those characteristic shapes of branches and tree canopies that I somehow associate with South Africa. I like the autumnal colors too.

Marian Fortunati said...

What a great lesson for all of us, Liz!!
Not just to learn about other painters but also to see the landscape of a different part of the world! Those trees are sure unique!!
Good to have you back with us.

FitFoodieMegha said...

Wowwww Liz, this painting is wonderful...I like everything about it! Well done! :)

Cathy Gatland said...

A wonderful artist to copy, Liz, and you've done it so well - such an African landscape, and so beloved!

Ajay Patil said...

I do not anything about this artist but the painting you have done is beutiful

rob ijbema said...

yes that is what i like to see here liz,the great south african landscape.
its beautiful and full of interest,well done!

Carol said...

The finished painting is great Liz - well done!

Peggy Montano & Paintings said...

Liz, Thanks for doing this painting and telling us about this artist.
Beautiful painting.

L.Holm said...

It's wonderful, Liz, and great entry into the Following the Master's challenge. You are expanding our horizons always! beautiful painting.

Art with Liz said...

Hi there Greener Bangalore - are your roots in Africa? Thanks for the visit.


Hello Charlene. I'm so glad you took the trouble to find out a little more about this fantastic artist. Our little corner of Africa is not always in the public eye, especially when it comes to art. Thank you.

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Jean. I love the fact that you have a 'toe' in Africa.


Hi Carolann. His style was quite unusual for his day and for Africa. Hope you enjoy his more 'alternative' work.

Art with Liz said...

Thanks Mineke and you are so right - this painting is sooo South African bushveldt.


Hi there Marian - glad you like my promotion of one of my favourite artists.

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Megha for your kind words.


Hello Cathy - he was great, wasn't he?

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Ajay. I've put a link to Pierneef on my blog for just that reason.


When are you off to Italy Rob? You are the doyen of landscapes and I appreciate your words on this one. Now I need to do my own and not copy anyone else's!

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Carol, and I am taking your words to heart.


You are absolutely welcome Peggy and I'm glad I could introduce you to a small bit of our art world.

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Liz. I love Michelle's blog as she allows us a month to do something. In between I can still do other things and not just copies.

Susan Martin Spar said...

Nice work, Liz. I've never seen the original, but I can clearly see what you mean by "geometric". It was my first thought when I saw the work.

Gary Keimig said...

Nice work. Liz. Love the muted colors you use. A different but effective look. Very nice colors

SYLVIANE said...

A beautiful painting, and I learned about Pierneef! Thank you!

Art with Liz said...

Always love your visits Susan, and thank you.


Hello Gary from Wyoming. Thank you for the visit - always appreciate comments from terrific artists such as yourself.


Thank you for the visit Sylviane. And for the lovely compliment - I really like the work I saw on your blog.