Avoiding the highway as usual, I often take the country road in order to observe some cattle. Waylands, a farm situated between Darling and Malmesbury will never disappoint. They have the most wonderful herd of cattle and some fabulous specimens of our famous indigenous Nguni cattle.
These beautifully individually patterned animals have been around Africa for centuries. They were famously used in the bartering-for-brides system. Today, they are the pride and joy of each farmer who owns them. To learn more about Nguni, visit Wikipedia, or the Breeders Association. Here is an amazing site dealing with their heritage, colours, etc.
I painted my canvas in a bright transparent yellow ochre first and proceeded from there, using only purple, ochre, sky blue, rust colour, black and white paints. My painting was chosen to hang in the Seasonal Changes Exhibition at Perels en Pampoene Gallery in Hopefield, that opens tomorrow evening.(022 723 1756)
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Another beautiful piece, Marie. I love learning about South Africa from your blog, from your artist's eyes.
ReplyDeleteThank you, CrimsonLeaves! The best information on these special animals are available on the sites that I linked on the blog!
DeleteA beautiful painting Marie and I love the way you did it!
ReplyDeleteThese cows are quite beautiful in their markings. We don't have anything similar in Canada (as far as I know).
ReplyDeleteThe rich colors of the grass is a good combination with the red/brown of the cow's back. Great painting!
Hi Catherine, these cattle are larger than normal cattle and very beautiful! Artists love painting them here, and we usually keep our finds a secret!Hahaha, but I shared with the world and am sure that a few people went searching for his farm! Thank you for the great critisism you always give, you really analize a painting well!
DeleteI really like this painting Marie, thank you for explaining which colours you used - I always like to know things like that - it helps a relative newcomer to painting like me learn these things! congrats on the selection and all the best!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my blog, Sharon! I should also mention to you that I painted my canvas in yellow ochre first!
DeleteYou have the most wonderful range of subjects around you Marie - and always do them justice with your lovely paintings. Love these graphic markings against the soft golden background.
ReplyDeleteCathy, I mentioned in one of my blog posts that I sometimes have to squeeze a story out of a rock! But yes, fortunately there still are subjects to paint here! Thank you for your meaningful remarks!
DeleteCongratulations on the well deserved honor bestowed upon this fine painting, Marie!!
ReplyDeleteI find cattle are excellent subjects for painting! The Nguni are exceptional!
Thank you, Dean! We have amazing cattle here!
DeletePS...Forgot to add...Thanks for your interesting, thoughtful, comments on my blog! Very much appreciated! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Dean, I love to look at your paintings and it would be unfair not to mention how I enjoy all the techniques you use!
DeleteVery nice. Particularly, love the background hills and sky.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen! Those hills are very typical of the area!
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