Protea

Oil on canvas | 90cm x 70cm | 2020

This painting was based on my own photographs, and it became one of the most ambitious pieces I have taken on. I wanted to challenge myself on detail, particularly capturing the fine, almost feathery texture of the protea’s bracts, and it challenged me in return. Getting that delicate, hair like quality to read convincingly in oil took real patience.

A friend of mine saw this painting while I was still only halfway through it and fell in love with it before it was even finished. She bought it shortly after.

This piece also led to something larger. The experience of pushing myself on detail here gave me the confidence to take on an enormous protea commission, which now hangs in a beautiful home in Johannesburg.

If you’re drawn to this level of detail, have a look at Blackjack Agapanthus or Angel Peony. Or you are welcome to visit my gallery page to see the commissioned piece that this one eventually led to. Or if you want a commissioned custom painting please visit my commissions page.