LANDSCAPES

(Pic: “Dirt road” by Daniel Novela)

Daniel Novela exhibits for the first time in Durban.

A full, rich spectrum of landscape art will be exhibited at the Crouse Art Gallery from February 26 with artist, Daniel Novela’s first KZN solo exhibition titled Landscapes.

Reflecting on the natural world takes centre stage in these lush paintings that Novela masterfully constructs. Using oils, he paints subjects which are close to his heart with a powerful range of techniques, sensitivity, depth and sophistication.

“I want to recapture the beautiful simplicity of herding the cattle, collecting firewood and water. It was so peaceful,” he states. “My technique evolved a lot through my studies but my subject matter remained the same – memories of that happy childhood, open fields under the endless sky, the Africa that was mine when I was a boy.”

Based in the North West Province, Novela offers an exciting fresh talent and this is the first time he will be exhibiting in Durban. Having exhibited nationally and internationally, the prolific artist is constantly participating in a number of exhibitions and community art projects. Raised in Mozambique, his artwork is colourful and vibrant, depicting everyday life around him. Capturing a simplistic lifestyle with bold colours, his artwork attracts a gazing eye and draws his viewer in deeper.

He attended the Escola de Artes Visuais near Maputo, a school of visual arts that aimed to develop, establish and deepen the contact with the artists’ work. This was the first building block that ignited his passion to follow his dream of becoming a full- time artist.

Crouse Art Gallery KZN offers professional advice to the discerning art lover. They also offer free evaluations of work by known and established South African artists. They also buy South African old masters.

Landscapes. Opens on February 26 at the Crouse Art Gallery which is situated at 254 Lillian Ngoyi / Windermere Road. Gallery hours are 09h00 to 16h00 weekdays (Saturdays 09h00 to 12h00). More information on 031 312 2315 or visit www.crouseartkzn.co.za