Published 01 October 2018 in Publications
Art Times
Natural beauty meets the lived experience in the work of Frances Wedepohl
Stepping into Alice Art Gallery, one cannot help but be drawn to Frances Wedepohl’s unique oil paintings. The landscapes stand out, some are huge and psychedelic, others are
smaller scenes that capture the natural beauty of South Africa. Frances’ work has a common thread of rich colour meeting geometric line and shape, creating a distinctive
style and setting her work apart from the rest.
Q: Which landscapes inspire you?
A: I love painting places where I’ve been happy. Some of my best memories have been with my family in the Western Cape and the Magaliesburg. I find I can re-experience them by coming home to my studio and bringing them back to life in my paintings.
Q: How did your style develop?
A: I studied architectural drafting which involves working with a lot of lines and shapes. I also love stained glass windows, which combine those geometric elements with colour and light. When I started to explore painting, I experimented with different styles and discovered
Pierneef’s work. He captures South Africa in such a unique way, and he has been a huge
inspiration in my art.
Q: What is your artistic process?
A: I sketch out my compositions and then start working with my oil paints. I take a while mixing my colours – it’s my favourite part – and then I begin filling in the canvas. I love the texture and workability of oil paints; they allow for so much freedom and expression. It can be difficult to face a blank canvas, but once I start applying my colours, I feel really at home.
Frances works with the natural world in a unique and delicate way, transforming it from
reality into something new. This is an artist that sees the world as it is and as it could
be.
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
- PABLO PICASSO