Ronald Martin West was born in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, in 1974.  His formal art training started in high school, when he joined the PJ Olivier Art Centre in Stellenbosch, a well-known Art school for high school pupils, from 1989 to 1992, with sculpture as his mainsubject. Ronald matriculated from Paul Roos Gymnasium in 1992. In 1993 he started studying at the Cape Technikon Graphic Design Department. Ronald was soon confronted by the linear and analytical side of the Graphic Design course and realized that adiploma in Graphic Design would mean that he will be restricted to a desk. He only finished his first year. And so his 8 years of absence ofart in any form commenced.By 2002 he was working for Panasonic Business Systems for several years. One night, in November 2002, Ronald was awakened by such a vivid dream that he knew he could not go on with his life as a salesman. He had to pursue his heart’s desire, ART. On that Mondayhe resigned, bought himself an art easel and took up his brushes and started painting day and night.Since the beginning Ronald was fascinated by the female figure, although very naïve, he produced about 20 works a month. After 3 months he was noticed by a few galleries and was invited to exhibit. He had numerous sold out exhibitions since 2002. In Ronald’s own words, “I paint life not as we see it, but as we dream it”. Ronald’s subject matter focuses on dancing, friends, wine and voluptuous ladies enjoying life. His main influences are AmedeoModigliani, Picasso and Van Gogh, but mainly life itself as we dream it.His colour range differs with his mood. Being Bipolar influences his subject matter and palette from time to time.His paintings have been featured in many magazines and also on wine labels. Ronald does 3 to 5 works a month and his medium is oil on canvas. Ronald currently resides in Cape Town with his life partner Ilse. He has two children, three dogs and when he does not paint, he spends time in the garden and loves cooking.