FOCUSING on the theme “Contour”, several invited artists are exhibiting works in different mediums at the KZNSA Gallery. The artists include Dee Donaldson, Terence King, Anthea Martin, Lynette Morris Hale and George Holloway.
Contour drawing or painting is a technique in which the artist sketches the shape of a subject using lines to represent an outline. The term comes from the French word “contour”, meaning outline.
KZNSA Gallery says in a press release that the purpose of contour drawing is to emphasise the mass and volume of the subject rather than the detail.
The focus is on the outlined shape of the subject and not the minor details. Even when the negative spaces around an object are being filled, a contour can be created. A contour does not have to be complete and often a few lines, strokes or dots can define it.
In an interview with Tonight, artist and teacher Donaldson said she had fallen in love with art from the moment she could hold a pencil. “I was always writing or drawing. I did my formal training, as an artist, at Natal Technikon (now the Durban University of Technology) and I have an Honours degree in Fine Art.”
She specialises in painting and oils are her preferred medium. “Oil is so rich and versatile. I can do more with oil than any other paint medium.
“In terms of my work in the exhibition, Invincible Summer symbolises the vitality and transience of youth and youthful vigour. It also deals with man’s relationship with nature and our – sadly neglected – custodial duty of this planet; procreation and the cycles of life.”
For Donaldson, the best part about being an artist is making a living doing what she is most passionate about.
On the flip side, the biggest challenge is the lack of time, space and financial security.
“I aim to keep pushing myself to new levels of creative expression; constantly finding a new, artistic ‘language’ in which to express my ideas, thoughts and feelings about the world I live in.
“Getting greater international recognition and making lots of money from my work would be a fabulous side effect.”
So what can people expect from the exhibition and Donaldson’s art?
“I would never presume to predict someone’s response to my work. I hope that people have a strong response to my work, that it excites and challenges them and that they want to buy it and take it home! But art and people’s responses to it are as individual and varied as people are.”
• The exhibition runs until November 3 at the KZNSA Gallery, 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood. For info, call 031 277 1705.