Well-known artist still sharing his light
Building a ‘name’ not easy, he says
The Rep had the pleasure of catching up with veteran artist and farmer Bob McKenzie, who spent most of his life in Komani before relocating to Port Alfred in 2012.
McKenzie now owns an art gallery in Port Alfred, where he paints and exhibits his work.
His remarkable artworks were displayed at the Queenstown Art Exhibition for a notable 40-year period, from 1965 to 2005, as well as the 4 Love of Art exhibition for many years.
“I host oil painting workshops throughout SA and Zimbabwe, which I’ve been doing for over 20 years, almost 300 workshops!” he said.
His artistic prowess was further recognised when one of his works was selected for the prestigious David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year Award exhibition in London, in 2017.
McKenzie, who sees himself as an impressionist-realist painter, said his paintings were inspired by “quality
light”. Having been a farmer for most of his life, cattle have emerged as a recurring theme in his paintings.
“However, a world-acclaimed artist, Dino Paravano, told me to get out of my comfort zone. So I enjoy seascapes, landscapes, still life, in fact, anything where light falls,” he said.
So, how has moving to the coastal town of Port Alfred influenced his art? but “Port’Alfred it isn t necessarily has been a big good market. to me,
“As a professional artist, you always are faced with the old feast-and-famine syndrome. Building a ‘name’ is a tough business and some have had to wait till they were underground for that to happen,” he said.
When asked what captivates him about painting, he humbly remarks: “Our heavenly father is the ultimate artist and creator. I love being invited to paint with him.”
His journey as an artist dates back to his high school days at Queen’s College, where he took art classes in Grade 11 and matric.
“Basically, I am self-taught with some great role models.”
In 2010, he was commissioned by Queen’s College to paint the portrait of former headmaster Chris Harker.
He is busy writing a book about light and the stories behind the scenes, which he hopes to publish this year.