Monday, May 26, 2008

South African Talent

So it may be old news but I only found the pictures recently and thought it mean not to share more South African guys with you.

Quinton Saunders was crowned Mr MCQP at the Glen Boutique Hotel in Sea Point last year December (20 years ago in Internet years). The Mother City Queer Project theme for 2007 was "Matric Dance".

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Torso with Flowers

Inspired by a drawing by Johannes Meintjies. Pencil drawing on A4 paper.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Johannes Meintjies

A small collection of work by South African artist Johannes Meintjies (1923 - 1980). The son of a sheep-farmer; Johannes Meintjies spent his first five years on the family farm 'Grootzeekoegat' in the Molteno district.

After the early death of his father in 1929, the family moved to Riversdale. In 1938 the family moved to Cape Town and the 15 year-old boy began serious art study. An exhibition of Maggie Laubser's work in 1940 evoked his ardent admiration; he wrote a fan-letter to her and a close friendship developed.

In 1944 at the age of 21, Johannes Meintjies published a book on Maggie Laubser and his first exhibitions caused a stir in Johannesburg and Cape Town, after which Johannes Meintjies taught art at South African College School.

While in London Johannes Meintjies worked part-time for BBC between 1945 and 1947. Johannes Meintjies returned to Cape Town; worked at painting, broadcasting and writing. He won an award from 'Die Vaderland' (The Fatherland) in 1949 for 'most original South African painting' jointly with Diederick During.

Johannes Meintjies retreated to the family farm during 1949-54 to write and paint in seclusion and restored the historical farm-building. He lived in Johannesburg during 1955-65. Johannes Meintjies returned to Molteno in 1965. He exhibited annually until his death, but although he continued to paint, he devoted the larger part of his activity to writing; published 35 books - fiction and non-fiction (mainly historical).

Following his death, Meintjes' manuscripts, letters, diaries, etc, were presented to the English Literary Museum, Grahamstown, to be housed in a 'Johannes Meintjes Room'.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

No more excuses... Learn to draw today!

Dr. Sketchy's is what happens when cabaret meets art school. Founded in 2005 by artist Molly Crabapple, Dr. Sketchy's asked a simple question. Why can't drawing naked people be sexy?

Dr. Sketchy's Anti Art School find the most beautiful burlesque dancers, the most bizarre circus freaks, and the most rippling hunks of man. Then, every other Saturday, they let you draw them. Interspersed with posing are drawing contests where you can win booze or prizes. There is even a new event - Madame du Sketchy's - A Drag Drawing Salon!


Join Dr. Sketchy's near you and start drawing! Or even better... open your own Dr. Sketchy's today! Illustration below by Molly Crabapple.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

David and Goliath

One day when I grow up I also would like to be able to paint like this...



David and Goliath by Arthur Kampf, Oil on wood board, 28" X 40", 1905-1915

Nude David battles Goliath in this classical painting by one of the "official" painters of the German empire and later, the Third Reich. It pronounces the vitality and virility of the German nation, a theme which dominated Nationalist German art throughout the late 19th and early 20th century.

The Art of Ismael Alvarez

Yay! The portfolio of work by the master Ismael Alvarez is now available at Class Comics.

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Pink Loerie Mardi Gras

The 2008 Pink Loerie Mardi Gras was celebrated from the 1st to the 4th of May in Knysna where it started 7 years ago!


It is the first and only Mardi Gras on the African continent and the line up included hunky entertainers like Stefan Ludik and DJ Mark Stent.