Artist: Rynier Keet
“The mood of this painting really caught my eye. The cool background and the cast shadows of branches across the rhino create a sense of calm stillness. The close cropping of the composition invite the viewer to examine the expression of the rhino. Once the viewer steps closer, they are rewarded with intricate textural details in the focal area. The contrast in this painting is mainly from the colour temperatures rather than values and it works. The overall effect is that of intimate portrait of an individual.”
(judge Christopher Reid)
“An exceptional painting and a well deserved winner. Considering this is on a full sheet of watercolor paper, 56 x 76 cm, is a challenge in itself. The rhino portrait dominates the whole paper, maintaining perspective and proportion at all times. The artist obviously has good drawing skills and knowledge of his subject. This painting is all about the rhino, the attention to detail in portraying the texture of the skin and horn is masterful, every crease and wrinkle is accounted for. In addition the implementation of dark and subtle shadows add depth and drama. The muted background in complimentary hues forms a good support without detracting from the main subject”
(judge Barbi Cunningham)
“When working a portrait close-up one has to be very precise and there is no room for any mistake. The artist has painted so much details and in successfully doing so he/she has proven how he/she has mastered this technique. The texture on the skin is so realistic and so are the shadows casted by the branches. By working the background blurry the artist has made a very good decision as the subject remains focused.
A masterpiece which can only be done by an artist who master his art.”
(judge Riaz Auladin)