Biography
“I am not an artist; I am a lifelong student of the arts.” These words of Jacques (1958) explain why he views his talent as part of his being, instead of a mere extension of his life.
The sounds, spaces and smells of Africa inspire his colourful paintings of broad brush strokes with washes and layers. “This continent is such an onslaught on the senses. Nowhere on earth is this light intensity and variety of textures to be found. I enjoy the language of colour and create energy by using strong contrasting hues.”
Magnificent landscapes and Nguni cattle scenes in acrylic paint on canvas have become his signature work and grace the walls of many local and international art collectors. Each of his works reminds him of his birthplace and its magic - the open skies and endless vastness. Currently advancing into a more classical phase and influenced by the works of the grand masters, Pieter Jacques is turning more to oil on canvas.
Born with his roots firmly entrenched in African soil, Jacques is the product of a creative family who planted the seeds of love for nature, the continent and the arts from his early childhood years. Regular trips into the wild and to Stone Age sites to study rock paintings and artifacts fueled this passion. Coupled with many hours spent in the darkroom of his photographer father, Jacques became intrigued and well versed in the chemical processes that have stood him in good stead during the creative process.
After matriculating, Jacques obtained a national diploma in Graphic Design at the then Pretoria Technikon. His fascination with the golden means or golden ratio principle from his graphic design studies has led to him still applying this principle in his work today. He utilised his knowledge and skills in video production and artistic functions for a major national corporation. His video productions saw him traveling to Namibia and its West Coast, the Kalahari, Botswana, Okavango Swamps, Lake Malawi and many other locations to film the Koi and San tribes, endangered species and other environmental issues.
However, inevitably Pieter Jacques could no longer ignore the call of his first love and he picked up his paint brushes full-time again. Today he works from his studio at the foothills of the impressive Hottentots Holland Mountain Range.
“Surrounded by the splendour of my environment and a 180 degree view of the picturesque False Bay , I try to portray something that is pleasing to the eye."
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