Update
KNYSNA NEWS - Local artist Guy Thesen opened his home-based studio in Old Belvidere for a public visit on Friday 21 July. The visit was organised by Amanda Louw of the Knysna Arts Society.
The event was an intimate get-together for art lovers. About 15 people attended and they had the opportunity to chat to Guy about his art process, and his enjoyment of printmaking, woodcuts, sculpture and using flat vibrant colours and simple shapes in his paintings.
Guy has spent the last year working on his series called "Flowers from my garden", that consists of 26 paintings inspired by the flowers from his own garden.
He studied graphic design at Michaelis School of Fine Art at UCT, but only launched his full-time career as an artist at the age of 45. He has been influenced by numerous post-impressionist artists such as Matisse, and also draws inspiration from South African rock art.
"The Knysna Arts Society has been re-energised since Covid and has a good vibrant committee and many members," says Thesen.
Ilonka Louw, Bets Kerr and Jeannine Fox were enthusiastic visitors of Guy Thesen's home studio.
"The greater area has a huge pool of very creative and talented artists, in all forms of expression, which adds a wonderful social value to the Garden Route in general. I am always open to interested visitors on request, and happy to chat to fellow artists anytime.
"It helps build upon the vibrant community of artists and art lovers that we already have."
According to Amanda Louw of the Knysna Art Society (KAS), a visit to a local artist is arranged for members every month.
"The aim is to expose fellow artists to a diverse range of mediums to allow them personal growth, to acquaint them with each other and to expose the host artist and his/her work to an informed audience," says Louw.
Sculptures on display at Guy Thesen's Belvidere home.
"This year alone we visited Derrick Coetzer the photographer; Lance Khoury the mural artist; Jan Raats, a mixed medium artist and gallery owner; Zanne Small, a watercolour artist; Piet Frans, a comic strip artist and then Guy last week. The artist community is enthusiastic to showcase their work and all need wider exposure to grow Knysna into a prime art hub."
Knysna-based artist Guy Thesen is inspired by impressionist art and South African rock art.
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