Samuel Pretorius

Three Nectarines Still Life, Original Painting

2024

Artist Comments
Three bright oranges and a green lime in a glass bowl rest on a rustic wooden table. The finger-painting technique and the use of bold, expressive strokes enhance the natural vibrancy of the fruits. The poignant simplicity evokes a sense of warmth and vitality.

About the Artist
Artist Samuel Pretorius' paintings evoke a quiet nostalgia. Each brushstroke suggests a shape, a landscape, or a subject—letting the memory of the viewer fill in the details. He invariably works with photographs, creating representations of actual locations he documents, and enjoys making bold brush movements that capture the essence of his subject in the fewest marks possible. "My paintings are best described as 'suggestionistic.' I aim to create fleeting images that you long to see again, a place that you will never forget, or one you yearn to visit," says Samuel. Originally from South Africa, he comes from a family of artists who encouraged him early to paint and draw. In primary school, his work was included in a national exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum. While growing up, his art education came from exhibiting at local art galleries, participating in open markets and plein air painting events, and joining monthly exhibitions. Recently becoming a US citizen, Samuel decided to dedicate a portion of his study to his home studio to fulfill his passion for painting. This well-lit area, often supervised by his Siamese cat, allows him to paint any time of the day. Outside the creative industry, Samuel enjoys exploring the world's beauty and creating code as a software developer.

Words that describe this painting: finger painting, oranges, bowl, fruit, table, chair, lime, glass, impressionism, still life, cuisine, acrylic painting, orange

Citrus Still Life...

Artist Comments
Yellow lilies and pink carnations fill a glass vase resting at the edge of a wooden table. Textured brushstrokes bring the floral arrangement to life, while pastel colors add warmth. The composition exudes a sense of joy and freshness.

About the Artist
Artist Samuel Pretorius' paintings evoke a quiet nostalgia. Each brushstroke suggests a shape, a landscape, or a subject—letting the memory of the viewer fill in the details. He invariably works with photographs, creating representations of actual locations he documents, and enjoys making bold brush movements that capture the essence of his subject in the fewest marks possible. "My paintings are best described as 'suggestionistic.' I aim to create fleeting images that you long to see again, a place that you will never forget, or one you yearn to visit," says Samuel. Originally from South Africa, he comes from a family of artists who encouraged him early to paint and draw. In primary school, his work was included in a national exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum. While growing up, his art education came from exhibiting at local art galleries, participating in open markets and plein air painting events, and joining monthly exhibitions. Recently becoming a US citizen, Samuel decided to dedicate a portion of his study to his home studio to fulfill his passion for painting. This well-lit area, often supervised by his Siamese cat, allows him to paint any time of the day. Outside the creative industry, Samuel enjoys exploring the world's beauty and creating code as a software developer.

Words that describe this painting: flower, floral, vase, bouquet, lily, carnation, pastel, bouquet, painterly, impressionism, still life, flora, acrylic painting, pink

Bright Floral...