Eugene Van Vrede is a self-taught artist who is known for his contemporary yet realistic interpretation of wildlife and African art.
He got a start in the art world after painting an image of a friend’s horse as a gift, and found himself inundated with commission requests. Shortly after, Eugene left his corporate career and started painting full time in 2015.
Eugene loves painting Nguni cattle and horses. And he is renowned for his brilliant depictions of African wild animals including elephants, rhino and birds. He gains his inspiration from the play of light on his subjects, as well as their character and soul.
He is fascinated by how oil paint allows him to create three-dimensional images using a one dimensional canvas. Oils are his medium of choice, but he also creates charcoal and sepia ink sketches.
