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Rear Admiral (JG) Gert Engelbrecht (370 x 270) Watercolour on Bockingford Paper, 14 Apr 2001
Another farewell gift from the Ops Division at the Navy Office. Gert was recently promoted and this portrait was a challenge
in many ways. Firstly, capturing the sceptical character of this good friend (while keeping it flattering!) Secondly, capturing
the textural differences of the skin, hair and fur collar in watercolour and thirdly, the bloody impossible timescales required!
Geniet die aanstelling!
Forever Young: Oils (508 x 610) 18 March 2001
I did this portrait of my wife, Jo, for her 50th birthday. She loves it. Happy Birthday! and a GOOOOD party!
Captain Wayne Abrahamse (610 x 762) Oils 15 February 2001
This portrait was commissioned by Wayne's unit, SAS WINGFIELD, on his retirement from the Navy. Although very formal, I think
it captures his dry sense of humour and intelligence. Cheers, Wayne, we'll miss you.
Heritage: Vice Admiral R.C. Simpson-Anderson SSAS, SD, SM, MMM Chief of the South African Navy. Oil on Canvas (1 000 x 916),
2000
V Adm Simpson-Anderson retired as Chief of the South African Navy on 31 October 2000. This portrait was commissioned by Fleet
Command as his farewell gift. Entitled "Heritage", the ships and submarine in the background are new acquisition
projects which he initiated and took through the sometimes difficult approval process and form his inheritance for the Navy.
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Per Nielsen (320 x 200) Watercolour, 1997
Per was a mad but astronomically successful restauranteur in Durban, South Africa who became a good friend. This was a combined
birthday and farewell gift when he emigrated to the States. I don't know where he lives now, and if anyone recognizes him,
please give him my regards, tell him that I'm missing him and check whether he's got his matches on him.
Sandy 1992 Oils (910 x 600)
This portrait of Commodore Sanderoff (who became Mayor of Simon's Town) was commissioned by the local Municipality. I had
one of those experiences which John Singer Sargent desribed as "There's just a little something wrong with the nose..."
with this one. The Mayor's wife didn't like the mouth which I repainted 3 times before either she was satisfied, bored with
the repetition or saw that I was getting pissed off. It ended up exactly as it was when I first presented it.
R Adm Gringo Groenewald (910 x 760) Oils 1998
R Adm Groenewald retired as Chief of Naval Operations of the South African Navy in 1998. This painting was commissioned as
his farewell gift and brought tears to his eyes. I always take that as the ultimate compliment when presenting a portrait.
Nick Carter 1998 Oils (910 x 762)
Nick is the District Grand Master at a local Freemason Lodge in Cape Town. This portrait was commissioned by the Lodge.
The detail was a challenge which I enjoyed and his character came through well.
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Capt Richard Goveia (290 x 210) Watercolour, 2000
Capt Richard Goveia was presented with this portrait as a farewell gift from the Operations Division when he took up a new
appointment as South African Naval Attache in Germany. He also cried.
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Graham Kirk (910 x 760) Oil, 1998
Graham Kirk was one of South Africa's top magicians who was tragically killed in a car accident. This portrait was commissioned
by Wayne Abrahamse, a close friend of his, as the cover of a book about Graham's techniques. The original was presented to
his widow. Yes, she cried too, but probably with more reason than the others.
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