Sheep on the Highveld

Painting these sheep brought back so many childhood memories of my Dad who was a sheep farmer on the  Transvaal Highveld. He also moved the flocks from one grazing paddock to the other with the help of the shepherd, Noah, on horseback, a few lads on foot and the ever present Collie dog. At lambing time the ewes were brought closer to the homestead to protect the new born lambs from the jackals. How I loved being part of the action as a kid, also riding my own horse, adding my voice to encourage the sheep in the right direction.
We past this flock while were travelling back from Ermelo. My poor husband had to slam on brakes so that I could hop out, take my pictures and make a sketch or two. He has learnt well over the years...bless his heart! (He stopped grumbling years ago.)
Sheep as a theme, is something I have painted so often in the distant past, my boys playing with lambs, or Japie's beautiful show rams, but I do not feel as if I have exhausted the theme as yet. I will do a few more until my nostalgia has been stilled. Maybe I should have become a sheep farmer?
Can you smell the dust....? Can you hear them bleat....?

Prices for all the paintings are upon request.

Stringing beads

This painting was painted from a photograph I took, while I was in Mozambique. This chap was so engrossed in what he was doing! I just  loved the way he used his toes as an extra set of tools which is why they feet are placed so prominently in the front. It is painted in acrylic on canvas in swift bold strokes. Yes of course, I did buy that string of beads, which is now a prized possession of mine and a constant reminder of Mozambique. I just so enjoyed painting this, and it is one of my favourites.

mozambique trip

We recently spent some time in Mozambique where I was bowled over by inspirational scenes around every corner, from the brightly coloured markets, the stunning people just going about their  daily business to the wonderful beaches. I want to share some of the scenes I painted there of dhows on the ocean....white handmade sails, azure blue sea, contrasting with the darker figures of the fishermen. What a wondeful country. I cannot wait for the next trip, may it be very soon.

http://www.hilarygrant-currie.co.za/

A wonderful new Year

There is something exciting about a new year. It is almost like starting a new book. You just know it will all be new, full of adventure, at times frightening or exciting, inspiring or thought provoking but with loads to anticipate.
My New Year starts off with this new blog sight, created as a birthday gift, by my own " newly acquired daughter in law'', Jeanne. I could not think of a more appropriate gift. Thanks Jeanne for all the effort and the support. Much appreciated. I think I am going to enjoy "blogging".
My studio-gallery in Hluhluwe, heart of Zululand, South Africa, is finally completed and I am busy hanging up the paintings. Hopefully I will open the doors beginning of February. The gallery will be open by appointment only for teh time being.
The space is large enough to host my painting workshops which will commence in March once the heat has broken. I am really looking forward to these and have so many exiting things planned.
At the moment I am working on a series of  paintings about "all things rhino" towards a charity exhibition that our Hluhluwe art group are putting together for June...watch this space!