Interview
Samuel Pretorius
Samuel’s aim is to create art that evokes memories of places and people—a fleeting image you long to see again, a landscape you will never forget, or a place you yearn to visit, captured in a few brush strokes to hold onto that memory forever.
Samuel has worked in many different mediums in the past, but now focuses on acrylic because it allows him to apply fresh brush strokes without waiting. He only use three colors, each in two different pigments: red, yellow, blue, and of course, white.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was born and raised in South Africa in a family of artists that encouraged me to engage in art from a young age. My first taste of recognition came when my work was included in a national exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum during my primary school years.
I continued to build up experience by exhibiting my work at local art galleries, participating in open markets, plein air painting, and monthly exhibitions. However, life circumstances forced me to switch my focus to my corporate career.
It was only after I became a U.S. citizen that I felt the pull back to my roots in art and returned to my brushes and paint.”
What inspires you?
“I find inspiration in the beauty of nature, the enthrallment of making a brush stroke I like, and my fascination with the world around me. Above all, the joy that my art brings to people is the most inspiring aspect of my work.”
“Every piece of art I create carries a part of me, my experiences, and my reflections on the world.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Central to my art is the theme of memory and the evocation of emotions connected to places, people, and landscapes. My goal is to encapsulate transient moments of life and beauty that hold a deep sense of nostalgia.
The underlying message in my work lies in the power of suggestive simplicity. Rather than providing a detailed representation of a subject, I let my brush strokes hint at shapes and landscapes. By choosing to work mainly with landscapes and forms that suggest familiar places or faces, I engage in a subtle exploration of our shared humanity.
I try to capture the universal elements in these scenes and subjects, hoping to strike a chord of recognition and shared memory. This approach also underscores a broader theme in my work —the interconnectedness of human experiences, and the shared moments that resonate across cultures and societies. In essence, my artwork serves as a canvas for viewers to project their own stories, emotions, and memories.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would characterize my work as 'suggestionistic', a style that encourages the viewer’s imagination to complete the picture. Although my art bears a resemblance to impressionism and I have a deep admiration for the Impressionists, my focus is not on the transient effects of light. My art tends to diverge, focusing more on the evocation of form and memory through bold, suggestive strokes.”
Which artists influence you most?
“If I were to name specific artists who have inspired me, I would mention Berthe Morisot and Paul Cézanne. Morisot, with her subtle and luminous color palette, captured the everyday in a manner that deeply resonates with me. Similarly, Cézanne’s unique approach to form and color, and his profound understanding of structure and composition have greatly influenced my perspective on painting. Their inspirational footprints have undoubtedly guided my journey as an artist.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process involves using mostly acrylic paints, preferring their immediacy. I limit my palette to six colors and white: Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red Light, Ultramarine, Phtalo Blue, Cadmium Yellow, Primary Yellow, and Titanium White. This palette offers me fresh, vibrant colors that breathe life into my canvas.
My creative process is about bold brush movements that capture the essence of a subject and leave the viewer’s memory to fill in the rest.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The roles that artists play in society are as varied and diverse as the artists themselves. We may serve as observers, commentators, innovators, and more. But fundamentally, we are facilitators of connection.
My aspiration is to act as a catalyst for memory and desire through my art, anchoring viewers to a moment in time they either have lived or aspire to experience. The suggestive nature of my brush strokes intends to evoke an undercurrent of yearning; a reach towards places and moments that hold a potent emotional resonance for the viewer.
In this sense, I see my role as an artist as a weaver of memory threads, pulling the viewer back into moments of their past, or propelling them towards dreams of their future. Through my work, I aim to create a space where memories and emotions converge, fostering a deep but subtle and intimate connection between the viewer and the artwork.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I currently have an on-premise exhibition at LagunaArt.com, and an online exhibition at UGallery.com.”
Website: www.samuel-art.com
Instagram: @samuelfineart
