Portfolio

Visual Art

Project Title

Agate rock face commisioned oil painting titled ‘Staring Stone’. 

Brief Overview or Introduction

Summary: During a hike a friend commissioned an oil painting of a rock we picked up.

Project goals: 

• Final oil painting

Client: Mornè van der Westhuizen 

Role

Responsibilities: Riaan’s role as Visual Artist was to conceptualise an artwork that draws inspiration from an unpolished but broken Agate rock.

Process & Development:

Research: The initial phase involved examining the rock surface, to identify its texture and its colours as well as its translucency.

Conceptualisation: The original concept was a good exercise in the use of translucent and opaque oil paints, with the interior of the rock requiring the use of translucent paint, and the exterior of the rock requiring opaque paint.

Iterations: The first iteration only featured the interior without showing the exterior of the rock as can be seen in the black and white photo of the artwork on the drawing board.

Final Solution/Design: The final artwork combined the interior and the exterior of the rock, resulting in two layers which added dimensionality to the painting, complementing the title: Staring Stone, which allows the viewer to stare into the painting, potentially culminating in a transcendent experience.

Tools & Technologies Used: Photography, oil paint.

Testimonials or Client Feedback: The Client was satisfied with the artwork. At a later stage Andrè Naudè confirmed that the work was a good example of contemporary art.

Challenges & Learnings: If I would redo the painting I would change the texture of the canvas from smooth to a rough texture.

Call to Action:
Request a visual art cost estimate: info@riaanwilmans.co.za