Christel Read Oil Paintings

I live in  Cape Town, not far from the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. From my house I have a wonderful view of Table Mountain with its ever changing light and clouds and especially after the winter rains, spectacular waterfalls.

I have been painting since 1998 and  my favourite choice of medium is oil because it is very versatile, it gives such a great range of colour, texture, opacity and transparency. As a painter it never fails to amaze me how  a three dimensional world can be translated  into two dimensions  when  colours, lines and shapes are transformed into landscapes, objects and people and, most importantly, moods and emotions.

My subjects are varied, I love figures, still life, flowers and sea- and landscapes. Living in Cape Town offers many beautiful settings for plein air painting throughout the year. The beaches are always a source of inspiration, autumn is a lovely season to capture the changing colours of the vineyards or the dramatic mist over the sea and mountains.  

I endeavour to create original works of art where effort and care are evident. I value art as a process and don’t let myself get bored too fast. Because of the nature of oils most of my paintings evolve, I love the variety and effect of glazes; sometimes a spontaneous ’a la prima’ just happens.

I choose to paint what I like and painting is for me a wonderful way to celebrate the beauty that surrounds us, and life. It is challenging at times, but always exciting and a lot of fun.