Wildlife Art by Rene Boast

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I was born in Zambia but raised on a farm in Zimbabwe. Although I enjoyed art as a child I never thought I would be able to “paint” one day. In my 20’s I was influenced by my Aunt’s art gallery in Harare, which displayed a lot of Craig Bone paintings. I tried to paint on canvas but felt I did not achieve that “stare back at you” look. I wanted animals to come alive but this was not achieved so I gave up painting. I however surrounded myself with Craig Bone and Larry Norton paintings secretly wishing I could paint.

It was only when I moved to Canada with my husband and 2 children did I get the urge to paint African wildlife with expressive facial expressions portraying God's awesome creations and their wild freedom. I wanted to show the intensity of their expressions, leaving the viewer with a piece of work that will want them to learn more about the animal and wanting them to visit Africa. Many people have asked me why paint on rock? After some thought I realized it is the "earthy, after the rain" smell that reminds me of Africa every time I paint on the rock.

So in the summer of 2004 I found the courage to approach an art gallery at The Grand Hotel in Kelowna to have some of my work displayed. A rock of a leopard was sold some 3 weeks later. This gave me the inspiration to venture out more and use larger pieces of flagstone and to try on, jasper, onyx, jade and more recently painting on marble and antique marble rock tiles and framing them.

I am now privileged to have a few of my rocks displayed at A Spot Of Africa gallery in Vancouver, www.aspotofafrica.com and have sold some pieces there. Please check out their website, some lovely African bracelets and other fine pieces of art.

Has anyone had a dream come true? Have you ever wished you could watch an artist really paint? Well it happened to me. I was truly blessed when Craig Bone invited me to his

home. What more can a new artist wish for but to watch a master at work, make him cup of tea, and be a part of his awesome family. The guidance and instructions he gave me have

truly influenced my way of painting which I am forever grateful. I have so much more to learn. http://www.craigbone.com/

http://africanseasons.com/

Time has past and I find myself motivated, inspired, surrounded by art and so many gifted people. I have been inspired to paint

African children and show their fear and pain of life as a child in Africa. I have ventured to painting on Canvas which takes longer

but needed some instructions on how to not struggle with the acrylic. I was privileged to attend a workshop with Dan Smith and

was just overwhelmed with his technique and just "chewing at the bit" to get started. Not only did I learn so much from Dan but

met so many awesome artist with different styles it was mind boggling. I loved every minute of it. I was also privileged to meet

Terry Isaac who's books I have purchased and so we had our work critiqued by 2 awesome famous artist. Terry lives in my neck

of the woods, it is going to be a joy to see him at various art shows and his work in galleries here. http://www.terryisaacsart.com/

Dan inspired my Spirit of Africa http://www.danielsmithwildlife.com/

I am also having a few of my work displayed at http://www.jabulaniart.ca/ a new gallery in Vernon. A must see gallery as Fred has some of Terry's work , Edward Spera. and

he does some wonderful Giclee prints at his shop.

Please feel free to contact me at rene@reneboast.com for prices. if you wish to chat to me about my website or about any of my rocks, even if it is advise or suggestions.

The Lord created artists, who make life more pleasant by creating beautiful things for the glory of God and the enjoyment of others. God has greatly enriched our lives with beauty. And we in turn express or gratitude by displaying His glory in our art - Julie Ackerman

Father, may our work - whatever it may be-

draw the kind of attention that causes others to praise and worship You. Amen

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