Q&A: Munro

Contemporary artist Munro has bowled over art lovers at Decorex Cape Town with his latest body of works, “be men of courage”.  

The Munro phenomenon started early one morning in 1998, when a man woke up with a new name and the desire to be an artist. Unable to find any paintbrushes lying around, Munro turned to builders trowels, thus pioneering a new style of painting. The art market fell in love with Munro’s work and he had to work hard to keep up with the demand. In 2005, a Munro figure study-cum-portrait sold at a Matla A Bana charity auction for R100 000, highlighting the investment value of his art and causing a sharp increase in the overall prices of Munro paintings. In 2009, when Munro retired from being a full-time artist, almost 11 000 Munro paintings had been sold. To date, almost 12 000 Munro paintings have been sold.

Munro currently works from his beachfront studio in Melkbosstrand, but also has studios in Port Owen and Pretoria.

Here’s a quick Q&A with this renowned artist.

Who inspires you?

No artists inspire me, but the beauty of creation certainly does. I am inspired by things like the magenta, orange and mauve sunsets here on the West Coast where I live; the yellow wheat and canola fields in spring; the transparent, cold turquoise water of the Atlantic Ocean; the green of washed-up kelp; the way the sun catches the golden hair of my son on our winter walks in the Free State veld and the blush on my beautiful wife’s cheek after a brisk walk on a grey-white beach.

What media do you use?

The best canvases in the world (Winsen’s Canvases) and the best acrylic and oil paints money can buy. As an artist, when you create an heirloom, you should do your share with the basics.

What motivates you?

I am motivated by exhibitions. I do my best work the week before a major exhibition.

Any advice for aspiring artists?

Do not think that you are above doing commercial work. We all have to start somewhere and if you cannot eat, you cannot work. Do not copy anybody, dead or alive. Be true to what you have to offer and don’t be arrogant… ever!

View Munro’s paintings at munromunromunro.com, at facebook.com/Munro.Gallery and at facebook.com/MunroArtGalleries, as well as at selected galleries across South Africa. To book exhibitions or to purchase paintings, contact Janine on 083 785 8687 or e-mail her at munroart@icloud.com.