Biography
Other than attending art classes with two local artists for four years, I am largely self taught. Drawing has always been a natural talent for me, but I have had to learn to paint. I started painting in 2003 and I am continually learning as I go. I am mainly inspired by the Old Masters and I have copied a couple in an attempt to discover their secrets and techniques. I am passionate about the female nude and portraits, but also enjoy painting the odd landscape, still life and floral study. I am an active member of two local art societies and have taken part in numerous local exhibitions over the past seven years.
My preferred medium is oil on canvas. I usually cover the canvas with a diluted wash of Cadmium Red and Burnt Sienna. When this has dried, I draw my subject using pastel pencil. Depending on the size of the canvas and the subject matter, a painting can take weeks or months to complete. My preference is to work from photographs. My works are signed Daph Bester. I paint what I love - no deeper meaning, political statements or hidden agendas.
