About Jan

Jan van Blerk - I’ve always had a passion for art

Jan paints utilising a classical indirect layering technique in which transparent colours are thinly built upon each other like layers of stained glass.  Influenced by Flemish and Venetian methods, this process produces a myriad of rich gemlike tones and a depth unattainable compared to the more common technique of direct, or alla prima, style painting.  To paint in this manner requires the utmost patience. As his paint layers build over time the play of light and shadow evolve, and the distinct personality of his subject matter begins to emerge.  The result is an artwork with vibrant, luminous colour, subtle texture, and a meditative quality.  Jan’s paintings have an old-world elegance, yet the colours and compositions are quite contemporary.