Plein air depictions

Du Toit has worked as a full-time visual artist for the past 20 years. He lives in Bredasdorp in the Overberg, and is well known for his plein air depictions of the South African landscape. His formal compositions and use of colour reflect a deep admiration for the classical painters Rembrandt, Hals, Caravaggio, Goya and Velázquez.

Extended theme

Into the Gilded Garden is continuation of the artist's fascination with everyday objects. This is an extended theme which started with his previous two solo exhibitions, Object Being and Secret Garden. Du Toit depicts ordinary objects, which he paints from life. His observing eye and natural lighting emphasise art as a developing creative process - a form of play.

Theatrical

The compositions are theatrical with a special tension between objects in the foreground and information in the background. The palette is classical and limited. These paintings are the result of careful observation without a preconceived idea of the final product - they are deeply personal and poetic.