Frank Pretorius is a UK-based contemporary artist known for his dynamic approach to painting, blending representational and abstract elements. Born in South Africa in 1974, he grew up surrounded by nature, a deep influence that continues to shape his work. As far back as he can remember, drawing has always been a part of the way he interpreted the world around him. This passion led him to study graphic design, fine arts, and later filmmaking, before embarking on a two-decade career in advertising. |
Although he never stopped painting and drawing, his professional life placed his artistic ambitions on hold. After relocating to the UK, he made the decisive move to pursue painting full-time in 2018. "My career in film and advertising may have been unconventional, but it shaped the way I interpret my subject matter. Compared to my early work, I now focus more on movement and depth—bringing a sense of cinematic storytelling to the canvas," he explains.
Frank’s process involves constructing imagery, deconstructing it, and then rebuilding it with layers of abstraction. Using traditional materials—charcoal and ink on paper, and oil on canvas—he captures the fleeting nature of light and its ability to transform figures and landscapes, preserving moments that reflect his personal experience of the world. His work spans wildlife from Africa and England, equine studies, and automotive subjects such as the classic Porsche 550. He has exhibited at the Contemporary Art Fairs in Windsor (2019) and contributed to Sketch for Survival, an annual wildlife art exhibition by Explorers Against Extinction. Driven by the endless possibilities of a blank canvas, Frank finds inspiration both in his studio and on outdoor adventures, preferably in Africa. He is currently completing his final project as part of his master’s degree at Newcastle University, refining his craft and pushing the boundaries of his artistic exploration. He lives and works in Northumbria, United Kingdom |