Cape Floral Kingdom and Floral Art
Stretching from the winter rainfall region of the Western Cape in South Africa to the neighbouring Eastern Cape Province is a strip of land that has been identified for its remarkable floral biodiversity.
About the Cape Floral Kingdom
Comprising eight protected areas covering over 550 000 ha, the Cape Floral Kingdom is home to 9 600 different plant species, 70 percent of which are unique to the region.
Identified as one of the richest botanical areas on the planet, boasting almost 20 percent of the African continent’s plant life, the Cape Floral Kingdom is one of only 18 biodiversity hotspots in the world!
Table Mountain, situated in the heart of the city of Cape Town, provides an intriguing snapshot of the variety and value of this extraordinary botanical bounty. The national park which extends 22 000 ha down the spine of the peninsula to Cape Point features more plant species than the entire British Isles!
Over the centuries, aspirant botanists from far off kingdoms, mesmerised by the wealth and variety of plant species, were inspired to capture the rare beauty of the wild inhabitants of the Cape Floral Kingdom in scientific detail.
Early South African Botanical Artists
Early botanical artists including Ethel May Dixie, Gillian Condy and the doyenne of South African botanical art, Cynthia Letty, were renowned for the meticulous quality of their work which featured as illustrations in botanical reference books.
Fine artists have followed this proud tradition of floral art in South Africa and continue to record the symmetry and perfection of the Proteas, Ericas and Restios that dominate the Cape Floral Kingdom, an area inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2004!
Floral Paintings by Popular Contemporary South African Artists
Acclaimed wildlife artist and realist, David Bucklow has a vast body of work which faithfully records South Africa’s flora and fauna in dramatic detail. His photo realistic technique rendered in acrylic earned him an invitation by the Nelson Mandela Trust to take part in the unity series of limited editions in 2004!
The vibrant colours and natural symmetry of the King Protea, Karoo Aloe and arid Quiver Tree have been perfectly captured in mixed media by emerging artist, Danie Marais, while the highly collectible Yoka Wright has added her definitive abstract slant in mixed media to South Africa’s unique floral subject matter!
Where to Buy Authentic South African Paintings Online
You can browse and buy South African paintings for sale by prominent and emerging artists online at Fine Art Portfolio. The internet-based ‘gallery’ features a comprehensive body of work covering all the significant styles and genres including floral art.
Log on to www.fineartportfolio.co.za right now to scan the artists and art categories, find an artist or style that appeals to you, enlarge the work online and then invest in an original South African artwork that will enliven and enhance your home and increase in value over time!
