Creative Advisor
Alan Mason
Alan Mason's journey into art began in 2019, when he stumbled upon Martin Osner's Landscape Photography Course online and signed up alongside four friends, not yet realising the seed being planted. He soon joined Martin's first Art Painting Retreat in Napier, where the group's work was framed and exhibited in the Napier Gallery. Invited to show at Martin's IGNITE exhibition in Hout Bay, Alan's piece went unsold there, but when the work moved to Napier, he sold his very first painting. Now hooked, he attends weekly sessions at a local art studio, working in acrylic and watercolour. Already an accomplished landscape photographer, Alan has since found an artistic layer above that skill, one that lets him express himself in a more personal, painterly way, moving well beyond the landscape into art that is deeply personal and fulfilling.
Showcase
Seven pieces, and what is behind them
Click on the artwork to see it larger, and read Alan’s own description of each piece.
Work 01
Bowl of Flowers
My very first attempt at using a paint brush, actually a palette knife at the Napier Art Painting Retreat, and was subsequently sold at the Martin Osner Art Gallery in Napier. It conveys the beauty of flowers.
Work 02
Abandoned Farmhouse
My second attempt at using a paint brush, actually a palette knife in acrylic paint at the Napier Art Painting Retreat which displays a moody winters day in the Overberg.
Work 03
Total Abstract
A vibrant abstract display of bright and vibrant complimentary colour using a thick mixture of acrylic paint.
Work 04
Lotus Lady
One of my early and first watercolour medium attempts at painting which I really enjoyed. The lotus flower and its worshipper symbolise resilience and transformation which rises from muddy waters to a beautiful bloom. It reminds us that our challenges can fuel growth and lead to new beginnings.
Work 05
A Beautiful Seascape
Seascapes on a bright sunny day give a sense of joy, love and laughter. They remind me of my youth when we used to take our annual holiday and head off the coast for a week or two.
Work 06
The Three Rooms
I got my inspiration from a small 40mm square serviette which i collected from having been to lunch with one of my artist friends. It was the very first time that we had lunch together and I liked the look of this beautiful fungus which many would think are poisonous. Despite that I fell in love with the colour palette.
Work 07
Cape Agulhas Lighthouse
My reference for this painting was a photograph taken by myself of the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse when visiting the local area which is at the most southern point of South Africa. This architecture stands very proud on the hillside warning all that pass of the dangers that may lie ahead.
In his own words
How Alan got here
My journey into art and fine art photography started in the year 2019, when I discovered on the internet that a Landscape Photography Course presented by Martin Osner was advertised.
I applied and was accepted together with 2 friends which as I later discovered turned out to be four friends.
At the time, I did not know that a small seed was about to be planted. A seed into the wonderful world of becoming an artist.
It did not take long before I had signed up to participate in Martin's first Art Painting Retreat in Napier from where the class as a whole produced 3 different art pieces which were later framed and hung in the Napier gallery for a short period of time.
The real test took place when Martin's Masterclass students were invited to exhibit some of our works at his IGNITE exhibition at his gallery in Hout Bay.
Although unsuccessful at the Hout Bay exhibition, Martin moved all the exhibition art to his Napier Gallery and ironically, but proudly enough, I managed to sell my very first attempt at painting from the Napier Retreat.
Hooked by the idea of Art, I now attend weekly sessions at a local Art Studio where I have painted one or two paintings, both in acrylic and in watercolour.
I enjoy image transfers and multimedia techniques, but my real love would be painting, using my photographs as a reference.
The path he took
He finished the Masterclass
Alan completed every workshop in the programme. It begins with Getting Started in Art Photography, which is where all of this starts.
Look at Getting StartedThe others
Eighteen more artists
Every creative advisor came the same way, and each one has a page of their own with the work they make now.
See all the creative advisorsAlan’s creative journey began with just one course
Every artist on these pages started at the same place, unsure whether any of it would come to anything. Getting Started in Art Photography is where that begins.
Begin your journey in fine art photography