Darryn's ultimate goal is to capture the essence of life in all its stunning facets and complexities.
Hailing from South Africa and born in 1981, Darryn's love for the natural world was evident from a young age. It was on family excursions into the African bush that he first delved into his talent for drawing wildlife.
Growing up in the Kruger National Park, his family home served as an exceptional starting point for his future.
Darryn explains that by isolating his chosen subject against a single colour backdrop, the only glimpse of their surroundings is reflected in their eyes. This creates an almost cinematic feel and gives the impression that each animal is extending beyond the canvas, bringing them into clear view. Additionally, it not only enhances their lifelike presence but also immerses the viewer in the physical experience of the artwork.
Darryn's mastery of creating lifelike art stems from his meticulous research methods. He gathers reference material on excursions to the bush and breeding centres, which he then utilizes while painting in his studio. Through years of practice, he has honed his skills and techniques, resulting in oil portraits of animals that intricately capture their fur patterns and textures with vivid authenticity.
Darryn has accomplished numerous achievements, earning recognition for his talents and efforts. He has been honoured with awards such as the David Shepherd wildlife artist of the year and the Hirum Blauveldt purchase award. His artistic skill has been showcased as the resident artist of the Leopard Creek Golf Estate, located on the Crocodile River in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Additionally, he has completed two residencies at the Nature in Art museum in Gloucester. Along with using his art to make a positive impact, Darryn has also generously auctioned his work for charitable causes including Room to Read in Zurich and the Backing Borana Trust for rhino conservation.
As his popularity has grown, he has received numerous requests from prestigious game lodges, corporations, and private collectors for commissioned paintings. Notably, his art has been showcased in various international cities such as London, Switzerland, Singapore, and New York, and can now be found in private collections around the globe.
