Derek Kent

Derek was born and educated in England. He studied at Bromley College of arts in England and was in the printing industry for 34 years. His skills as a printer helped in his development of illustrations in black and white and used the subtle dyes of his trade for shading effects. He developed a steady hand after years of training as a colour re-toucher. Whilst living in England he commenced studies in oil painting. On immigrating to South Africa in 1971 he further developed his black and white pen drawings seeking out the South African scenes. He became aware of the deeper richer colours of Africa and his oil paintings took on the brilliant colours all around him. He had successful exhibitions in Durban and local art shows. He spent many hours studying the sea and seascapes were to become his favourite subject. In 1980 he immigrated to Melbourne. Australia. He joined the Australian Guild of Realist Artists in 1988 and it was through attending many workshops he was able to absorb the intriguing methods used in watercolour. Derek went on to produce many water colours one of which received a highly commended at a rotary exhibition held in Melbourne and was subsequently sold.