Watercolour & Landscape Artist Paddy Starling is arguably one of South Africa’s most popular and sought after artists. His brother who inspired Paddy to depict fly fisherman “reaches” of trout streams and the movement of water influenced his initial interest. This proved to be a winning combination for his love of landscapes and his unique ability to capture water on canvas.
The popularity and critical appeal of his work can be measured by the huge success of his one-man exhibitions. Paddy has held no less than thirty successful solo exhibitions throughout South Africa and Zimbabwe. As well as producing large numbers of commissions he is represented at some of South Africa’s renowned art galleries including the Chris Crake gallery in Johannesburg where his works of art provided much interest at a recent exhibition held in March 2010. Paddy’s work has previously been very popular with private collectors, hotel groups, corporate organisations, and even a former South African President. To date, this interest is still as lively as ever. Paddy now paints from his beautiful home in Betty’s Bay where he resides with Irene, his supportive wife. It is a far cry from when Paddy gave up farming in 1972 in the Lowveld of Zimbabwe and devoted himself to full time painting. More than 38 years later he continues to excel and there appears to be no sign of him stopping.