Kim Donaldson (South African, b. 1952)

Forty years of traveling the wilderness areas of Africa classifies Kim Donaldson as an adventurer. This ongoing journey has resulted in some of the purest art to ever come from this continent and Kim prides himself in the respect he has earned from his fellow artists. The life he has chosen has not brought him wealth simply because he measures success at a different level. Artist, sculptor and published author are but a few titles he can lay claim to.

For 30 years Kim’s artwork has been exhibited in some of the most prestigious galleries in Europe, Britain and the United States. Fellow exhibitors have included the most celebrated artists of our time. Although he resided in America for many years, he never left his homeland, returning every year for extended safaris to the most remote areas of Africa. His highly acclaimed and award winning book, Africa: An Artist’s Journal, was a direct result of these travels.

The artistic variation of his work illustrates Kim’s need to diversify and challenge himself. The majority of artists work to a formula but Kim does not feel he has to restrict himself to one style or medium. Equally comfortable in oils, acrylics, pastels and three dimensional artworks, he will use any of these mediums to full effect and for any subject matter. The application, too, can vary from realistic to contemporary and all styles that fall in between. Although considered by many to be a wildlife artist, Kim does not like this classification as he considers himself to be a painter of Africa. It just so happens that he is attracted to the birds, beasts, people and wilds of Africa.

Following his award-winning book, Africa, An Artist's Journal, Kim Donaldson relocated to Houston, Texas to be closer to family, and has embarked on a second art publication. The upcoming Lone Star Legacy Ranches book is a visual recording of the very ranches that have helped to define Texas as we know it today. While illustrating the visual beauty and intricacies, this book will also highlight the relevance of the history, current objectives and views on custodianship and conservation that each ranch holds.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2005 Spirit of Africa, Halcyon Gallery, London, United Kingdom

2003 After the Journal, Call of Africa Gallery, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
2002 Africa: An Artist’s Journal Book Launch, Halcyon Gallery, London, United Kingdom
1996 Solo, Call of Africa Gallery, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
1995 Solo, Call of Africa Gallery, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
1994 Solo, Halcyon Gallery ICC, Birmingham, United Kingdom
1993 Solo, Bedford Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa
1992 Impressions of Africa, Halcyon Gallery, Birmingham, United Kingdom
1991 Solo, Everard Read Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa
1991 Wilderness Impressions, Tryon Gallery, London, United Kingdom
1990 Africa through the Seasons, Halcyon Gallery, Birmingham, United Kingdom
1989 Solo, Quay Gallery, United Kingdom
1989 Solo, Everard Read Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa
1989 African Wildlife Impressions, Tryon Gallery, London, United Kingdom
1988 Read Stremmel Gallery, San Antonio, Texas
1987 Everard Read Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa
1986 Godalming Galleries, United Kingdom
1976-86 14 one man exhibitions, South Africa

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

1983 King Gallery, New York, New York

1982 Safari Club Internation Las Vegas Nevada
1979 SA Watercolour Association London, United Kingdom
1979 SA Watercolour Association Durer House, Germany
1976-83 16 group exhibitions, South Africa

Kim Donaldson

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