Jonathan Edwards

Gerda Guldemond Art Studio

Six Friends Paris Inspired
Friday, 6 March 2026 @ 18:00 for sunset at 18:34
To be opened by Robin Wheeler, acclaimed author and speaker

Open day on Saturday, 7 March 2026 @ 11:00 – 15:00
Exhibition dates: 7 March – 4 April 2026 (by appointment Monday – Saturday)

The Gerda Guldemond Art Studio is thrilled to announce its inaugural exhibition, Six Friends
Paris Inspired, bringing together six exceptional artists: Jahni Wasserfall, Thea van
Schalkwyk, Sanna Swart, Dirk Oegema, Jonathan Edwards, and Gerda Guldemond herself.

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Association of Arts Pretoria
Annual Members’ Exhibition 2026

Pieter van Heerden
Director of the Association of Arts Pretoria
extends a hearty welcome

The exhibition will be opened by
Prof Avi Sooful
Former National President of SANAVA
on Saturday 14 February 2026 at 11:00

The gallery is open for viewing from 09:00 to 13:00
Please join us for a glass of wine

Closing Date
Saturday 7 March 2026

Association of Arts Pretoria
173 Mackie Street
Nieuw Muckleneuk
Pretoria

Gallery Hours
Tuesdays to Fridays:  09:00 to 17:00
Saturdays:  09:00 to 13:00

[email protected]
012 346 3100
Pieter van Heerden:  082 774 4390
Nandi Hilliard: 083 288 5117

How the African Landscape Inspires My Abstract Art
There’s something about the African landscape that stays with you.
It’s vast, layered, unpredictable — and has a quiet kind of power that makes you feel small in the best possible way.
As a South African artist, I’ve always felt deeply connected to the land I live in. Not just the sweeping views, but the textures, the surfaces, the light, and the way the natural world seems to move even when it’s standing still.
One place that continues to influence me is the Drakensberg mountains — the cliffs, the valleys, the rock formations. From a distance, they give a sense of freedom, of wildness… and remind me how small and temporary we really are.
But even in that beauty, you can’t ignore the signs of human presence — roads, hotels, buildings, power lines. We shape the land for comfort, often without thinking about the cost.
These thoughts shape my work. My abstract pieces often start with a balance of organic and geometric forms — representing nature and the manmade world. As the work evolves, one may take over the other… just like in life.
Sometimes the result feels harmonious. Other times, it’s full of tension.
Either way, it’s my way of asking:
What does it look like when nature leads?
What happens when we push too far?
Can we move forward with more care?
While we can’t go back to the way things were, I believe we can move forward more thoughtfully — for the planet, for each other, and for generations to come.
If you’re an art lover, curator, or interior designer who’s drawn to work exploring the relationship between people and nature, I’d love to connect.

Blue Growth

H42cm x W59.4cm
H16.54 inches x W23.39 inches.
Limited Edition Print

A captivating interplay of curves and lines, this artwork embodies the fluidity of motion and form.

Having fun with pen on paper, a doodle of the Church of our Lady of Conception (Ferragudo) Algarve. We where privileged to have been able to travel to Portugal recently, muito obrigado Mãe. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Doodle - looking at shapes ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Fields of blue light. H29.7cm x W42cm 11.69 inches x 16.54 inches. Limited Edition Print
This piece embodies the enchanting fusion of sky and earth, where shapes and colors merge in perfect harmony..

Members Exhibition opening this morning at the Pretoria Arts Association. Light source 50cmx 50cm

Light Source
50cm x 50cm | 19.69in x 19.69in
Acrylic on canvas
Embracing the Beauty of Light in Abstract Landscape Paintings
When creating an abstract landscape painting, one of the most powerful elements to consider is the light source. The beauty of such a piece goes beyond the shapes and colours—it’s about how light interacts with the landscape and changes the overall atmosphere. In this artwork, I looked into the contrast between light and dark, exploring how the light source can symbolise hope. The sky becomes a plane of organic, abstract forms, while geometric shapes dominate the land below. It’s this dance between light and shadow that brings the painting to life.
The light source often serves as a beacon of hope or a focal point that guides the viewer’s eye. In my piece, the sky is filled with dark, organic shapes that create an imposing, stormy atmosphere. The light source breaks through, offering a stark contrast. This play of light and dark is what draws the viewer in, inviting them to explore the emotional depth of the artwork.
I chose to incorporate large geometric forms that dominate the lower diagonal surface of the canvas. The spike driven into the plane adds an element of tension, contributing to the overall unease that the painting conveys. The diagonal horizon adds to this unsettling effect, breaking the traditional sense of balance and creating an almost surreal atmosphere.
Yet, despite the looming darkness, the light source provides a glimmer of hope. This visual contrast between the stormy sky and the light is what makes this artwork so compelling. It’s not just about the forms—it’s about the story told through light and shadow.
When I think about creating abstract landscape paintings, the key is in how the artwork communicates emotion. The light source doesn’t just illuminate the scene; it defines the mood of the entire piece. It can represent both the turmoil before a storm and the peace that follows. By playing with shapes, angles, and light, I craft landscapes that speak to the viewer on a deeper level.
On show at the Pretoria Arts Association Members exhibition 15 February 2025