ABOUT | Chris Lochner

Chris resides in the southern Overberg, surrounded by the inspiring diversity of the Cape Floristic Region. After completing a BSc at the University of Stellenbosch in 2011 he became interested in the field of scientific illustration.

The opportunity for tuition came with a botanical illustration workshop taught by Vicki Thomas at Stellenbosch in 2014, followed by further private classes. Chris was hooked and has been painting since then. He began to exhibit in 2015 and has taken part in group-exhibitions at Kirstenbosch, the Irma Stern Museum and Everard Read in Johannesburg.

In 2018 Chris was invited to participate in the Grootbos Florilegium and in 2019 he became resident artist at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Along with painting for the Florilegium, he has played a coordinating role in the project and is privileged to spend time in the fynbos and to work closely with the artists involved in the project.

Watercolour is his main medium and he most enjoys painting dry plant matter with its accentuated forms and limited, but vibrant, palette of colours.

“Traditional botanical art focuses on the defining characteristics of plants. I prefer to depict subject matter with all its inherent flaws and to sometimes change scale in order to reveal detail that is otherwise hidden. The interplay of order and chaos, complexity and simplicity, makes organic matter very appealing and the recognition of beauty in its transience and imperfection informs my work. I hope that my paintings will inspire viewers to look closer and appreciate these qualities in plants and all parts of nature, animate and inanimate.”