Painting The Fynbos | Lynne and John M.T. Seitzer

What is the Fynbos (fayne-boss)? It is the smallest floral kingdom in the world. The Southern tip of Africa is its home. From a distance this dry land appears quite unimpressive. The colors seem drab and lifeless. Upon closer inspection its true beauty is revealed. Over 9000 indigenous species hail from this area which is about the size of Portugal. Exploring vast areas of this diverse ecosystem required feet on the ground. Lynne and John M.T.Seitzer traversed many miles of this hilly to mountainous scrub land along side of Susan Schadler and often accompanied by a very knowledgeable guide, Frank Woodvine. They took reference photographs as they walked.

Susan had a dream to write a picture book to allow people (children ages 2 to 92) to explore this unique remote area vicariously. The book, Come Walk in the Fynbos With Me, is the result of a 3+ year collaboration combining her story with the Seitzer’s paintings. Creating paintings to suit the words and words to suit the paintings involved the sharing of ideas, finding compromise when necessary and remaining flexible.

With thousands of beautiful paintable subjects and far too many for an introduction to the fynbos the selection process began. They spent weeks making decisions and editing them to hundreds and ultimately  to just under forty. At this point a final list of illustrations was compiled. Susan then verified the names of the species, often consulting with the guide they had worked with in South Africa.

    The process of deciding who would paint which image began. Their collaborative efforts went well. Lynne and John each painted half of the chosen images. The challenging work of interpreting photo references together with visual memories began. Often several plant species were incorporated into each 18 x 24 oil painting allowing more of the Fynbos to be experienced. Twelve months later the paintings were complete and ready to be digitally recorded. These files were then sent to the publisher along with Susan’s final draft. Months later the book was in our hands.

It is a beautiful book. Come see the original paintings which are on display in the upper gallery at the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, (4 Oak St. Boothbay Harbor) for the month of July.

 Books are available from Joy To The Wind Gallery at 34 Atlantic Avenue, Boothbay Harbor, 207-633-7025 and at  susanschadler.com.

An Artist and Author Reception will be held at the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library on Friday, July 20th from 530-7 pm. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served and the art and books will be available for purchase and signing. The Art is available for viewing during library hours: 10am -4:30pm Tues,, Thurs, Friday and Saturday and Wednesdays from 10-7pm.    207-633-3112