Joshua Neethling is more than modest about his artistic talent. He has only been painting for three years, and his work is nothing short of amazing.
Neethling, who has most recently lived near Vankleek Hill, is soon to complete Grade 10 at École secondaire publique Le Sommet in Hawkesbury, has taken oil painting lessons from instructor Linda Scott-Harris for the past three years. The results could easily fool the viewer into thinking the paintings were done by an older, much more experienced artist.
But, for Neethling, art is purely recreational.
“I was just doing it for fun. I’m still kind of doing it for fun.”
“I just see it as a hobby to be honest.”
The artist said his friends are supportive of his hobby and he often paints for them.
Neethling is considering other possible post-secondary studies and career options, including ophthalmology. In fact, the only time his paintings were displayed in a gallery were two times when student art from Le Sommet was featured at Centre culturel Le Chenail in Hawkesbury, including most recently on Wednesday, June 3.
Neethling and Scott-Harris have become good friends during the past three years.
“I really like my lesson with Linda every Friday,” Neethling said.
However, those weekly lessons and school at Le Sommet will soon be ending for Neethling. Due to his father’s employment, the family is relocating to near Raleigh, North Carolina just three days after Joshua writes his last examination for the soon-to-end school year. His mother Michelle did say the relocation is only temporary though and they plan to return to this region in two years.
Paintings by Joshua Neethling. Photos: James Morgan
