HERMAN'S STORY
Herman Pekel was born to Dutch parents in Melbourne, Victoria in 1956.
The art teachers of Herman’s youth, Roger Webber, Ernest Buckmaster and Lance McNeill were all primarily oil painters, but the experience of painting with them on location left a strong impression on Herman, giving him the freedom of spontaneity and leaving him an intuitive painter, ultimately working from the light source.
Herman painted spasmodically until 1981 before commencing a Fine Arts degree at RMIT and studying under Dale Hickey and Jeff Makin. Like many young artists Herman experimented for a time with abstract expressionism, but he is now well known for his oils and watercolours. Herman is an artist of energy and enthusiasm. He is able to see a painting in almost any subject matter and is capable of producing award winning work in oil, watercolour or gouache.
Environmental issues are a great concern to Herman and his love of the landscape reflects that in almost everything he paints. He produces paintings of strong design and powerful impact - every brushstroke vibrant and visible. The scope of Herman’s work has ranged from dynamic industrial scenery to soft, draped interiors and broad Australian landscapes, which indicates the creatively fearless nature of this unique artist.
"From the age of 12, I was addicted to paint: its tactile quality, the smell, and the feel. Forty years later, I am still obsessed. The subject, for him, is of less consequence than the simple act of applying paint. As long as the shapes within the picture plane harmonize with one another, the obsession can continue."
​His tonal works, in oil and watercolour, range from city and landscapes to café and bar interiors to dynamic industrial scenery. They all demonstrate the very best of contemporary impressionism.
He skillfully captures the beauty and essence of the Australian bush in his paintings. His work reflects a deep connection to the natural landscapes, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of colors and textures. Each brushstroke tells a story, evoking a sense of wonder and appreciation for the stunning Australian scenery.
​
Herman was 17 when he held his first solo exhibition in Melbourne: it was a sell-out success.
Herman is a multi-awarded painter: a three-time winner of the coveted Camberwell Gold Medal Art Prize and a winner of the prestigious Alice Bale Award in 1989 and 1993.
His works are featured in several books: ‘Australian Impressionist and Realist Artists’, compiled by Tom Roberts and which features Australian artists, ‘120 Years of Watercolours’ by the Australian Realist Artists, ‘Artists and Galleries of Australia and New Zealand’ by Max Germaine, and ‘Profile on Contemporary Watercolours’.
