Notes

Known for his depictions of wild animals and wide-open landscapes, Zakkie Eloff’s work is characterised by his realistic portrayal of animal behaviour and the subtleties of nature. His skill in capturing the movement and form of animals coupled with his sensitivity in dealing with the light and shadow are hallmarks of his unique ability to convey the impression and mood of a landscape.

In 1962, while teaching at Pretoria Technical College, Eloff was invited by Bernabé de la Bat, the then Director of Nature Conservation in South West Africa (now Namibia), to visit the Etosha National Park. He was subsequently offered the position of an itinerant game ranger, affording him the opportunity to study the wildlife and their natural behaviour at close range. Beginning his time in Etosha at Otjovasandu, his area of focus stretched from Springbokfontein to Homob in the west, and from the pan’s edge to the far southern border of the reserve. Carrying his sketchbook with him as he traversed the area, Eloff developed his skill and style as a draughtsman; and although he went on to work with a range of media, all his work was derived from his nature sketches.

After six months in Otjovasandu Eloff and his wife, Rene Eloff, moved to Halali, where they lived for the remainder of their time in Namibia before moving to White River in 1969. Eloff continued to return to Etosha as often as possible for inspiration, with the Etosha landscape remaining a strong influence in his work.