Gerrit Roon

Gerrit Roon | 1937–2017

Gerrit Roon was a Dutch-born South African artist whose energetic landscapes are instantly recognisable for their bold colour, strong texture and expressive handling of paint.

Born in the Netherlands in 1937, Roon settled in South Africa in 1958, where the country’s dramatic scenery and intense natural light became central to his work. Without following a conventional academic path, he developed a highly individual approach to painting, building his reputation through observation, experimentation and years of dedicated practice.

Working mainly in oil, Roon used vigorous brushwork and thick applications of paint to create richly textured surfaces. His style carries a strong Post-Impressionist influence, with colour often heightened for emotional effect. Up close, his works can feel almost abstract; from further away, the scene comes together with remarkable clarity and atmosphere.

His subjects included Table Mountain, Highveld landscapes, blue gums, rural homesteads, harbours and fishing boats, reflecting a broad fascination with South African scenery.

Roon also contributed to the local art community as a founding member of the Artists Market, supporting greater visibility for working artists.

Today, his paintings remain popular with collectors and continue to appear on the South African secondary market.

The Art Collective is proud to offer a selection of original works by Gerrit Roon.