Douglas Portway

Douglas Portway (1922-1993) was a South African artist who made significant contributions to the art world. He studied at the Witwatersrand Technical College and later taught painting at Wits University. In 1959, he emigrated to Europe, living in Spain before finally settling in St Ives, Cornwall.

Portway's mature style is marked by the application of thin layers upon layers of oil paint on canvas, often drawn over or scratched back to reveal the underlying layers. His work features a subtle, reduced palette, occasionally contrasted with bright areas of saturated color. His friendship with fellow artist Louis Maqhubela profoundly influenced both artists, leading them to explore their spiritual interests inspired by the philosophies of Paul Klee and Zen Buddhism.