PARADISE EXPANDED
Impressions from Camilla’s Garden
University of Pretoria, South Africa, 2025
Oil Pastel on paper
In February, I spent ten days in Pretoria, immersed in drawing my dear friend Camilla’s lush garden, the trees that line her street, and the foliage of Pretoria University’s campus. These pencil sketches captured the essence of a place alive with warmth and movement.
These nine works mark the beginning of the Paradise Expanded series. As spring slowly unfolds in Denmark, I continue working on new pastels, allowing the changing seasons to further shape the series.
'Paradise Expanded', no. 7, 2025, 42 x 30 cm
'Paradise Expanded', no. 9, 2025, 42 x 30 cm
'Paradise Expanded', no. 2, 2025, 42 x 30 cm
'Paradise Expanded', no. 5, 2025, 42 x 30 cm
'Paradise Expanded', no. 8, 2025, 42 x 30 cm
'Paradise Expanded', no. 3, 2025, 42 x 30 cm
'Paradise Expanded', no. 4, 2025, 42 x 30 cm
'Paradise Expanded', no. 6, 2025, 42 x 30 cm
'Paradise Expanded', no. 1, 2025, 42 x 30 cm
PARADISE EXPANDED
My wish is to return to Pretoria in October to witness the Jacaranda trees in full bloom. This time, I hope to stay longer and paint Paradise Expanded on-site, immersing myself fully in the landscape. Working directly in the presence of these magnificent trees will allow the series to evolve organically, shaped by the rich colors, shifting light, and atmosphere of Pretoria in spring. Simply a homage to our shared planet.