ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - A large painting by George artist Kevin van Niekerk, a beautiful rendering of British singer and songwriter Calum Scott, will soon be travelling to the UK - in the possession of the artwork's subject.

Scott, who became widely known after winning the 2015 Britain's Got Talent contest, is on tour in South Africa. 

Van Niekerk's painting features him, his mother, Debbie, as well as Whitney Houston, whose song, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody", he re-released last year, more than a decade after the singer's death. 

Scott's reinterpretation of the song was a duet with Houston and was recorded using her vocal stems (an audio file containing her voice).

The painting, measuring 1.6m x 1.2m, was handed over to Scott in the Kfm 94.5 studio on Tuesday 13 January, when the singer was having an interview with The Flash Drive presenter Carl Wastie. 

A video recording was made so that Van Niekerk was also able to experience the moment. Says Van Niekerk: "Calum's mum was also in the studio for the handover, and she burst into tears. It was very special."

Van Niekerk used his special coffee stain technique in the painting, the second one he has created for the singer. The first one was handed over during Scott's previous tour of the country three years ago. "Calum then wanted another painting, but also featuring his mum and Whitney," says Van Niekerk.

When the canvas was rolled open in the studio, Scott bantered: "My favourite drink. What an incredible artwork and what a talent you have. I can look at it and enjoy it, and I'm going to wet it, wring it out and have a coffee with it. Thank you so much."

Calum Scott admires the painting. Photo: Video screengrab

Debbie is accompanying Scott on his current tour, and he is quick to give her recognition for her part in his upbringing and support for his career. 

"My dad was not around when we grew up, so Mum has filled the boots of both parents, and she's done it so beautifully. I think the way she's raised me and my sister permeates into my music and into how I am with my fans, and now it comes back full circle. Now I get to take Mum everywhere, and look after her and bring her to see the world."

He said it is special to be able to give her a hug before and after a stage performance, and to see her in the crowd.

The close connection between mother and son is demonstrated by Van Niekerk in the painting with two hands joined together, Debbie's hand being identified by the tattoo she has in real life.

"The connection between Whitney and Calum is reflected by the black and white paint I used to portray them singing together. It took me about four days to complete the painting. The parts where I used coffee-staining were done in several layers, and each had to dry in the sun before the next layer was added. I then finished off with a sealant.

"It was really special for me. Calum says he has never received anything like it from anyone on his singing tours."

Van Niekerk is in regular contact with Wastie, and the latter had let him know that Scott was to visit the Kfm studio. Arrangements were then made for the handover to be done there.

The artist has painted numerous well-known South Africans like David Kramer and sports heroes like swimmer Roland Schoeman and cricketer Fanie de Villiers. The latter approached him last year to request a new painting of himself, also in the coffee stain style.

Van Niekerk is a Georgian born and bred. "I grew up playing in the dusty streets of Pacaltsdorp. When it became time to go to high school, I chose George High, because they offered art."

After matric, he studied art at the former PE Technikon and returned to George to dedicate himself to his art full-time. "I never wanted to be a teacher, until one day George High phoned and asked if I could help out temporarily with the art classes. On my first day in front of a class, I explained and demonstrated something to the children. When I saw their response, something triggered in me, and I was hooked."

Calum and his mother, Debbie, in an interview with Carl Wastie in the Kfm studio. Photo: Video screengrab

So he kept on working at the school while completing his education studies part-time. He spent two fulfulling decades at George High until he was snatched up three years ago by the Western Cape Education Department's Eden office to step into a new role as district art curriculum adviser.

"I'm extremely happy in this position. Before, I was limited to a class of 40 learners at a time where I could perhaps inspire one child, but now, I can impart inspiration to many more and train teachers whose impact can spread wider. 

"I still get the opportunity to stand in front of classes, so I can still show the children one can live one's dream, no matter where you come from. In my young days, I used to ride my bicycle to places like Vic Bay to work on paintings, my paints and brushes in a basket on the back. There wasn't any other transport."

And while Van Niekerk continues to spread love of and inspiration for art, his wife, Verenay, fully supports him. "I'm very lucky, because she never minds me spending a lot of my free time on my art."

His cup indeed runs over when his three children, also interested in art, join him in his studio to paint away alongside their dad.

Kevin adds the finishing touches to his painting. Photo supplied

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