Drawing lies close to student’s heart

Many might say the skill and talent to draw is inborn while others think it can be taught.

For Allan Shonhiwa (23), drawing is rooted in his veins. He was born with the ability to sketch and create beautiful images.

“I grew up drawing different things, mostly cars and trees. Through that I realised I had a talent,” said Shonhiwa.

“It wasn’t a surprise for family members when they realised I could draw. My father can draw and my grandfather was also into the arts.”

The youngster started drawing at a young age. However, it was only in 2014 when he started to focus more on portraits, testing his skills on drawing people.

“I used to draw everything else besides people. Later on, I paid close attention to the work of other artists who drew people. This inspired me and so I decided to try it out,” explained Shonhiwa.

“I also watch YouTube videos that show how best to draw portraits and have learnt how the basic sketch works.”

Drawing is not the only thing close to his heart. He is a third-year electrical engineering student at the University of Pretoria (UP).

Shonhiwa told Express he loves what he is studying because, like art, it requires creativity and innovation. “For me to possess both is a great balance. I have one more year to finish the four-year degree.”

The local artist will never let go of his talent. “My dad kind of lost interest in art and drawing, but I will forever cherish and embrace it because I love it,” he said.

“I also look at it as a form of investment.”

Shonhiwa is inspired by the ability to produce something that is appreciated by the people who see his work as helping them have “a good feeling that comes from within”.

He says he wants to see how far this will go.

“I love stretching myself which is one of the reasons I love portrait because it is one of the hardest things to do. If you can draw portraits then you can easily draw anything.”

On average, it takes Shonhiwa seven to eight hours to complete work on a portrait.