By PETER MUIRURI
Kenyaâs glorious wildlife and landscapes are reaching a big attraction in the world stage because of the mastery of talented Daniel Njoroge.
Njoroge, an accomplished artist who specialises in painting wildlife, Kenyan landscapes in watercolours and oil on canvas, has his paintings hang on State House walls and Parliament buildings among prominent public and private locations. He sees art as a means of expressing our rich cultural and social African diversity.
"Our African cultural heritage is well depicted in art. Here we live with animals and share their habitat. As African artists, it is our duty to safeguard our diminishing cultural values," says the painter.
Finese: Like wine, a good piece of art matures with age [Photo: Standard]
He is currently working on pieces that will showcase all the different Kenyan communities in their natural elements.
When Njoroge looks back to where he has come from, it is like a dream come true.
His story starts in Mukangu, Embu County, 53 years ago.
His father was an accomplished artist who like others in his era never knew he could make money out of art. Like his father, Njoroge took a keen interest in art early in life filling his tiny room with sketches of cats, dogs and anything else that his hands could fancy.
Not all gloom
The budding painter faced tough hurdles early in life. Like other children his age, his desire was to excel in education and achieve his childhood dreams. This was not to be as he dropped out of school due to lack of fees. Fortunately, a teacher in the school later decided to assist him financially and young Njoroge was back in class.
By the time he finished his elementary schooling, Njoroge was already a proficient painter participating in art competitions in his home area and winning prizes.
