Across The Donga: A Painting Inspired by Klaarstroom
Across The Donga, the painting I made after our visit to Klaarstroom, is a reflection of that quiet beauty and the deep sense of connection I felt with the landscape. In this piece, I focused on a specific scene that caught my eye during my early morning walk — a donga, or dry riverbed, cutting through the vast Karoo plains with a part of the village on the opposite side. The scene was simple, yet it held a quiet power. The light of the early morning casting long shadows, the earth rich with texture, and the Swarberg mountain backdrop dominant, even in the soft glow of low light and long shadows.
Unlike most of my previous works, where I use a great deal of artistic license, Across The Donga is a more literal portrayal of the scene. I worked closely from the photographs I took during our stay, allowing the details of the land to guide me more closely than usual. The ruggedness of the donga, the texture of the soil, and the way the light played on the earth in the foreground and mountain backdrop, became the focal point of the piece. It’s a portrayal of the Karoo that is both grounded and personal, hopefully capturing the essence of the place as I experienced it — a place that is raw, beautiful, and, at times, haunting.
This painting serves as a reminder of the simplicity and beauty of Klaarstroom, the surrounding landscape, and the profound impact it had on me during our short stay. The quiet, tranquil atmosphere of the town gave me the space to reconnect with my creative process, and I’m grateful for that. Across The Donga is more than just a painting; it’s a reflection of my time in Klaarstroom that day and night, a place that continues to inspire me even long after we left.
Klaarstroom and its desolate surrounds is truly an artists paradise, particularly if you love the remote Karoo as I do. There will undoubtedly be more Bonney acrylic on canvas renditions of Klaarsroom and surrounds in the foreseeable future.
Klaarstroom—A Hidden Gem in the Karoo
On our journey back to Clarens from a visit to our children and grandchildren in Cape Town, we decided to break up the long drive with an overnight stay in this charming little town, nestled in the heart of the Karoo region of South Africa. Situated on the doorstep of the breathtaking Meiringspoort pass through the Swartberg Mountains, Klaarstroom is a place that captures the essence of rural tranquility.
We stayed at the Klaarstroom Hotel, a welcoming and comfortable stopover that felt like a home away from home. The town itself is small, with only a few thousand residents, and the hotel perfectly mirrors the relaxed pace of life here. It was the kind of place where you could truly unwind, and that’s exactly what we did.
Warm Hospitality and Cozy Comfort
Despite being the only guests that night, the warmth of the hospitality made us feel like part of the family. The staff went above and beyond, even lighting a fire in the cozy lounge just for us. After a long day of travel, there’s something incredibly special about settling into a comfortable chair by a crackling fire with a hot drink in hand. The intimate setting, paired with the personalized attention, made the experience feel exceptional.
Dinner was simple but satisfying—delicious, home-cooked food that hit the spot after a long day on the road. It wasn’t five-star dining, but it didn’t need to be. The focus was on flavor, warmth, and making guests feel welcome. After dinner, the lounge was the perfect place to relax, chat, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The staff's attention to detail really stood out, and it was clear they took pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere for travelers.
A Photographer’s Paradise
The weather during our stay was perfect—clear skies and cool temperatures that made for ideal photography conditions. I was fortunate enough to catch the golden hour that evening, with the fading light casting a magical glow over the Karoo landscape. Early the next morning, I was up with the sun to capture the morning light in all its glory. The beauty of the surrounding landscape, with its rugged mountains and vast, open plains, provided endless inspiration.
The photos I took that evening and morning became a creative highlight of the trip. The quiet time spent in Klaarstroom gave me the space to recharge creatively, and I came away with a sense of motivation and renewal that carried me through the rest of our journey. The landscape and the time spent in the town were truly invaluable for both my artistic and personal well-being.
A Hidden Gem Worth Visiting
Klaarstroom may be a small town, but it’s rich in charm and natural beauty, and the Klaarstroom Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet and restful stay. Whether you’re passing through on your way to explore the Karoo or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, this little town and its warm hospitality will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.