"I’m a bit of a visual magpie. I start with sketches that can turn into representational drawings."

Artist Allen Wittert paints in an expressive style that blends abstraction and figuration. Born in South Africa, his artistic journey began with a passion for cartooning. He taught himself to draw by copying comic books and the modern art prints that filled his childhood home. This fusion of influences led to his distinctive, stylized approach. Over the years, Allen's style has evolved as he traveled and lived in places as diverse as England, California, Texas, and Portugal. When not making art, Allen spends his time reading, biking, and watching TV shows.

In this interview, Allen talks about his process, inspirations, and evolution as an artist.

Where are you based now?

I’m an artist who recently made a home in Portugal after stints in the U.S. and England. Here, I’ve found the luxury of space—space for a studio, a small gallery, and maybe one day a little art hub where others can join in for workshops. I’m a fan of the coastline here—no, I don’t surf (yet!), but I do love the beach. I’m also a bit of a foodie, enjoying the local cuisine without breaking the bank and indulging in the occasional drop of Portuguese wine.

What are you most proud of—whether in art or another part of your life?

I’m proud, firstly, of my two sons, who live in London. I’m proud, if that’s the word, in that I’ve been lucky enough or single-minded to have been allowed to chase my artistic obsessions all my life. I started out wanting to be a professional cartoonist and illustrator, and I made that happen. I worked in advertising as a storyboard artist and made a good living from it. Eventually, I transitioned into painting full-time, and that’s been an ongoing adventure. Moving to Portugal is just the latest chapter, and I think it’s going to add a new dimension to my work.

Do you have any studio rituals that help you get into a creative flow?

Sketching is my daily ritual. It’s like my warm-up exercise. Even a quick sketch session can get the creative juices flowing. It’s my way of getting into the zone before I start painting.

How do you structure your day?

I’m not one for rigid schedules. My only real rule is to get up by 8:30. After that, the day tends to flow around whatever project I’m immersed in. Some days are all about painting; others are more about planning or just letting new ideas percolate.

Where do you find inspiration for your art?

Inspiration is everywhere for me—from the comics and cartoons I loved as a kid to the natural beauty of Portugal. I have this habit of seeing shapes and faces in everyday objects—tiles, shadows, you name it. It’s almost like a visual game that I can’t switch off.

Tell us about your evolution as an artist.

I started as a kid who couldn’t stop drawing. For a long time, I didn’t even think about paint—just line work. In my thirties, I started exploring color and eventually moved into painting. My background as a storyboard artist in South Africa, and later my travels, all fed into my style. I began showing and selling my paintings in 2000, and I’ve been chasing it ever since.

How do you decide when an artwork is finished?

“Finished” is a flexible concept for me. I stop when it feels right at that moment, but I’m known to revisit pieces months later and rework them. So “finished” is really just a temporary pause.

What is the most interesting observation someone has made about your work?

There have been many interesting comments, and each one adds a new layer of meaning to what I do. I love hearing how people see things in my work that I didn’t consciously put there—it’s like they’re finishing the painting with their own imagination.

Is there an artwork from another artist that has had a significant impact on you?

Seeing Willem de Kooning’s large abstract paintings in person—at the Tate Modern, I believe—was a game-changer for me. The scale, the energy, the sheer physicality of his brushwork just blew me away. Picasso is another major influence—his ability to reinvent the human form in endlessly creative ways is something I continually draw inspiration from.

What’s your favorite museum?

The Musée d’Orsay in Paris stands out for me. It’s a former train station turned gallery, and the combination of its grand architecture with a blend of classical and modern art left a big impression on me.

Is there anything else you’d like to share to help viewers better understand your work?

I’m a bit of a visual magpie. I start with sketches that can turn into representational drawings, and then I might abstract them completely.

Discover more artist features on UGallery

If you enjoyed this article about Allen Wittert's life and artwork, we recommend reading about John Jaster's Pop Art.