When the late Jeff Chandler died, the Durban visual arts world lost a true luminary. His equally-talented wife, artist Pascale, was left to bring up their son Claude.

Claude Chandler sold his first piece of art at the tender age of seven, reports artist Usha Naidu – a ceramic plate which was bought by a fashion designer with a good eye for talent.

Last Sunday, Claude held his first exhibition at The Bloomsberries Coffee Shop at Burgess Nursery in Westville. He dedicated this exhibition to his late father.

“Claude credits his talented and well-known parents for his gift, citing them as the inspiration for his work,” says Usha. “He remembers fondly the words of his late Dad: No son of mine must ever become an artist! His Dad's disillusion stemmed from the fact that artists struggle financially to make a living out of their creativity, yet at age 15, Claude has already sold many pieces and his artworks grace homes abroad in London and New York. Claude loves painting and his interest lies in painting portraits.”

A Glenwood High School student, he has already been commissioned by over 30 teachers at the school to paint their portraits. However, he is also proficient in painting still life forms and working in chalk and other mediums.