Van Zyl paints aspects of himself by means of painting his environment. Although his paintings reflect restrained, but unmistakable passion, Van Zyl doesn’t paint his feelings directly – he paints what attracts his eye and the emotions and experiences that lie behind.
He offers the viewer a process of discovery, an examination of what exists in his surroundings, in particular times and places. This commitment to looking is part of what makes his small unassuming paintings such a source of continuing engagement for those who have interest and ability to also look at what van Zyl sees.