R.E. PENNING art critic:

There is no bravado or dashing brushstrokes, but the artist proves his refinement and his keen observation of character in atmosphere. A typical example for his procedure is the portrait of the flute-player Govert Jurriaanse in action with a studied composition, a subtle colouring, with the figure contrasting against a delicate grey-green background, with the ivory sheet as a basis and the silver flute as a diagonal element. The character of Dick Stapel’s portraiture is defined by his light touch and his refined application of colours.