About me
During the early 90s I started with photography and developed my own film. It gave me a new look on the landscape and taught me to think creatively about ordinary subjects. Later, at the beginning of a new century I took up the brush, painting freely and trying to find new ways to capture imagery.
I've studied with great painters like, Greg Allen, Joseph Zbukvic and Henk Huig. I've also taken the time to study great Dutch Masters of which we have so many of their paintings & drawings here in Holland. Rembrandt, Vermeer, van Gogh, 19th century painters such as Israels, Schelfhout, and Vreedenburgh.
For me the challenge is to capture what is in front of me by using as much character as possible and try to combine all of that with the spontaneity and freedom of watercolor brush strokes. Those two things combined are hard work and always a great challenge.
As you might notice my landscapes have - I admit it - a touch of romance. I can't resist using watercolor as a medium to capture these wonderful places. Watercolor paint is a perfect means to do this. Its sensitivity combined with the speed of water provides the painter enormous spontaneity.
My oils tend to emphasize certain design elements and detailing of shapes. It is this contrast between spontaneity of watercolors and the deliberateness of oils that I really enjoy working with.
As a basis for all of my work are numerous drawings, sketches and photoshopped photographs. However, it is drawing that ultimately brings your work to a higher level and provides you with a solid backbone for creative painting.
Apart from studio work in Haarlem, I like to travel and record spots and places outdoors. Outdoor painting and sketch work provides an ultimate challenge to get something going in a limited amount of time. Conditions are never the same and the experience is precious.