As a Dutch artist specializing in fine arts, I graduated in 2007 from the Academy of Fine Arts (ArtEZ, The Netherlands) with a dual major in education and drawing. While my artistic journey began with a focus on drawing, I have expanded my practice to oil painting. My work is deeply influenced by the masters of the Dutch Golden Age as well as the alla prima techniques of the Impressionists.
Although the techniques I’m using can be classified as classic or traditional, I combine these with modern ease and with a notion of the negative environmental impact of oil paint by using more natural products. My artistic growth into oil paint resulted in a teacher position at Art Partout: the Realistic Fine Arts Academy in The Netherlands and an art business in commissioned and non-commissioned artwork. Recently, I moved to Mornington as a permanent resident where I’m now fully dedicated to my art work. This transformative decision has inspired my work, drawing from the breathtaking natural beauty of Victoria and marking a significant milestone in my personal and artistic journey.
Creativity and curiosity flows through my veins, combined with a deep rooted affinity for nature and outdoors. This mix creates an abundance in my life, driving me to discover uncharted territories. (e.g. new styles/techniques) and embrace the unknown by e.g. relocating from The Netherlands to the stunning Bunurong Land*/ Mornington Peninsula, southeast of Melbourne, Australia.
Preferably I paint with a loose touch, although some paintings require more patience and more details. Somehow I navigate between impressionism and realism. I begin with a raw emotion, an observation, a movement or scene, creating a painting that often surprises even me. It is the harmonious collaboration of heart, head, hands & paint, requiring dedicated time and full attention.
I find inspiration in moments of beauty—what I refer to as "glimmers". Glimmers are fleeting moments of profound beauty, sparks of joy and peace that gift your soul. The sun shining through tree branches, misty mornings in the forest, a reflection in a water pond, a wave that breaks on the beach, dramatic clouds during golden hour. My hope is that my work serves as a glimmer of joy and peace, reminding us of the beauty that exists in our world.
I am well aware that it is a privilege to focus my mind on glimmers, while others are surrounded by triggers and living in places of suffering. I have a deeply rooted belief that we must expose the beauty of nature and life as an everlasting reminder of how beautiful the world could be.
*I acknowledge the Bunurong / Boon Wurrung people, the traditional custodians of these lands and waters of which I work and gather, and pay out respect to elders past, present and emerging. I feel privileged and grateful that I may live here for a while.
gather, and pay out respect to elders past, present and emerging. I feel privileged and grateful that I may live here for a while. | 
