Born in the Netherlands, immigrated with my family to Australia in 1957. I am predominantly a landscape artist, however still life is increasingly becoming part of my oeuvre.
My paintings are an expression of the environment that I live in.
After completing my Bachelor of Fin Arts, majoring in painting at the National Art Schoo in Darlinghurst, Sydney, I moved to the Northern Rivers Region of NSW, where I completed my Diploma of Education. Since graduating I taught at high schools, visual arts in a casual capacity for 5years.
As a full time practicing artist, drawing is an integral part of creative process. Inspired by the natural world, living in a rural area has allowed me to investigate the ever changing moods of the landscape. While much of my work in rooted in nature, I’ve also revisiting the still life genre, focusing on the principles of creating pleasing compositions through a meticulous approach to values and edges. My main interests lies in exploring colour, light, shadows, shape, space, and texture, constantly challenging myself to arrange objects in compelling and interesting ways.
I love the tactile process of pushing paint around and making marks on canvas, wooden panels and paper. Oil paint is my chosen medium for its lush buttery and rich textural effect. To explore my subjects, l often begin with charcoal on paper, and enjoy plein air painting with gouache for its immediacy, My toolkit extends beyond brushes; l use palette knife, sticks and even feathers to creating bold and subtle marks, aiming to convey an essence of the landscape. This approach intentionally leaves room for the imagination, encouraging viewers to engage in their own process of seeing and connection.
I recently moved to Armidale, NSW permanently and work from my home studio.