“Why do you keep writing in English when Dutch is your first language?” It’s a fair question. One I hear often — and one I’ve asked myself, too. The simple answer? Because most of the people I speak to online don’t speak Dutch but the real answer goes deeper.
“I’m getting old,” I hear people sigh — sometimes dramatically, sometimes laughing at themselves — usually while standing up, sitting down, or doing something their body no longer agrees with.
We don’t talk enough about how beautiful shitty art really is. You know — the wonky portraits where one eye is suspiciously high, the tree that looks like a fried egg, the sketch you did in 3 minutes that will never see an Instagram post. The stuff that makes you shrug or laugh and say, "Well, there’s that."
Sometimes, a question lingers long after asked. Last week, someone looked over my shoulder while I was painting and asked:“Do you actually follow all those rules? Like putting the eyes one-third down the face?” It made me think and smile. Because no—I don’t paint by the rules in a textbook. It's easy easier than that, I look. I look at people, at expression, at what makes someone them.
Last weekend, I went to London. I saw four shows in three days. One of them? Hamilton, I saw for the sixth time. First time in London, though. The reaction I got when telling this?
I never set out to sell my artwork. For a long time, painting was something I did simply because I loved it. It was personal. Joyful. A way to express stories and emotions I couldn’t put into words. The thought of asking money for something that came so naturally to me honestly never crossed my mind.
People often ask, “Where do you find your inspiration?” It sounds like a simple question. But the answer? Not so simple. The truth is, I’ve learned that inspiration looks different for everyone. There is no formula, and it’s definitely not always graceful. For me, it’s a mix of chaos, curiosity, frustration, and a spark I can’t explain. So I thought I’d share my way—if you’ll share yours.
Understanding Portrait Pricing and What You’re Really Paying For. If you’ve ever wondered how much it costs to have your portrait painted, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get as a portrait artist. The short answer? It depends. But in this post, I’ll walk you through the key factors that influence portrait pricing—so you’ll know exactly what to expect when commissioning a custom piece.
More Than a Likeness: The Heart of a Powerful Portrait. If you've ever looked at a portrait and felt something stir inside you—an emotion, a memory, a sense of connection—then you’ve experienced what I believe makes a good portrait painting.
