How would I want to be remembered after leaving this world ...
as an artist that stood in awe of the natural beauty of our planet Earth, that respected every tiny detail thereof and absorbed, learned and tried to understand nature. I want to leave knowing that my paintings are an ongoing remembrance of my love for nature and that it will inspire others to appreciate and love our planet.
I read somewhere that it is not whether you have the ability to draw or paint, but to be able to "see" and to understand that "what" you see, is important.
I believe anyone can learn to draw. It is a skill that can be developed through practice but to be able to 'see' and understand how things work, then put dimension to it - that is something totally different, something that is born from deep within an artist.
I do not like to fill the canvas with a portrait of an animal, but prefer telling a story or creating a possible scenario that shows off the animals in their environment. If possible, I like to encourage the viewer or client to decide whether the story in the painting makes sense and whether the scenario is possible or probable. Needless to say, I like to be correct in the scenarios that I create on canvas, which is why I study the environment as well as the animals.
In virtually every piece I include small interesting objects like guinea fowl feathers, porcupine quills or butterflies: even if just one of its wings.
I would like to continue painting for as long as we have the beauty of nature around us and will always strive for improvement in my work. I do not know how my work will evolve, but this I do know ... it will always be an honour to share my talent with the public.
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