About the Artist
About Renate van Nijen
I believe every woman deserves to be seen. That belief lies at the heart of everything I create.
For almost forty years, I've worked as a professional artist, creating expressive paintings that explore not only beauty, but also emotion, resilience and the stories that connect us. Alongside my work as an artist, I've written eleven books, because storytelling has become just as important to me as painting.
I'm an internationally exhibited Dutch artist, writer and teacher, living in the beautiful seaside village of La Herradura in southern Spain. From my studio overlooking the Mediterranean, I spend my days painting, eaching art, writing and researching the remarkable women who helped shape the history of art.
My latest book, The HeArt of Paris, grew out of nearly two years of research into the women who helped shape the Paris art world between 1850 and 1940. Artists, muses, collectors, patrons, writers and visionaries whose influence was enormous, yet whose names are often missing from history.
That research didn't end with the book.
It became an ongoing journey.
Today I'm continuing to uncover and paint the lives of women connected to the Paris art world between 1840 and 1968, bringing their stories back into the light through both words and paint.
Every Thursday I introduce one of these remarkable women in my Substack, sharing the fascinating, inspiring and sometimes surprising stories of artists, muses, collectors, patrons, dancers, gallery owners and other extraordinary women who helped shape the cultural world we know today. Some are well known. Many are not. Every one of them deserves to be remembered.
The more I learn about these women, the more convinced I become that their stories are not only about history. Again and again they reflect questions many women still ask today.
Do I matter? Is my voice worth hearing? Am I allowed to take up space?
Through my paintings, writing and teaching, I hope to inspire women not only to discover these remarkable figures from history, but also to reconnect with their own creativity, recognise their own worth and find the confidence to tell their own stories in whatever form feels true to them.
Whether someone discovers one of my paintings, reads one of my books, joins one of my workshops or follows my Thursday stories, my hope is always the same: that they leave feeling a little more inspired, a little more seen, and perhaps a little more courageous than when they arrived.
Because art doesn't just change the way we see the world.
It can change the way we see ourselves.
If you'd like to follow along, I'd love to welcome you to my Substack, where a new story is published every Thursday.
Exhibitions & International Recognition
My first major exhibition took place in 1987 at Hotel Wolfheze in the Netherlands, where I presented twenty early works and achieved an almost complete sell-out.
Since then, I have held over 100 exhibitions across Europe, including solo and group shows in galleries, cultural festivals, hospitals, corporate spaces, and municipal venues. My work has been exhibited in cities such as Amsterdam, Rome, and Paris, attracting collectors from around the world—from New York to Moscow.
Artistic Style & Technique
I describe my work as impressionist, fauvist and sometimes expressionist, using a wet-on-wet technique where colours are mixed directly on the canvas. I avoid using black paint, instead building depth through vibrant layers and tonal contrast.
My creative process is intuitive and imaginative. During the biggest part of my art career I didn't use models; instead, I constructed compositions from within, starting with bold, expressive base layers and gradually developing each piece through colour and emotion. But since I've published my book "The HeArt of Paris - a unique journey to pay homage to women who made the evolution of art possible" inspired me to create portraits of those specific women, in my own impressionistic- fauvist style.
- Discover more about my creative philosophy
Signature Series & Themes
My work spans a variety of subjects, often explored through distinctive series:
Colourful Women
A celebration of feminine energy, created using bold, expressive colours. These figures emerge entirely from imagination, without the use of models.
Flamenco Dancers
Inspired by the iconic Andalusian dance, this series—“Flamenco with a Twist”—captures stillness rather than movement, offering a unique interpretation of tradition.
Angels
Sensual and expressive angelic figures that explore spirituality and human emotion.
Buddha Impressions
Vibrant and meditative depictions of Buddha faces, created to evoke calm and introspection.
Animal Art
A newer direction in my work - colourful, textured animal paintings that carry subtle, positive messages.
WOMEN IN PARIS/PORTRAITS
A series of portraits inspired by my book The HeArt of Paris.
A Professional Artist for nearly 40 Years
Over the decades, my work has evolved in strength and depth while remaining true to its expressive roots. Through my art, I aim to communicate acceptance, beauty, and emotional resonance.
Colour is central to my work—it conveys feeling, energy, and atmosphere. Each painting carries an intuitive message, allowing viewers to connect in their own personal way—whether that brings joy, calm, or nostalgia.
In recent works, I have begun incorporating hidden written messages within the paintings—subtle elements intended for the eventual owner to discover. I continue to explore symbolism and deeper meaning in my evolving practice.
The Energy Behind the Work
I believe my paintings transform the spaces they inhabit, bringing positive energy and emotional depth. My work is not about realism or perfection in form - it is about authenticity, intuition, and the beauty found within imperfection.
Each piece tells a story - one that may resonate differently with every viewer.
Books, Art Classes & How to Buy
In addition to painting, I am also a published author and art teacher, offering both in-studio classes in Spain and online sessions for adults and teens.
- Explore my books
- Join an art or writing class
- Buy original paintings, prints & gifts
→ Discover art that speaks to you
Browse my latest collections, find a piece that resonates, or learn to create your own.
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