Artist Statement

I believe every woman deserves to be seen.

That belief has become the foundation of my work as an artist.

For almost forty years, I have painted expressive portraits and symbolic compositions that explore emotion, resilience and the stories that connect us. Over time my work has evolved into a visual dialogue between art, history and the human spirit.

Today my greatest inspiration comes from the remarkable women who helped shape the Paris art world between 1840 and 1968. Artists, muses, collectors, patrons, writers, dancers and visionaries whose contributions were often overlooked or forgotten. Through both my paintings and my writing, I hope to give these women not only a face, but also a voice.

Although my work is rooted in observation, it is never about creating a photographic likeness. I am far more interested in capturing presence than perfection, the quiet strength, vulnerability and energy that make each woman unique.

My paintings are best described as Fauvist, enriched with elements of Impressionism, Expressionism and subtle Symbolism. Colour is my primary language. Rather than imitating reality, I use colour to express emotion, atmosphere and inner life.

I work intuitively, painting wet-on-wet in several layers. Beginning with vibrant colours, I gradually build the painting through short brushstrokes and expressive palette-knife work. I rarely use black paint, preferring to create rich darks and greys by mixing complementary colours directly on the canvas, allowing every colour to remain alive.

Although the female figure remains at the centre of my work, I continue to explore other series inspired by the world around me, including Flamenco dancers, spiritual themes, animals and symbolic compositions. Living in southern Spain has transformed my palette. The Mediterranean light and the vibrant colours of Andalusia have gradually replaced the darker tones that characterised much of my earlier work in the Netherlands.

Many of my paintings contain subtle layers of symbolism. Hidden words, recurring motifs and intuitive marks invite viewers to slow down and discover meanings that may not reveal themselves immediately. I do not expect everyone to see the same story. Instead, I hope each painting becomes a meeting place where the viewer's own memories, emotions and experiences quietly intertwine with my own.

Ultimately, my work is an invitation.

An invitation to look more closely.

To discover the women who helped shape our cultural history.

And perhaps, in meeting them, to recognise something of ourselves.

Because art doesn't simply decorate a wall.

It has the power to remind us who we are.

Naturalism in pose or dimensions does not interest me. I seek perfection in imperfection. For me, beauty comes from inside, from the energy that emanates from my paintings.