More important than a work of art itself is what it will sow. Art can die, a painting can disappear. What counts is the seed.
- Joan Miro -
Catch me on TV this Saturday, the 16th, on the program Sterren op het Doek (Stars on the Screen)! The show airs at 20:40, where I’ll be painting none other than the legendary Dutch singer Anita Meyer. Don’t miss it!
After seven months of traveling through Asia, I found myself on a new continent, unaware of the adventures that lay ahead. On my first day in Buenos Aires, I chose to explore the Bellas Artes museum. Stepping into one of the main halls, my attention was captured by a massive painting that appeared remarkably realistic from a distance but revealed intricate, abstract brushwork up close. The emotional depth conveyed in Bouguereau's 'The First Mourning' stirred something within me. I lingered in front of that painting, captivated by its power.
As I made my way back to the hostel later that day, the impact of the artwork remained in my thoughts. Inspired by the profound impressions paintings can evoke, I decided to embark on a journey to master the craft of painting myself. The allure of creating art that could elicit such profound emotions made the pursuit seem like a worthy endeavor.
Sensing the birches / oil on acm panel / 40x50 cm
To me, the act of painting is more than a creative exercise; it's a profound engagement with the present moment. Care and intentionality should permeate every brushstroke, each one carrying significance and purpose. In this mindful approach, a painting becomes a vessel for the energy of creation, resonating the vitality of that specific moment.
While a photograph can capture a particular energy, it pales in comparison to the vibrant and dynamic nature of a painting. A painting is not merely a composition of brushstrokes; it transcends that definition. It's a magical process, in which the artist weaves intention, emotion, and skill into a tangible and expressive form. This perspective elevates painting beyond a simple visual representation, turning it into a living testament to the artist's consciousness and creativity.
- Robert Munning -