Autumn

Perseverance

One of the most important (and basic) things I teach my art students is to persevere!
When making a piece of art we usually start with a great idea. Then we start working, collecting information, sketching, choosing colours, deciding on composition, etc, and realise it's going to be harder then we thought. At some point we come to a stage where the art piece sucks. The stage where we messed up, struggle to continue, and wonder whether to throw the art piece away or stop doing art.
Only perseverance will get us through this stage. It's the crucial point of winning or losing - to learn or to stand still. After continuing, the art piece might or might not match 'the great idea', but I believe pushing through is one the most rewarding and constructive processes of an artist! One that makes the artist!
Because I know this proces very well it became easier for me to keep on going. Messing up became a normal part of the proces of making a painting. I embrace it!

Is life not exactly the same?
I believe it is, but am not sure I have reached that place yet to embrace the mess. Nevertheless I'm determined to finish this 'piece of art'. Eventually it might or might not match with the expectations which I had before, but it will be good!

Second phase

A few images of slowly developing details of the painting. The art piece excites me - I see so many things which aren't there yet: the audience, the fleeing lion tamer, the maps, the ropes, the light... I keep on changing colours, proportions and perspective - still months of work to do. I can't wait to show the final piece.

Sinking boat

To be honest, my life has felt often like an almost sinking boat lately. On one hand Iam exploring new paths, which give energy and life. On the other hand Iam feeling the cold wind blowing through soaked cloths, tasting the salty water and trying to keep on standing while enormous waves crash into my boat and I have to toss many buckets of water out.

But I still trust in Him, that sleeping man on my boat.

Referring to Mark 4, the Bible

Antwerp

Again I traveled South to see friends and family. A good time. I also visited the city Antwerp. A few impressions of that beautiful place. I love the diversity of colours, people and a funny mix of construction,- demolition,- and historical sites.
At the M HKA (the museam of contemporary art) was an exhibition of film artist Chantal Akerman.

First phase

I finally started to paint again after a very, very long time. So good to pick up that brush and to CREATE!

(hope to keep you up to date over the next months with further phases of the painting)

Around my table

My home is my home. It took a while to make it mý place and start loving it. Around my table has become a good place to be. To create art together with others, enjoy food, enjoy friendship, and much more. I am home.