Too much to be still

Stories in watercolour and drawing

Drawing is a challenge. I am drawn to realistic subjects, where capturing true proportions is essential. A portrait must not only look like the person, but also reflect their presence. To achieve accurate proportions, I use a small projector to cast a photograph onto the paper, allowing me to establish the composition with precision. I begin by sketching the fundamental lines, then turn off the projector and gradually bring the subject to life. I work with graphite pencil complemented by coloured pencils or soft pastels, depending on the mood I wish to create.

Rolling

The charcoal marks inspired me to create this rolling landscape — reminiscent of the countryside of Alentejo, Portugal. On the “About Me” page, you will find a photo of me working on this piece.

On paper, 50 × 70 cm.

Een glooiend zanderig landschap met bossages en een wervelende lucht

Hailey

She has a gentle presence - bright, penetrating, curious eyes. She also likes drawing and painting. Never loose that, Hailey.

On paper, 50x70 cm.

een meisje kijkt je met indringende donkere ogen aan - ze heeft een zachte uitstraling - enkel lokken zijn losgekomen uit haar blonde gevlochten haren

Home of the beaver

Small waterfalls and lively rapids emerge where a beaver has carefully laid branches in the water to build its lodge. In the surrounding area of this spot in the Ardennes, gnawed tree trunks can be seen everywhere — quiet traces of its presence. And yet, despite these signs, I have never caught a glimpse of the beaver itself.

On paper, 30x40 cm.

een waterval en strookversnelling, een boomstam op de voorgrond bos in de verte

Newborn

Vulnerable. Eyes still closed, resting. Tiny curved hands that cannot yet wrap around a finger.

On paper, 30x40 cm.

Een pasgeboren baby jongen ligt in zijn kleertjes en mutsje te slapen - gekromde handjes en oogjes dicht

Moinho do Maralhas

Aljustrel has several historic sites. The mill dates back to the fourteenth century. Its white cloth sails are wrapped around the blades. In the past, seventeen mills stood around Aljustrel; this is the only one that has been preserved. Many former mills in Portugal have been demolished or converted into homes. According to the information I found online, the hill on which the moinho stands offers wide views over the surrounding landscape. That view is something I hope to go and see for myself soon.

On paper, 30x40 cm.

een oude portugese witte molen staat op een heuvel tegen een felblauwe lucht

Joep

When you’ve just welcomed a dog into your life and then travel to a distant country for a week, you miss him. On the plane, with the pencils I had brought along, I drew Joep. When I gave the drawing to my grandchild, he first looked at it in happy surprise, and then held Joep close to his heart. A beautiful moment.
On paper, 15 × 20 cm.

het hoofd van een langharige hond met natte neus en sprekende ogen

When you're tired

The old chimpanzee is trying to take a nap, disturbed by the youngsters playing around her.

Op papier 30x40 cm.

een vrouwtjes chimpansee zit in elkaar gedoken kop op haar armen

Charcoal sunflowers

While sitting at the sunny campsite I drew these sunflowers. Finished the piece with watercolours.

On paper, 30x40 cm.

In houtskool getekende geel oranje zonnebloemen

Sundance kid

This drawing is a tribute to Robert Redford. The first movie I saw he participated in was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid. A fantastic actor.

On paper, 30x40 cm.

afbeelding in houtskool van Robert Redford als the Sundance Kid

Read aloud

If you are read to before bedtime, you are taking the good example. Watching pictures together with your cuddly toy.

On paper, 30x40 cm.

een peuter zit in bed leunend tegen een kussen een prentenboek opengeslagen voor hem = naast hem zijn knuffel

Nosy

Belgian bulls stand curiously behind the fence watching while my husband takes a picture.

On paper, 30x40 cm.

drie stieren staan achter een prikkeldraad hek

Ardennes

For years we have been celebrating the autumn holidays with our children - formerly with grandpa and grandma, now with their families. A fine tradition.

On paper, 30x40 cm.