Rutger Hiemstra Landscape Paintings

In February 2017 we met Rutger Hiemstra. I visited him in his studio in Paterswolde. Beautifully situated on the edge of a nature reserve, Rutger Hiemstra's studio is located in the ...

In his studio, with large skylights, Rutger Hiemstra works on various subjects: still-lifes, portraits and, for example, large cloudy skies. In addition, he can also be found outside regularly, to make small 'plein-air' paintings. A few hours of sitting outside and painting a beautiful painting about it, that 'can not be better', according to Hiemstra. Rutger worked in Denmark, Switzerland, France and England, he also likes working in his own environment and is easily inspired by simple and daily 'things'. His self-tanned garden fence is also a wonderful subject. Inspiration enough, but time too short to draw and paint all the subjects that pass by. During our introduction to these artist, at the begin of 2017, it became clear how driven Rutger is. His own compiled book of artists that inspires him and of which he carefully studies the work is always within reach in his studio. When leaving, Rutger shows how he builds up his still lifes. A self-molded table top with potatoes 'scattered' on it. This is a while, downstairs in the living room, and here and there things change. Finally, if the composition really suits him, he will paint it. In his paintings, Rutger shows us how surprising his still-lifes, small, intimate or colorful and of great size can be. The material expression and atmosphere in the work of this artist is particularly well-suited in all formats. In January 2018 we had a big exhibition with his works, Dutch newspaper 'NRC' wrote an article about his works with the title: Anti-Depressive medication in paint by Rutger Hiemstra, we totally agree. The works of Rutger make you smile! The article in het NRC: Hiemstra's still life are antidepressants in paint Gallery Bonnard, Nuenen Rutger Hiemstra paints easter eggs, tompoucen or fresh mint in such a way that you think: but of course deserve a painting! For a child, Easter eggs are sensational. To begin with, they are bigger, if you are smaller. They have a nice shape: just not round. They shine and come in festive colors. And if you wipe off the wrapper there is no real egg, but chocolate. Later you are grown up and you know those things by now. Every year around Easter they are for sale with containers. They lie in front of the house and office. Easter egg? Yes Nice. But nothing special. Until you see them painted by Rutger Hiemstra (1975). He looks childishly at all those colorful glittering unround marbles - and he knows how to share his elation with it in a still life. Hiemstra makes Easter eggs unusual again, just as he also shows tompoucing, a glass of white wine or fresh mint, a pink cake...