Nico Heilijgers

''Archeological Find'' Contemporary Dutch Painting of a Skeleton

2022

Nico Heilijgers (Utrecht, 1964) graduaded at the Academie Minerva in Groningen, the Netherlands. His teachers were artists like Matthijs Röling and Diederik Kraaijpoel. To master the technique became a very important part of his work. The paintings of Heilijgers characterize esthetics, harmony and ambiance, herewith the poetry of the picture is always more important than the plane image. The paintings by Nico Heilijgers are very much inspired by the traditional way of painting, also in the choices of the topics. He is not afraid to wink at the art history by referring to prominent predecessors in the image. For example, in his Still Lives he is using subjects like fresh lemons, round pomegranates and pharmacy bottles. The subjects are painted in a way, where they don’t seem important as an object, but do function as color area or accent. Abstract values as form, rythm and material make the painting. In his latest work, the compositions are more simple, by using less elements and using some empty spaces. This way he creates more tension in the painting. The colors are more clear and the technique has a more loose touch. Recently the artist is also painting landscapes and cityscapes. In the cityscapes people and animals play a big part. The landscapes are more empty and quiet. The landscape is becoming a still life. With these paintings you can feel the admiration Heilijgers has for the impressionists. They represent the essence of painting for him, by treating the light the right way in the use of colors. Heilijgers works in his atelier in Utrecht.