A special gift from dear friends: oil paint tubes of exceptional quality from the studio of Jan Sierhuis.
Jan Sierhuis, a renowned Dutch expressionist painter associated with the CoBrA movement, was known for his vibrant colors, raw brushwork, and emotional intensity.
To hold these materials in my hands, to feel a quiet trace of his energy, is profoundly moving. It’s more than a gift; it’s a connection to an authentic artistic legacy.
shared source
I believe that all creation, whether by artists or not, is shaped by what came before.
We are influenced by memory, emotion, the past, by the creative legacy of others. From that shared source, we shape something new. Not as imitation, but as transformation through authenticity, intuition, and perspective.
Our creations, in turn, become new sources, echoes for others to draw from.
And this gift, this gesture, has become such a source for me. Not only through the material itself, but through the spirit it holds: a silent artistic lineage of rebellion, energy, and meaning.
It reminds me that true art never ages.
It transforms—shifting, evolving, breathing through time.
Across generations, it takes on new voices and forms.
These paint tubes are not relics; they are vessels, charged with intention, inviting a silent dialogue between artists who may never meet.
And perhaps that is what we, as seekers of the real, recognize instantly:
Not surface or ornament, but the enduring voice, the authentic artistic legacy, of a soul that dares to speak.
Exploiring Jan Sierhuis as source
I was deeply moved when I received this gift for my birthday, a set of exquisite oil paint tubes from dear friends who come from a warm and creative family of artists, closely connected to the family of Jan Sierhuis. Interestingly, what makes it even more special is that, until then, I hadn’t been familiar with Sierhuis’s work. Their gift opened a door. I began to explore his expressive style. Like the emotional intensity in his brushstrokes, and the fascinating shifts in his themes and approach over the years.
A warm and intense violett color.
The Unexpected Beauty of Cobalt Violet
The colors I received were unexpected, tones I wouldn’t have chosen myself at first. But they’ve since become part of my working palette, weaving their way into multiple new pieces. One in particular, Cobalt Violet, has sparked conversations and even inspired fellow artist friends. The richness and quality of the oil paint is undeniable. And even when the paint is eventually gone, I will cherish the vintage packaging like a relic, a quiet companion in my studio, a symbol of connection, friendship, and the unfolding of a new chapter in my own artistic journey.
Curious to learn more about my work, exhibitions, or background?
You’ll find press materials, artist statements, and recent features on my press page.