The sunflower subject
“The sunflower stopped being a subject and became a sign. Light. Present, sometimes almost invisible. Sneaky, even. In my versions they hide among everything else, on small supports, painted intensely. That’s where I come home: duality. Strength next to vulnerability. No explanation, but an opening. Presence over perfection.”
It was a joyful and playful struggle to find my way to what I wanted to do with the theme.
Italian landscapes with sneaky sunflowers
“Captured” on small surfaces, painted in the Italian countryside around Orta.
A place we return to often. Always green, always alive.
For a collaborative art project, I was asked to work with the theme of sunflowers.
At first, I thought: “hmmm…”
That’s not really me, working with a theme that doesn’t originate from within.
But that very tension led me somewhere else.
To intensely painted landscapes.
Hidden sunflower fields in an Italian valley.
In my versions, the sunflowers were quietly tucked between all the other beauty. I was moved by the lightness and contrast in nature.
When I returned to the Netherlands, I varnished the entire series. My studio was the best place to do it. I chose a matte finish that kept the feel of the paper.
Almost ready for framing in the wooden boxes.
Curious to see the hidden sunflowers up close? You’re welcome in my studio.
The energy in the field
The warm sun over an Italian field of sunflowers. I threw myself into it because it kept ‘grabbing’ me. Over and over again. Till it was al about the light and the colours. The energy in the field.
Back in The Netherlands Gallery De Pomp has exhibited several art series in Warmond.
On view in August 2025 at Gallery De Pomp Warmond
There is a little film where you can see how the art series is framed in boxes.
painted in the Italian countryside
An Italian series was born. Layered, never loud and full expressive.
Italian landscapes
information
- 30 x 30 cm art piece
- wooden box framed with golden touch
- Acrylic on paper
- Originals with certification
My captain and lover – Italy
Orta san Quilio – summer Italy
Landscape near Orta
Italy – landscape
What’s the story behind this art series?