F.F. van de Woestijne

F.F. van de Woestijne, Amsterdam (NL). www.iamyourgallery.com

I am so fortunate as to be able to walk from my apartment straight into my studio, both located in the middle of Amsterdam. It has split levels, plenty of windows and space and a high ceiling.

The area I use for my paintings is at street level. The windows here are covered with misty transparent paper, topped off with blinds. Why? To keep the outside spectators at a distance, so I can work in peace.

Portrait painting is what I do mostly at the moment. My models are imaginary, taken from every kind of source. I try to imagine how to ‘handle’ them, really get to know them and build some kind of relationship. Once that is established I start painting.

When I am finished doing a number of paintings I exhibit them in groups of 3 or 4, in such a way that a single new portrait or representation emerges.

I’m really happy with my studio and try to use it in as many ways as possible.
E.g. every once in a while I change it into a pop-up kind of gallery, or I organize a show for a weekend, presenting artists from my immediate surroundings. It’s worth the hassle, you learn a lot, and very rewarding.

If I want to enjoy the view outside I move to the upper level of my studio. It is a place to ponder, listen to music and watch my paintings from a distance.

Oil on jatoba wood approx. 30 x 40 cm