Hi and welcome! My name is Doortje Beemster, I am an artist living in The Hague. My art reflects the world between nature and dreams. It is full of fantasy, but with tangible elements from the here and now. Like the world on the other side of the mirror – recognizable, but elusive. There is always a sense of beauty and magic in everything I make.
I am very happy to work by commission. I visualize the thoughts or ideas of other people. I work closely with my clients, so the art will grow together with both our visions. I have a special interest in music, because I am easily touched and moved by it. Hence I make artworks that represent both the artist and the music. But I’m also making art for peoples homes, hospitality venues like bars and restaurants, or spiritual places like yoga studios.
Because of my urge to share creativity and inspiration, I like to give workshops. Other people inspire me, but I also love to see them getting inspired and moved by themselves. I have seen people transform from shy and insecure, to feeling happy and confident, just by giving them the environment and tools they need to create. You can come to my atelier, either alone, with your friend, with a whole group or a team, to participate in my workshops.
Artist statement
Subjects themes I discover worlds through making them. I create an experience of wonder, elegance and enchantment. My art feels familiar and grounded, but elusive at the same time. In my paintings, illustrations, and 2D animations, I employ a technique where I draw and paint with colors that align with the atmosphere I intend to convey. Using dark, warm colors, I create shadows and mystery, while working with light to entrance both your eyes and your heart.
Processes I let inspiration come to me. I open myself to the natural urge to create, by just doing and enjoying. I do this by sketching, working out my concepts on a canvas or tablet, going back to my inspiration again, sculpting and refining, letting the art that is emerging show me the way. During the process I am always very curious to see what I’m capable of; I love to be captured by what is emerging.
Techniques I use acrylics, watercolors, ecoline, linocut printing, digital painting and illustration techniques, charcoal, pencils, pens, markers, Indian ink.
Goals and aspirations I aspire to tell my truths. I want to connect through my art. A piece is finished for me, if I look at it and it reflects something true inside of me. If it touches me, I feel confident enough to show it to other people. It is like saying: this is what I see and feel, can you feel it too?
My inspirations I get inspired by the genius of other people. They motivate me to create. Rembrandt, for example, inspires me with the way he uses lights and contrasting colors. The intricate details of his paintings are so beautiful, and I love the softness of his work. Van Gogh touches me with his colorful, dynamic paintings. Picasso is a bold, creative, experimental artist to me, I feel I need his courage to go my own way, to explore. Mucha’s art is so elegant and beautiful; his lines and shapes are enchanting. Escher is a very technical and insightful artist, a virtuoso. And there are many more, including names that are not that big. But also nature inspires me, in the shape of animals, mountains, stars, the sun, the moon, water, people, women, dancers. Music has a big impact on me as well. Bach for instance, is such a genius composer, he manages to move me to tears although he creates highly technical and complex works. Shostakovich makes my heart rage. Jazz makes me happy, calm and loving. The feeling music stirs in me, gives me the drive to express myself through art.
The professional photos on this website are made by Kelvin van der Tuin.
doortjeviooltje 