'In Flanders Fields' is a Remembrance Day tribute to those who served, inspired by both the iconic poem and my own family’s history. My grandparents lived through the devastation of World War II in The Netherlands (where I also was born and raised). Their stories shaped my understanding of oppression, devastation as well as resilience and gratitude. Grateful for the allies (and mostly geared towards Canadians) who liberated my country and this painting brings both countries together for me. For a more in depth understanding of what this all means for me, go check out my video on my YouTube channel in which I share these stories and my own emotional tribute to those who served.
'Winter Tree of Resilience' I painted this near the end of 2024. I needed a break from painting animals and this tree was a nice change of pace. It is one of my quicker paintings, it didn't take long to put together, but here is the message I gave with it. May you be like this tree, standing strong against the storms of life. Even when the winds howl and the snow piles high, you remain rooted, unwavering, and full of quiet strength. Like this tree, you might feel alone at times, surrounded by an endless winter, but know this: there is beauty in your resilience. You are the calm in the chaos, the light in the cold. Each branch tells a story of endurance, every layer of snow a testament to the battles you’ve weathered and overcome. Even in the stillness, you are alive, vibrant, and full of purpose. Remember, just as the tree waits patiently for spring, your season of renewal will come. You are resilient. You are beautiful. And you are never as alone as you feel.
This Winter Landscape is a product of pure imagination, a scene created from the quiet, cold beauty I envision in the heart of winter. The icy lake, surrounded by snow-covered banks and distant hills, invites you into a tranquil, frosty world. I chose to paint it in varying shades of blue to evoke the chill and serenity of the season, where every breath feels crisp and every inch of space is filled with stillness. One of the most enjoyable parts of this painting was working on the branches of the tree, delicately dusted with snow and frost. There’s something about those fine details that makes the cold feel alive, as if nature itself is quietly waiting to be noticed. In this piece, I wanted to capture not just the coldness of winter, but the peace and beauty that can be found in even the most frozen moments.
'Green Lake' is a painting that unfolded on its own, guided by the natural flow of the brush and the unexpected beauty of the green hues that took shape. Not all waters are blue, and this piece is a reflection of that truth. As the painting evolved, I embraced the unique green tones that emerged, and it became a landscape all its own. This scene comes entirely from my imagination, with no reference photo to guide me, and it was an opportunity to challenge myself, particularly in the land portion. I focused on bringing the trees to life, giving them presence and weight—because, to me, trees don’t need words to speak. Their stillness, their texture, and their silhouette carry so much meaning. In Green Lake, the land is alive, and the trees tell the story of a quiet, untouched place where nature speaks in its own language.
'Lavender Glory' is a celebration of the beauty in both nature and the unexpected. The rows of lavender, although neatly organized and man-made, still hold an air of wonder, as if they exist in perfect harmony with the earth. The color purple has always been one of my favorites, and after seeing others create similar landscapes, I decided to try my hand at capturing the same magic. The sky was the most challenging part of this painting—what I envisioned didn’t quite come to life as I’d hoped. I found myself embracing the transformation, letting go of the original plan. The result is a sunrise that feels full of glory, with light breaking through the sky to touch the lavender fields below. It's as if you can almost smell the air, fresh and fragrant, as the day begins in full bloom.
'Heaven said 'Pause' is a landscape where reality and fantasy intertwine, as I used a color I love—purple—to create something both grounded and otherworldly. The colors blend the familiar with the surreal, taking the viewer on a journey where the line between the two is softly blurred. The landscape unfolds before you, inviting you into a peaceful, serene space where time seems to slow down. As I finished the painting and reflected on it, I found myself in a state of quiet calm, almost as if heaven itself was telling me to just “pause”—to breathe, to take in the beauty and tranquility that surrounds us, and to appreciate the stillness. Heaven said 'Pause' is an invitation to stop, breathe deeply, and let the world’s quiet wonders fill your soul with peace.
'Night Tree Fantasy' is a journey into an alternate dimension, where a tree is mysteriously rooted into a floating cloud—existing somewhere beyond the bounds of reality. The colors are entirely imagined, far from those of any tree in nature, yet they evoke a sense of wonder and possibility. Although this painting is from an earlier time in my work, it still holds a special place in my heart. Every time I look at it, I’m transported to a different world—a place where the impossible becomes tangible. It reminds me of the power of our imagination, and how our minds can take us on the most wonderful, fantastical adventures.
'Spring Blossom Creek' is a painting that brings the joy and vibrancy of spring to life. Inspired by a paint-along idea, I recreated my own version to reflect what I love most about the season—the blossoms on the trees, signaling the return of life after a long winter. While this piece is not for sale due to its origins, it holds a special place in my heart for the emotions it evokes. Spring is my favorite season. The way the world awakens, with colors blooming and the air filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers, never fails to bring me a sense of hope and joy. The blossoms on the trees are a reminder of the beauty in renewal and the simple yet profound pleasures that nature gives us. It’s a sight to behold, and every time I look at this painting, I can almost smell the freshness in the air.
'Rocky Island' was inspired by another artist's idea, but it became a personal exploration for me—an opportunity to practice painting a beach and the challenging, yet beautiful, textures of rocks. The rocks are alive with vegetation—moss, grasses, and small plants—growing in the crevices, adding life and texture to the scene.While rocks can be tricky to capture, I felt that I did a fairly good job in this piece, and it brought me great satisfaction in the process. This painting transports me to a world of sunshine and relaxation, where I can almost feel the warmth of the sun on my skin and the coolness of the ocean breeze. I picture myself roaming the seashore, searching for shells or simply digging my toes into the soft sand. The sound of the waves crashing and the calls of seagulls are ever-present, creating a serene escape—a peaceful place for the mind to wander.
'Moonrise' is a fantasy-inspired painting created mostly in shades of purple and pink, exploring the mystical beauty of a moon rising from the horizon. With no reference photo to guide me, I let the idea unfold on its own: a glowing moon above the water, casting its light over a path that leads to a lone tree on the land. This painting marks one of my earlier works, a time when I was still learning and refining my skills. The steps leading alongside the tree, in particular, were tricky to paint, but the challenge was part of the journey. Despite the struggles, 'Moonrise' holds a special place for me. It evokes questions like, “What’s beyond the tree?” and “What wisdom does she hold?” It’s a painting that invites contemplation, pulling the viewer into its dreamlike world.
'St. Patrick's Day' was inspired by the vibrant green hues of the holiday, particularly the bright green of the water which is mostly just pure aqua green straight from the tube. This painting emerged organically as I worked on it, with details added here and there, until it revealed itself as a peaceful river or stream winding through the heart of a forest. Where is this place, you might wonder? I don’t know. It’s a place for your imagination to roam, a landscape where your mind can wander freely and discover its own story. I invite you to let your imagination take you there and uncover the hidden wonders of this tranquil scene.