I love nature and I love to draw and paint it. Whether it is a plant, an insect, bird or an entire landscape. My mother taught me about the beauty of nature. Her roots (as well as my father's) lay in Friesland, a province in the North of the Netherlands. I didn't grow up there but we often visited our relatives and spent holidays on the island Schiermonnikoog. The love for this part of my country only grew over the years. In my mid-twenties I moved back to the North. 

After studying at the School of Arts in Arnhem I wasn't really focused on nature anymore. But it all came back after a Botanical Art course in the Botanical Gardens of Leiden. It was just what I needed at that point in my life. I did a lot of Botanical Illustration from then on. I went to several courses to learn more and more from the experts in this field. After a while I was accomplished enough to teach others. I also was asked to help setting up the Society of Botanical Arts in the Netherlands. It was a great honour. 

My specialty was drawing botanicals in coloured pencil and graphite. But I also used watercolour (once I was taught how to do it well) and made illustrations combining pencil and watercolour.

I still sometimes make botanical work but my focus has shifted a bit. Botanical illustration is bound to many rules and sometimes I felt too restricted by them. I now want to work more freely. I am exploring other materials to work with. I started to use my oil paints again. I discovered liquid charcoal and granulating watercolours. 

The subjects now include birds, insects, wildlife and landscapes of the Netherlands. I try to be less perfectionistic in my work but I find it difficult after so many years making botanical work. And I'd love to take you with me on my journey making this art and finding the beauty in nature.