Dirk-Jan Zetstra

Bio
My name is Dirk-Jan Zetstra. I was born in 1984 in Groningen, The Netherlands, where I still live and also have my studio.
As for most artists drawing and painting is in my blood and I was busy with it from early childhood. It also runs in the family. My father had wanted to become a painter as well, but was advised against it as it is hard to earn a living that way. His enthusiasm for art he passed on to me. When at first drawing as a hobby, I noticed that I had been given a talent for it. I decided I wanted to develop those talents.
I started by following studies in graphic design in Zwolle. During my studies, however, it became clear to me that graphic design consists of a lot of computer work and little drawing. So I switched to Art Academy Minerva in Groningen to study painting. I graduated in 2010.

My work
I work with oil paint on canvas. I always start with a layer in grey tones to create a tonal unity. Next I apply thin layers of colour: layer upon layer and colour upon colour to obtain optical effects, depth, and deep and lively colours. I only work with earth tones, blacks and whites to prevent the colour from drawing too much attention to itself. In this way I try to capture a stillness that is timeless. I...

kunstacademie minerva '10
Painting