Into the Dutch Forest 1 Painting

My name is Lenie Kamstra. I was born in Hillegom, nearby Haarlem. Different cultures, music and powerful women inspire me. Actually I paint my longing for a heavenly world, a place where I would like to be. I’ve been working as a professional artist and art teacher since 1990. My connection with nature, animals and the subconscious are returning themes. I often work on multiple series at the same time. Colour plays an important role in both my art and my life. In my paintings I’m constantly searching for new combinations and shades. Applying them in many layers to create depth. I use colours to create the right expression for the painting. Sometimes the result is poetic and stilled, another time expressive and powerful. I start with an idea, a plan, but during the process of painting spontaneity takes over. I like to experiment with different materials and techniques. The Wild Flowers series e.g. is painted with acrylics and spray-paint, using flowers, leaves and branches from my garden as a template. Because of the templates the bottom layers stay visible and become the subject. In the Hidden in clay series I printed berries, flowers and branches in clay, painted them with acrylic and finished the tiles with art resin. I like to use materials and techniques in an unusual way to obtain a gripping result. Sometimes I use art resin and gels in my paintings, not only on top of the painting, but also in between layers of colour, thereby creating depth and transparency.