"Lara" Painting

Claudia Stapel was born in Arnhem ( 11-10-1969). Art has always been a significant part of her life. She grew up in an artistic environment. Both grandfathers were artists and she loved to spend hours with them drawing and painting. At elementary school she started painting portraits of actors and popstars, which she sold to her classmates. At first she followed a graphic study and after that a study drawing and painting. Where posible she paints every day because " I still feel growth in every painting I create" she always says. Because of all those hours of painting and drawing she developed her own unique style. After having moved several times she returned to her beloved Arnhem in 2014. Together with her husband Dave she bought an old coach house with a rich history of more than 100 years. The rebuilding took about 2 years and the old coach house became a very inspiring place where artlovers can take there creativity to the next level. This coach house called HIDDEN52 locates at a hidden place at the city centre of Arnhem. HIDDEN52 contains all the ingredients to have a relaxing and creative experience with a lot of painting fun. Since 2004 she works as an artist & graphic designer. In addition she gives and developes special creative painting workshops on a regularly basis. Studio HIDDEN 52 is where she remains today to live and work.

Artist statement.
I listen to and absorb personal experiences - Your experiences - to create the ultimate result. Like a naked person who reveals their pure self, my process starts with a bare canvas waiting for layers of paint that build meaning and expression. I am always searching for contrasts in emotion, technique and material. Loving the element of surprise, I never know what the next layer may bring. “Your eyes reflect my soul”