F F Van De Woestijne

I live and work in the Netherlands, creating art from my home studio in Amsterdam. While portrait painting is my main focus, I also explore abstract forms and regularly draw to keep my creative practice varied and dynamic.

My inspiration stems from what I describe as “the time between seconds” — those fleeting expressions that capture life’s pivotal, often unnoticed, moments. This sensibility also informs my abstract work, which, although not showcased here, remains an essential part of my artistic journey.

Many of the portraits I create are based on archival material and other found sources, often depicting people I’ve never met. This sense of distance gives me the freedom to interpret each face in a way that invites the viewer’s imagination to take part. I aim to spark emotional resonance and personal reflection — to challenge and connect, ultimately offering a moment of recognition beyond the surface.

My work has been featured in three editions of De Grote Nederlandse Kunstkalender (The Great Dutch Art Calendar), a curated publication that highlights a different Dutch artist each day of the year. Each calendar day showcases a printed artwork, offering a daily glimpse into the diversity of contemporary art in the Netherlands.
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I studied at the Dutch Film Academy, specializing in both film directing and film editing. I balance my film work with my painting, dedicating 50% of my time to each. In recent years, I’ve managed a small gallery that features exhibitions at irregular intervals, primarily showcasing the work of close friends alongside my own. A small portion of my artwork is held in private collections.

I also hold a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Drawing and Crafts.