A strong painting radiates throughout the space where it hangs. The space changes perceptibly, energywise.

This is how I see my task as a painter. Most paintings evolve slowly, with many transparent or semi-transparent layers. The layering strengthens the energetical effect. Paintings tend to be in my studio for years, while I work on them with intervals.

A good painting offers an entrance to our emotional world. The painting has to `work' on many different levels. The expression of faces, the body postures, the spatiality, nature... Painting remains a quest, which knows no complacency. After a long development as an artist I find myself painting from this emotional world more and more, without too many preconceptions. Yet technical skills remain important.

The paint skin, the brushwork, the movement, the colours, the paint layers, the fluidity ... The technique plays its own wordless role. The spiritual energy of the painting is equally determined by the technique and the representation.

Painting fluently means letting go, in confidence combined with skill. One could call this a `stream of semi-consciousness' (also see philosophy).

In my work one often finds classic themes, with a modern and spiritual take. More background on this can be found under themes.

On these pages you can find a very limited reproduction of some of my paintings. Many computer screens give colour and lighting aberrations. The small size and limited detail do reality little justice. The layeredness does not stand out. If you really want to see the work you are welcome to make a studio appointment: see contact.

Images and texts © Franka Waaldijk 1982-2019, unless otherwise indicated. If properly attributed, sharing on social media (including websites and blogs) is permitted for personal non-commercial non-political purposes. Click for privacy policy.