This is my first of a four-part blog series where I explore the natural elements that deeply inspire my work as an abstract artist: Water, Earth, Air and Fire. Each element carries a unique energy and presence, influencing my creative process and the pieces I create. Today, I’ll begin with Water, a force that has shaped many of my artworks, including Bahía and Bacalar.
The Element of Water: Endless Inspiration
Water has been a consistent thread throughout my artistic life, from my early work as a photographer to my current practice as a painter. Standing on the beach, feeling the wind in my hair and the sand on my feet, I’m reminded of the constant movement in life. The sea, with its ever-changing moods, reflects that same natural flow, a dance between stillness and motion, calm and storm. This is why water plays such a central role in my creative process—it embodies the natural flow of my creativity, something I strive to capture in my Slow Life Abstract Art.
Laguna Bacalar
The Caribbean blue of the Laguna Bacalar in Mexico, where the water meets the sandy shores and dances with sunlight, left an indelible mark on me. The lagoon’s seven shades of blue are mirrored in my painting Bacalar, where I sought to capture the purity and serenity of that magical place.
The North Sea: Rugged Beauty Close to Home
Closer to home, the North Sea offers an entirely different, yet equally inspiring, experience. Its rugged shores, cooler hues, and often unpredictable nature provide a sense of raw beauty that fuels my creativity. The contrast between the calm and chaos of the sea is very inspiring. I love walking along the Dutch coast and listen to the rhythmic sound of the waves. These moments of inspiration of the sea seep into my art, whether through the texture of the paint, the layering of color, or the overall composition of a piece.
Water in My Photography
Before fully immersing myself in the world of painting, water was also a central theme in my abstract photography. The sea has always held a magnetic pull for me, and I captured its beauty through my lens, focusing on its textures, reflections, and ever-shifting landscapes. Photography allowed me to explore the relationship between light, water, and movement in a more immediate way. This exploration continues to influence my painting, where I aim to evoke the same sense of fluidity and natural rhythm.
The Flow of Nature in Art
In my approach to creating “Slow Life Abstract Art,” I am constantly drawn to the concept of flow—both in life and in nature. Water, with its fluid movements and ability to shape its surroundings, mirrors the flow of time and life itself. The tides are a reminder that everything is in constant motion, yet there is a beauty in surrendering to that rhythm. Through my art, I hope to evoke a sense of peace and connection to these natural rhythms, encouraging viewers to slow down and immerse themselves in the serenity and power of water.
A Celebration of Water
This first blog in the series is a celebration of the element that has most deeply influenced my work. From the calm blues of the Caribbean to the wild shores of the North Sea, water continues to inspire my art, guiding my creative process in unexpected ways.