Meet Wim van de Wege
Follow my inspiration
Wim van de Wege is an artist with a deep fascination for the freedom that emerges beyond the confines of boundaries and frameworks. In his work, he explores the human insignificance within the vastness of nature and the power of art to transcend the rational, moving into a space where intuition and emotion take the lead.
His Art
Wim works with various media, including painting, drawing, and mixed techniques. Every piece he creates tells a story — a story of reflection, wonder, and connection. His style ranges from abstract to figurative, as he constantly experiments to discover new dimensions in his artistic expression. He aims to surpass the limitations of form and material, capturing a sense of freedom and timelessness.
Inspiration
Wim’s inspiration is drawn from the immensity of nature and the humility it evokes. The endless movement of waves, the silence of a forest, and the fleeting interplay of light and shadow remind humanity of its smallness within the greater whole. This perspective fuels his philosophy: art is a bridge between human ambition and the elusive force of the universe. Music, literature, and philosophy also play significant roles in his creative process. They help him pose questions rather than provide answers, leaving space for interpretation.
Why Art?
Wim believes that art is a way to break free from the confines of the known and experience the essence of freedom. It challenges people not only to look but to truly see; not only to think but to feel. Art reminds us of our place in the cosmos and invites us to find meaning in the seemingly insignificant. Through his work, Wim hopes to take viewers on this journey, where the lines between reality and imagination blur.
Study
He pursued his music education at the Brabants Conservatorium in Tilburg, specializing in organ and piano, and later refined his artistic skills by studying fine arts at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam.
Plein air painting is a wonderful way to explore and capture the beauty of nature. This art form involves creating a painting on location, outdoors, in the open air, rather than in a studio. The process of plein air painting is both challenging and rewarding, and it allows artists to connect with nature in a unique way.
The first step in plein air painting is choosing a location. I always look for a place that inspires me, with beautiful landscapes, interesting textures and natural light. This could be a beach, a forest, a mountain range or a meadow. It is essential for me to choose a place that triggers or touches me emotionally. The atmosphere is very important in this regard.
My Story
After my conservatory diploma I went to study at Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam where I was immersed in modern art. There I learned a lot about the subject of modern art society. This is then portrayed by the artist in a unique and sometimes innovative way, often rejecting the traditional values of the artist's critical attitude, becoming visible in a work of art as a creative and visual manifesto. I noticed that modern art triggered me on the one hand, but on the other I felt attracted by the beautiful and fascinating nature. I always continued to do plein air painting and I experience more than in my studio, the freedom during the process of creating and painting. The landscapes I paint mean a lot to me. This often has to do with the mood in which I am. Many paintings show a lot of sky, this to give a stage to the magnificent exciting cloudy skies, which change from minute to minute. The atmosphere is perhaps the most important element of the artwork for me. If the art viewer experiences the atmosphere and enjoys the landscape, then I have been able to pass on my message.
The next step is to carefully observe the environment. I always take very ample time to take in the colors, shapes and textures of the landscape. I pay attention to how the light changes throughout the day and how that affects the colors and shadows, interesting compositions and perspectives that capture the essence of the place.
Often I start with sketches, rough sketches I make for a few minutes to capture the essence. What gets the emphasis and what is unimportant. Sometimes I sketch directly on the canvas. When I am satisfied, I start with base layers, because I find layering in a work of art just super beautiful. Often I put these layers on with thin acrylic paint because it dries quickly in the outdoors.
Then I work with water-based oil paint. I try never to work in too much detail, because I find suggestions more interesting than elaborate details. The viewer must have room to continue imagining for himself. My paintings are a prelude to more.
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