Lianne van der Plaat

My name is Lianne van der Plaat. I was born in 1962 in the Dutch village of Arkel, in the province of South Holland. From an early age, I have been fascinated by colour, form and materials. My creativity found expression in a variety of disciplines, from textiles and working with needle and thread to sculpture, where I expressed myself through chisel and rasp.

When I discovered painting, I found the form of expression that suited me best. I regard painting as a craft, rooted in the tradition of the Old Masters. With this in mind, I wanted to master the techniques of the profession. I trained as a realist fine artist, beginning with a broad foundation course followed by various specialisations. Eventually, I devoted myself to the art of still-life painting.

Painting still lifes brings me a sense of calm and concentration. It requires attention, patience and the ability to truly observe. Through the process of painting, I return to the here and now; it gives me space for contemplation and inner peace. This is an experience I would love to share with others.

In my still lifes, I enjoy giving meaningful objects a new place. A cherished vase, a special bowl or an old toy can become the starting point for a painting. Such objects carry a history and speak to my imagination. At the same time, I can also be captivated by something seemingly simple – a berry, a flower or a beautiful shape.

There is so much beauty to discover when we take the time to truly look. Through my paintings, I invite the viewer to pause for a moment, to observe and perhaps experience that same sense of tranquillity, wonder and contemplation.