During a drag hunt in late 2007 I met the renowned Dutch painter Frans de Kok. Frans asked me if I wanted to join this group of “spoiled and rich” ladies who he intended to teach how to paint. He insisted I would be a fun addition to the group. Slightly confused about his proposal I replied “ but I’m not rich nor spoiled and I can’t paint!”

“Neither can they.” He exclaimed

Alternatively I curated a group of friends who were interested in participating in a 5 day “painting 101 crash course” in Bois Bretaux, France. There Frans taught us how to paint. He was a superb mentor whose talent, humor and wit kept us all enthralled with the process even when trying to learn very challenging techniques.

That trip changed the rest of my life! From that moment onwards I knew I wanted to keep painting.

What attracted me to painting most is that it’s a very personal and intense form of self expression. Not only did I not think I was capable of learning such a skill I especially did not expect to at 56 years old! Painting gives me such a sense of pleasure and joy.

Frans continuously told me “painting is looking” and emphasized the importance of taking a step back to study your painting. This was probably one of the most important lessons I learned over the years.

I’m so addicted to painting now! There is not a day that passes which I’m not behind my ezel painting. Because of this I keep on learning new techniques. I have studied many of the great masters closely and been most inspired by Picasso’s work. He sculpted and painted without constrain to express himself. He died behind his ezel. I understand and admire that kind of love and dedication.

My youngest daughter Georgine is a fashion designer in New York. Her work always inspired me so one day I decided to paint some portraits of the models she had used for her campaigns. This was the launching point of my interest in painting portraits. Artists like Kees Van Dongen and Rene Magritte have inspired and influenced the way I approach portraits because of the shapes and colors they use. I always paint with oil on a linen canvas.

In my “first life” I was married with whom I had 4 beautiful children. We had a very dynamic life and we’re married for 25 years. After 25 years we both went our separate ways and I decided to peruse a new line of work. I was always drawn to design so I decided to become an interior designer. Once I began learning how to paint I couldn’t help but notice the similarities of interior and art. Both require you to endlessly play with a variety of colors and compositions. As I have observed my daughter work in fashion over the years I can’t help but notice once again the similarities between all these creative spaces. Selfishly I hope that one day she begins to paint too.

In 2011 my beloved 2nd. husband passed away. At that moment I began to paint a considerable amount more as it provided a great distraction and form of emotional therapy. Slowly but surely my house became my own art gallery. Twice a year Georgine would come visit after Paris fashion week and preview her new collection for her local clients to see.

Before I knew it her clients began inquiring about my paintings! The moment I sold my first painting it gave me an enormous amount of confidence and excitement. Now I find myself painting every day til very late in the evening. Time flies when you’re having fun! So far my work has been sold in New York, Houston, Paris, London, Berlin, Holland and Belgium. Looking back I think how proud my husband would have been of me and Georgine.

Most recently I designed and opened a restaurant together with my eldest son Rolls. I couldn’t believe how similar our appreciation for design is. I am so proud of the result! BKK Thai is located in a historical building from 1680 with a gorgeous restored wine cellar and as you can imagine several of my paintings hanging throughout.

No retirement for me anytime soon….

The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.

Pablo Picasso