Art?

Self-taught

I did not follow an art education, painting or drawing course.
Creativity is something that has always been in me, which also came in handy when I was still working as a pedagogical employee in a daycare center.
I did not paint anything until September 2021.
All I had at home were once received brushes and used tubes of acrylic paint, and I had a used canvas.
I learn a lot from videos on the internet, and if I want to master a new technique, or I run into something, I look online for information.
I find it difficult to draw and paint buildings, and I haven't really done painting without an example to date (2025), I find that difficult...
But I keep practicing.

My inspiration

Photography is another hobby and I can combine it nicely with painting!

When I am on the road, I sometimes come across something that I find inspiring and then I capture it.
The painting is never exactly like the photo or image, I leave something out, change something or add something.
But I also use photos of friends and acquaintances (with permission) and every now and then a request comes in to paint something.
Another source of inspiration is an artificial intelligence (AI) that creates an image based on keywords.

Materials and techniques

I search the internet for free or cheap (used) usable canvases and paint, and every now and then something comes in at Thriftstore Hoevelaken,
which I can buy for a good price, or people come to our house to give me materials, so sweet!

I use different painting techniques, palette knife, brush, sponge and of course my fingers.
It's a challenge to try new painting techniques and see how I can improve my skills.
There are also lots of painting mediums I can use to make paint thinner or thicker without losing quality.
Great fun discovering all that!

It also happens that I'm working on a painting and it really doesn't work, so I just start again, maybe twice, or I put it away to paint something else over it later.
I often work on two paintings at the same time, that way the paint from one dries while I work on the other, and it prevents me from having some kind of blind spot for a painting.
This is a bit like painting a wall white, at some point you can't see the thin or skipped areas.
With the paint drying, I regularly turn the canvas upside down and look at it, or look at the painting through a mirror, or on my phone, then often notice what still needs (a lot of) attention.

I really enjoy exploring and trying out different techniques, possibilities and, above all, my limits!

Initially, I painted with cheap acrylic paint, but I quickly ran into the limitations of that paint.
I have now opted for Talens Cobra water-soluble oil paint and Talens acrylic paint.

Art Lending

Painting is incredibly fun, but at some point your works start to pile up.
Just letting them disappear into a closet is a shame. How wonderful would it be if someone else could enjoy them temporarily?

That's why I started free art lending.
Large paintings can be borrowed for a maximum of one year.
This way you can experience a piece calmly at home: does it fit your space? Does it still feel right after a while?
Does your interior or wall color change?
No problem — you can always return the painting so someone else can enjoy it.

Would you like to keep the painting after that period? Of course, that's possible too!

In this way, art remains accessible, personal, and dynamic — just as it is meant to be.

If you are interested, and you are living in The Netherlands, feel free to contact me, and I'll gladly tell you more about the possibilities.

Pricing

In every painting, I put my heart and soul, my time and attention.
Through trial and error, I work towards the final result I'm proud of.

I do not make any profit from the sales myself, but I do ask for an appraisal price.
That price is a sign of respect for the work and everything I put into it.
This way, you can bring something beautiful into your home and at the same time support a charity that you care about.

The price is clearly stated on each painting, so everything is fair and transparent.

Copies and Prints

It is also possible to purchase a copy of a painting, for example if the original is already sold or if you want it printed in a different size or on a different surface.
These prints can be made on various materials, such as canvas, paper, or wood.

If you are interested, we can discuss the options and costs together.
The costs include: the price of printing and a contribution for editing the photo of the original painting.
These editing costs are not paid to me but may be donated by the buyer to a charity of their choice.

The order will be delivered to my home so I can personally sign the work and add a short message, just like with the original painting.
Afterwards, you can pick up the painting, receive it personally from me, or if necessary, have it shipped.

I Paint for Charities

My husband once said the wise words:
“If you have enough, how wonderful it is to be able to share your wealth with someone else...”
I completely agree with that.

This is how the idea arose to sell my paintings with the entire amount donated by the buyer to a charity of their choice.

I am happy to be able to paint, the buyer is happy with the painting, the charity is happy with the donation,
and the people helped by the charity hopefully feel seen and supported.

Contact

If you are interested in a painting or want to ask something, you can always send me an e-mail: Click here to send Lara a message.
On my Facebook and Instagram pages, I sometimes show the entire process from start to finish.
Feel free to drop by.

Overview of Paintings

Click here for the Dutch page with the paintings

After the text, you will find my most recent work at the top, and as you scroll further down, you go back in time to the first painting I made in 2021.
The paintings are on the left, the examples are on the right.
If a painting has been lent out or moved, it is mentioned.